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UCAT Verbal Reasoning Test

Everything you need to know about the first UCAT section - info, sample questions and experts tips

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The Verbal Reasoning test is the first section of the UCAT exam. This section measures the ability to understand and analyse a passage. The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section is comprised of 11 text passages, each followed by four questions, making a total of 44 questions. You have 21 minutes to complete this section (less than half a minute for a question!)

On our PrepPack you'll find everything you need to ace this challenging UCAT section: a thorough VR guide, multiple practices to help you build your skills, and 4 full Verbal Reasoning practice simulations, with time limit just like the real thing.

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Subtest Format

Some of the questions in the Verbal Reasoning section of the UCAT evaluate critical reasoning skills. For such items, it is necessary to arrive at a conclusion based on the provided information.

In the test, there are two question types:

Verbal Reasoning Question Type 1

You will be provided with passages which you will need to read carefully. After each passage, you will be presented with an item related to the passage, such as an incomplete statement or a question, each with four possible answers. You are to choose the best response (only one answer may be selected).

Each item may address a specific subject that was introduced in the passage. Alternatively, it may pose a question in a variety of phrasings:

The author most likely agrees with all of the following except:
Which of following claims is best supported by the passage?
Which conclusion can be drawn from the passage?
Which of the following assertions would strengthen/weaken 'some argument' that appeared in the passage?
Which of the following statements is least likely to be true?

Your answer must be based on the provided information rather than on your previous assumptions and general knowledge.

Verbal Reasoning Question Type 2

The second question type may require you to determine if a provided statement is true based on the passage. The response options are as follows:

True – Based on the provided information, the statement in the question is true.
False – Based on the provided information, the statement in the question is false.
Can’t Tell – Based on the provided information, you cannot determine if the statement in the question is true or false.

The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section is comprised of 11 text passages, each followed by four questions, making a total of 44 questions. You have 21 minutes to complete this section (plus one minute for instructions).

Why is the UCAT Verbal Reasoning test so hard?

Because of the tight time limit, and the complexity of the passages and questions, many consider this subtest to be the hardest UCAT section.

Many students try to skim-read to reduce their solving time, but then find out that they need to read the passage multiple times to answer the questions. Other students try to read carefully to make sure they answer each question correctly, but find that they run out of time before they reach the halfway point of the subtest.

To answer these questions correctly (and fast) – you need to practice a lot, master the Verbal Reasoning questions format, and have a solid technique for the whole section. In our dedicated PrepPack™ you’ll find 10 VR Practice tests, VR study guide and a video tutorial to help you master the first UCAT section and start this test with the right foot.

If you feel you need to build up your skills and improve your Verbal Reasoning score - our dedicated VR PrepPack will be the way to go.

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Preparation [2021]

See What You'll Get

UCAT score guide
UCAT Verbal Reasoning Full Guide
8 Verbal reasoning Practice Tests
Thorough Explanations for every question
Study Guide
Verbal Reasoning Video Tutorial

UCAT Verbal Reasoning Sample Questions

Read the short passage below and try to determine the correct answer.

A day of national mourning is a day marked by mourning and memorial activities observed among the majority of a country's populace. Most are designated by the nation's government. Sociologists claim that national mourning is both a symbolic political gesture as well as a meaningful expression of grief. On the one hand, predetermined mourning days reflect and create a national community, united in a feeling of sorrow. On the other hand, many mourning days instigated by the people, such as the day of Princess Diana’s funeral, reflect a spontaneous outbreak of pure grief manifested in the closing of shops and banks, the postponement of sports events, and the cancellation of theatre and cinema performances. Although the fervour of the mourning can differ dramatically from one country to another, there is no doubt that a day of collective grief is beneficial to national unity.

True, False, Can't Tell Question

Is the following statement true, false, or you can't tell based on the information in the text?

Different countries have different manifestations of mourning.

Multiple-Choice Question

Which one of the following provides the best summary of the main point of the passage?

A) National mourning days usually have a political agenda.
B) A day of national mourning creates national unity.
C) Mourning days are designated by the government or instigated by the people.
D) A national day of mourning is a day marked by memorial activities.

For more free sample questions, check out our free UCAT practice test

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