UCAT Verbal Reasoning Questions
Last year, the mean scaled score for the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section was 591, showing just how challenging it can be. The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is crucial for applying to medical and dental schools in the UK, and the Verbal Reasoning section is the first part you will encounter. It tests your ability to read and understand written information. While it can be tough, the right preparation can help you succeed.
In this guide, we’ll explain what the Verbal Reasoning section involves, why it’s important, and how you can prepare for it effectively.
What Is UCAT Verbal Reasoning?
The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section tests your ability to understand written information and draw conclusions from it. In this part of the test, you’ll be given passages to read and then answer questions based on them. The goal is to see how well you can understand and process the information presented.
Verbal Reasoning Test Format
The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section consists of 11 passages of text. Each passage is followed by 4 multiple-choice questions, making a total of 44 questions. The questions are designed to test your ability to understand, analyse, and draw conclusions from the given text.
How Long Is UCAT Verbal Reasoning Test?
You have 21 minutes to complete the Verbal Reasoning section, plus an additional 1 minute for instructions. This means you have less than 2 minutes on average for each passage and its associated questions. Managing your time effectively is crucial to performing well in this section.
Is UCAT Verbal Reasoning Hard?
Many students find the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section challenging. It consistently has the lowest average scores among the other cognitive subtests – Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement. The difficulty comes from the need to read and comprehend complex information under time pressure. However, with proper preparation and practice, you can improve your skills and do well in this section.
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UCAT Verbal Reasoning Questions
The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section includes different types of questions designed to test your reading and comprehension skills. Here are the main types of questions you might encounter, along with examples and answers:
1. True, False, or Can’t Tell
For these questions, you will be given a statement based on the passage and need to decide if it is true, false, or if you can’t tell based on the information provided.
Example:
Children with gender dysphoria will no longer receive puberty-suppressing hormones, also known as puberty blockers, as routine practice after an NHS England review concluded there was insufficient evidence for their safety and effectiveness. Under the new policy, the hormones will be only available for children with gender dysphoria through clinical trials intended to fill gaps in medical knowledge, though provision is expected to be made in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Treatment for young people already receiving the hormones will not be affected.
Therapies to suppress puberty arose from work in the 1960s and 70s, when researchers discovered what has been called “the conductor of the reproductive system”. In work that involved the dissection of hundreds of thousands of pig and lamb brains, Andrew Schally and Roger Guillemin extracted and determined the structure of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) work that earned them the 1977 Nobel prize for medicine. GnRH is produced in the brain’s hypothalamus. When released, it triggers the pituitary gland to secrete further substances, namely follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, which drive puberty and sexual development. In men, the hormones tell the testicles to make testosterone. In women, they make the ovaries produce oestrogen and progesterone.
What researchers found remarkable as they came to understand GnRH was that while pulses of the hormone stimulate the pituitary to churn out other puberty-driving hormones, a continuous dose effectively shuts down production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, putting puberty on ice.
Today, synthetic analogues of GnRH such as triptorelin are given for prostate cancer and endometriosis, and they are also approved for children with precocious puberty, a condition that affects more girls than boys. Affected girls can start puberty as toddlers, but hormone therapy applies the brakes. When children come off the drugs, they go through puberty as normal. “It’s been very beneficial in these children,” says Ashley Grossman, a professor of endocrinology at the University of Oxford.
Adapted from www.theguardian.com.
1. Children will no longer be able to access puberty blockers in the UK as routine practice under this new policy.
- True
- False
- Can’t tell
2. GnRH triggers the release of follicle-stimulating hormone from the hypothalamus.
- True
- False
- Can’t tell
3. Triptorelin is prescribed to more females than males, as precocious puberty affects females in more cases than males.
- True
- False
- Can’t tell
4. Andrew Schally and Roger Guillemin won the Nobel prize for medicine for discovering the existence of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone through human brain dissection.
- True
- False
- Can’t tell
Question Answers:
Question 1: C
This is because the article only describes this new policy being set out in NHS England and does not clarify whether this policy will be implemented in other countries within the United Kingdom.
Question 2: B
The article explains that the GnRH is released from the hypothalamus which then triggers the release of follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, not the hypothalamus.
Question 3: C
Although the passage states that triptorelin is prescribed for cases of precocious puberty which is explained as affecting more girls than boys, we do not know explicitly if triptorelin is prescribed more to females. Therefore, the answer is C) Can’t tell.
Question 4: B
This is because Andrew Schally and Roger Guillemin won the Nobel prize through their research dissecting pig and lamb brains, not human brains.
Examiner’s Tip: In most instances, the answers to True, False, Can’t tell question types are false or can’t tell, as opposed to true. However, there are sometimes exceptions to the rule, so do not assume this is always the case. Instead, just attempt to rule out true firstly to try and work through the questions quickly.
2. Most Suitable Response
These questions ask you to choose the best answer from four options based on the passage. This can be seen in the example below.
3. According to the Passage
These questions require you to select the correct statement based on the information in the passage.
Example:
Sales at Gucci are expected to fall by 20% in the first quarter due to a slowdown in Asia, according to its Paris-based owner Kering. The warning contrasts with rivals LVMH and Hermès whose sales have remained resilient.
The luxury market has grown in the past decade but sales have not been as impressive in recent years. Gucci is estimated to get more than a third of its sales from China, whose economy has been struggling. Kering said in a statement that the profit warning “reflects a steeper sales drop at Gucci, notably in the Asia-Pacific region”. The firm is scheduled to report its financial results on 23 April. Gucci accounted for two-thirds of group operating income last year. Kering’s other brands include Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta. Last month, Kering reported that its net profit last year fell by 17%. Its shares have fallen by more than 23% over the past year.
In comparison, its bigger rival LVMH, which owns Louis Vuitton, Moët & Chandon and Hennessy, posted higher-than-expected sales for 2023. Hermes also celebrated its record annual sales last year with plans to reward all employees worldwide with a bonus. While their results showed resilience in the luxury market, Gucci is known to target younger, aspirational shoppers who are more vulnerable to economic pressures.
Last year, Kering changed Gucci’s top management by appointing Jean-François Palus as its chief executive officer and Sabato De Sarno as its creative director. The first items of his Ancora collection were made available in mid-February. The collection has been met with a “highly favourable reception,” Kering’s statement said.
Adapted from www.bbc.com.
1. Which of the following is a reason for Gucci’s recent decline in sales, according to the passage?
- Rising competition from other brands such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga.
- Gucci have an older target market, who in turn, have little disposable income.
- The Chinese economy has been struggling recently.
- There has been a recent change in ownership of the company to a Parisian based
operation.
2. Which of the following brands are under the same ownership as Gucci?
- Louis Vuitton
- Moët & Chandon
- Yves Saint Laurent
- Hennessy
3. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
- In the first quarter, Gucci sales are expected to fall by 1/3.
- Gucci does not give their workers any annual bonuses.
- Hermès has a higher net worth as a brand than Gucci.
- Net profit of Kering fell by less than 1/5th last year.
4. Which of the following statements are true, according to the passage?
- The biggest rival to Kering is the company LMVH.
- Jean-François Palus was recently appointed as Kering’s creative director.
- The release of Ancora collection was most likely not a profitable endeavour.
- The financial results of Kering will be published in the fourth month of the year.
Question Answers:
Question 1: C
Statement C is correct as the passage discusses how Gucci’s sales have been declining recently partly due to struggles within the Chinese economy, a country where Gucci usually receives a third of their sales.
Statement A is incorrect as the text does not describe the decline in sales as being due to competition from Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga. The text only mentions that the owner of Gucci also owns these other brands.
Statement B is incorrect as the passage states that Gucci have a younger target market which could be contributing to their decline in sales, not an older target market.
Statement D is incorrect as there is no mention of a change of ownership within the text.
Question 2: C
Answer C is correct because Yves Saint Laurent is owned by Kering, who also owns the brand Gucci.
Answers A, B and D are all under ownership by the company LVMH.
Question 3: D
Statement D can be inferred from the passage as the net profit of Kering fell by 17% last year, which is less than 1/5. This is because 1/5 is equal to 20%, and 17% is a lesser figure than this.
Statement A cannot be inferred from the passage as the text states that sales are expected to fall by 20%, whereas 1/3 is equal to 33.3%.
Statement B cannot be inferred from the passage. Although the text states that Hermès plans to reward its employees with a bonus, there is no mention of Gucci not giving out any bonuses.
Statement C cannot be inferred as there are no descriptions in the text specifically stating that Hermès has a higher net worth than Gucci, despite the fact that Hermès sales have been steadier recently.
Question 4: D
Statement D is true, as the text states that the financial results of Kering will be published in April, which is the fourth month of the year.
Statement A is false, as LMVH is described as one of Kering’s ‘bigger’ rivals, but not necessarily the biggest.
Statement B is false, as Jean-François Palus was recently appointed as the company’s CEO, and not their creative director.
Statement C cannot be inferred from the passage, as the release of the Ancora collection was described as having a “highly favourable reception”. This therefore implies that the collection was probably profitable, rather than the opposite.
By understanding these question types and practising regularly, you can improve your ability to quickly and accurately answer UCAT Verbal Reasoning questions.
UCAT Verbal Reasoning Scores
Here is a table showing the average UCAT Verbal Reasoning scores from recent years:
| Year | Number of Candidates | Mean Scaled Score |
| 2018 | 27,466 | 567 |
| 2019 | 29,375 | 565 |
| 2020 | 34,153 | 570 |
| 2021 | 37,230 | 572 |
| 2022 | 36,374 | 567 |
| 2023 | 35,625 | 591 |
What Is an Average Score for UCAT Verbal Reasoning?
The average score for UCAT Verbal Reasoning varies each year. Based on the table above, we can see that the average scores have ranged from 565 to 591 in recent years. This means that an average score generally falls within this range, with minor fluctuations year by year.
What Is a Good Score for UCAT Verbal Reasoning?
A good score for UCAT Verbal Reasoning is typically considered to be about 20-30 points above the average score for a given year. For instance, in 2023, the average score was 591. Therefore, a good score for that year would be approximately 611-621. It’s important to aim for a score higher than the average to stand out among other candidates. Remember that the definition of a good score can change slightly each year depending on the overall performance of test-takers.
How to Prepare for UCAT Verbal Reasoning
Preparing for the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section involves understanding the test format, practising regularly, and developing strategies to manage your time effectively. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Understand the Test Format
Familiarise yourself with the format of the Verbal Reasoning section. Know that you will have 21 minutes to read 11 passages and answer 44 multiple-choice questions. Understanding the structure of the test will help you manage your time and reduce anxiety on test day.
Practise Regularly
Regular practise is key to improving your Verbal Reasoning skills. Use practice questions and tests to simulate the test conditions. This will help you get used to the time pressure and the types of passages and questions you will encounter.
Develop Reading Techniques
To read and understand passages quickly, you can use two main techniques:
- Skimming: Quickly read the passage to get a general idea of the content.
- Scanning: Look for specific information or keywords that are relevant to the questions.
Both techniques can help you find the information you need more efficiently.
Focus on Comprehension
While practising, focus on understanding the main ideas and details in each passage. Pay attention to the context and the relationships between ideas. This will help you answer questions accurately without relying on assumptions or prior knowledge.
Time Management
Time is a crucial factor in the Verbal Reasoning section. Here are some tips to manage your time effectively:
- Set a Pace: Aim to spend around 1-2 minutes per passage and its questions.
- Prioritise Questions: If a question is taking too long, make an educated guess and move on. You can flag it and come back to it if you have time at the end.
- Avoid Double-Checking: Trust your first instinct unless you have a strong reason to review an answer. You won’t have time to double-check every question.
Practice Under Exam Conditions
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the real exam. This will help you build stamina and get used to the pressure of the test environment.
Review Your Performance
After each practice test, review your answers to understand your mistakes. Identify areas where you struggle and focus on improving them. This will help you refine your strategies and avoid repeating the same errors.
By following these tips and practising consistently, you can improve your performance in the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section and increase your chances of achieving a high score.
Top 7 UCAT Verbal Reasoning Tips
Preparing for the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section can be challenging, but these tips will help you tackle it more effectively:
1. Familiarise Yourself with Different Question Types
Understanding the various question types in the Verbal Reasoning section is crucial. These include True/False/Can’t Tell questions, and questions where you need to find the most suitable response. By knowing what to expect, you can develop strategies for each type and improve your accuracy.
Watch this ultimate UCAT question tutorial to understand the nuances of this test better.
2. Improve Your Reading Speed and Accuracy
Work on reading more quickly without sacrificing comprehension. Practice with a variety of texts to build your reading speed. Try timing yourself to ensure you can get through passages swiftly while still understanding the main points and details.
3. Enhance Your Vocabulary
A strong vocabulary can help you understand passages more easily and answer questions accurately. Read widely from different sources, such as newspapers, journals, and books, to expose yourself to new words and phrases. Consider using vocabulary-building apps or tools to expand your lexicon.
4. Practise Critical Thinking
Develop your critical thinking skills by analysing and questioning the information you read. Practice identifying the main argument, supporting evidence, and any assumptions or biases in the text. This will help you make informed decisions about the questions.
5. Focus on Inference Skills
Many questions in the Verbal Reasoning section require you to make inferences based on the given passage. Practice drawing logical conclusions from the information provided. Look for clues in the text that can help you understand implied meanings and relationships between ideas.
6. Manage Your Stress and Stay Calm
Test anxiety can hinder your performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to stay calm during the exam. A clear and focused mind will help you read and comprehend passages more effectively.
7. Utilise Practice Resources
Take advantage of the many practice resources available, including online question banks, mock tests, and study guides. Regular practice with these tools will help you become familiar with the exam format, improve your time management, and boost your confidence. For more top tips and advice on preparing for the UCAT, check out our comprehensive guides here.
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UCAT Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions
Practising questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section. Regular practice will help you become familiar with the types of passages and questions you will encounter, improve your reading speed, and enhance your comprehension skills.
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Conclusion
Preparing for the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies, you can succeed. Medic Mind offers a comprehensive UCAT Online Course that includes over 8000 practice questions, live classes, and detailed tutorials to help you improve your score.
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FAQ:
Common mistakes in the Verbal Reasoning section include relying on prior knowledge, misinterpreting the passage, and not reading questions thoroughly. Always base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage, even if you know additional details about the topic. Carefully read each question to understand what it is asking and avoid rushing through the passage, as this can lead to misinterpretation. Practice can help you recognise and avoid these pitfalls.
Consistent practice is key to improving your Verbal Reasoning skills. Aim to practise daily or at least several times a week, gradually increasing the number of questions you tackle in each session. Mix full-length timed practice tests with shorter, untimed question sets to build both your accuracy and speed. Regularly review your answers, especially the ones you get wrong, to understand your mistakes and learn from them.
Several books are specifically designed for UCAT Verbal Reasoning preparation. Popular options include “Get Into Medical School – 1250 UCAT Practice Questions” and “The Ultimate UCAT Guide.” These books provide a wealth of practice questions, detailed explanations, and test-taking strategies. Combining these with online resources and timed practice tests can give you a comprehensive preparation experience.
Staying motivated during UCAT preparation can be challenging, but setting clear goals and maintaining a structured study schedule can help. Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Joining a study group or finding a study partner can provide mutual support and accountability. Celebrate small milestones in your preparation journey to keep yourself motivated and focused on your ultimate goal.
Improving inference skills requires practice and strategy. Start by reading a variety of complex texts and practice identifying implied meanings or conclusions that are not explicitly stated. When practising UCAT questions, focus on understanding the context and nuances of the passage to draw accurate inferences. Reviewing explanations for inference questions you get wrong can help you understand the reasoning process and apply it to future questions.
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