Identifying Keywords | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT PDF Download

Importance of Keyword Approach

Consider a scenario where you had a passage highlighting the increasing fame of magazines. In each paragraph, various categories of publications were explored, including sports magazines, travel magazines, and cooking magazines.

“Magazines relating to football are becoming increasingly popular”

• True
• False
• Can’t Tell 

However, in the second scenario, the entire passage is dedicated to football, with each paragraph exploring different aspects of the sport. For instance, topics such as football on TV, local academies, football literature, and magazines are discussed. In this situation, 'magazine' would be a good keyword, while 'football' would be a weaker choice. This demonstrates the importance of reading the first two lines of the passage to understand the overall topic and select the appropriate keyword.

Keywords appearing multiple times

When employing the Keyword Approach, make sure to locate the keyword and examine the surrounding sentences to find the answer. Here's how to proceed:

• If you come across a reference to the information asked in the question, you can generally conclude that you have found the relevant section of text. Select the answer and proceed.
• If there is no reference to the question information, you might consider choosing 'Can't Tell' and continuing. However, it is possible for the keyword to appear again later in the passage, so quickly scan to check if there are multiple references.

Keywords that do not appear in the passage

In cases where the keyword is absent from the passage, it becomes necessary to assess the situation and adjust your approach accordingly. Here's what you can do:

• Recheck: If you suspect that you may have hurried through your initial search, it's worthwhile to scan the passage again specifically looking for the keyword.
• Synonyms: Look for synonyms or alternative expressions of the keyword. For instance, if the keyword is 'holiday,' it might be mentioned as 'vacation' or 'trip' instead.
• Alternative keyword: If you are confident that the passage contains a reference to the information in the question, you can consider selecting a different keyword that could lead you to the answer.

If you believe that the answer cannot be determined with the available information, choose 'Can't Tell' and proceed.

Examples

Example 1: 
In the early 20th century, a group of European scientists and philosophers initiated a movement called Logical Positivism. The primary goal of this movement was to establish a clear and precise method for distinguishing meaningful and empirical statements from those that were meaningless or metaphysical. The founders of Logical Positivism, Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap, and Moritz Schlick, believed that the only statements that can be considered meaningful are those that can be empirically verified or logically deduced.

The Logical Positivists were heavily influenced by the works of the British philosopher Bertrand Russell and the Austrian mathematician Ludwig Wittgenstein. Russell’s theory of logical atomism and Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus were the primary sources of inspiration for the movement. The Positivists believed that by applying the principles of logic and empirical verification, they could create a unified language for all sciences, which would eliminate the need for metaphysical speculation.

However, Logical Positivism faced numerous challenges and criticisms, notably by the philosopher Karl Popper. Popper argued that the criterion of empirical verifiability was too restrictive and excluded many scientific hypotheses that were later proven to be true. He proposed the concept of falsification as a more accurate method of demarcating scientific knowledge from non-scientific claims. The idea that a theory can only be considered scientific if it can be potentially falsified has since become a major principle in the philosophy of science.

Over time, Logical Positivism began to lose its influence as new philosophical movements emerged, such as Post-structuralism and Post-modernism, which questioned the very possibility of objective scientific knowledge. Additionally, advancements in the philosophy of language and the growing recognition of the importance of context and interpretation led to the decline of Logical Positivism. Today, the movement is largely considered a historical curiosity, though its ideas continue to influence some aspects of contemporary philosophy and scientific inquiry.

(i) Logical Positivism aimed to establish a method for distinguishing meaningful and empirical statements from those that were meaningless or metaphysical.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that the primary goal of Logical Positivism was to establish a clear and precise method for distinguishing meaningful and empirical statements from those that were meaningless or metaphysical.
Keywords: Logical Positivism, goal, distinguishing, meaningful, empirical, meaningless, metaphysical

(ii) Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein were among the founders of Logical Positivism.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein heavily influenced Logical Positivism, but they were not among its founders. The founders were Otto Neurath, Rudolf Carnap, and Moritz Schlick.
Keywords: Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, founders

(iii) Karl Popper supported the criterion of empirical verifiability as proposed by the Logical Positivists.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that Karl Popper argued against the criterion of empirical verifiability proposed by the Logical Positivists, finding it too restrictive. Instead, he proposed the concept of falsification.
Keywords: Karl Popper, empirical verifiability, falsification

(iv) The concept of falsification is a major principle in the philosophy of science today.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that the idea that a theory can only be considered scientific if it can be potentially falsified has since become a major principle in the philosophy of science.

Keywords: falsification, major principle, philosophy of science

(v) Logical Positivism continues to be a dominant philosophical movement in contemporary philosophy and scientific inquiry.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The passage states that Logical Positivism is largely considered a historical curiosity, and its ideas continue to influence some aspects of contemporary philosophy and scientific inquiry. However, it does not provide enough information to determine whether it is a dominant philosophical movement or not.

Keywords: Logical Positivism, contemporary philosophy, scientific inquiry

Example 2:
The exploration of space has been one of humanity's greatest achievements. Over the past century, we have made significant progress in understanding the vast universe that surrounds us. From the first manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961 to the Mars rovers exploring the red planet, our knowledge and capabilities have expanded exponentially.

One of the key milestones in space exploration was the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the moon in 1969. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by taking those famous first steps on the lunar surface. This incredible achievement not only demonstrated human ingenuity and determination but also paved the way for further space exploration.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in space tourism. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have been at the forefront of this new industry, aiming to make space travel accessible to the general public. While space tourism is still in its early stages, it holds the potential to revolutionize the way we view space and our place in the universe.

The International Space Station (ISS) serves as a research laboratory and a hub for international cooperation. Astronauts from various countries work together to conduct experiments and gather data that contribute to our understanding of space. The ISS has been continuously inhabited since November 2000 and has served as a stepping stone for future space missions.

Despite the many advancements in space exploration, there are still challenges to overcome. One of the major obstacles is the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. Astronauts experience muscle atrophy, bone loss, and changes in vision due to extended periods in microgravity. Scientists and researchers are actively studying these effects to develop countermeasures and ensure the safety of future space travelers.

(i) The Apollo 11 mission landed the first humans on Mars.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that the Apollo 11 mission landed the first humans on the moon, not Mars. (Keyword: moon)

(ii) Space tourism is already an established industry.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that space tourism is still in its early stages, indicating that it is not yet an established industry. (Keyword: early stages)

(iii) The International Space Station (ISS) is used solely for tourism purposes.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that the International Space Station (ISS) serves as a research laboratory and a hub for international cooperation, not solely for tourism purposes. (Keyword: research laboratory)

(iv) The long-term effects of space travel on the human body are currently not well understood.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that astronauts experience long-term effects on the human body due to extended periods in microgravity. It also states that scientists and researchers are studying these effects. (Keyword: long-term effects)

(v) SpaceX and Blue Origin are involved in the development of space tourism.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage specifically mentions that SpaceX and Blue Origin are at the forefront of the space tourism industry. (Keyword: SpaceX and Blue Origin)

Example 3:
In the late 19th century, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg established a health institute in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he sought to promote wellness through a combination of diet, exercise, and hydrotherapy. Dr. Kellogg believed that a healthy diet, consisting primarily of whole grains and vegetables, could help prevent and cure many diseases. He also advocated for regular physical activity and the consumption of eight glasses of water daily. Dr. Kellogg's revolutionary ideas on health and wellness attracted many patients from around the world, including prominent figures such as President William Howard Taft and inventor Thomas Edison.

One of Dr. Kellogg's most notable inventions was the creation of ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, which he developed as a healthier alternative to the greasy, meat-based breakfasts common during that time. His first creation was a flaked cereal called Granose, which he originally intended as a digestive aid for his patients. Later, he created Corn Flakes, which became popular among the general public and led to the founding of the Kellogg Company.

In addition to his nutritional innovations, Dr. Kellogg made significant contributions to the field of exercise science. He was one of the first to emphasize the importance of physical activity for overall health and developed a series of exercise machines that used resistance, rather than weights, to build strength and endurance. These machines were the precursors to modern-day gym equipment.

Despite his many accomplishments, Dr. Kellogg's ideas were not without controversy. Some critics viewed his strict dietary recommendations and emphasis on vegetarianism as extreme and impractical. Additionally, his use of hydrotherapy, which involved the use of water jets and enemas to cleanse the body, was considered unconventional and even dangerous by some medical professionals of the time.

Nonetheless, Dr. Kellogg's contributions to the fields of nutrition and exercise science have had a lasting impact on our understanding of health and wellness. Today, many of his ideas are considered common knowledge, and his inventions, like Corn Flakes, continue to be enjoyed by millions of people around the world.

(i) Dr. Kellogg founded a health institute in the late 19th century to promote wellness through diet, exercise, and hydrotherapy.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that Dr. Kellogg founded a health institute in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he sought to promote wellness through diet, exercise, and hydrotherapy.
Keywords: founded, health institute, late 19th century, diet, exercise, hydrotherapy

(ii) Thomas Edison was one of Dr. Kellogg's patients at his health institute.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that Thomas Edison was one of the many patients who visited Dr. Kellogg's health institute.
Keywords: Thomas Edison, patients, health institute

(iii) Dr. Kellogg's first cereal invention was Corn Flakes.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that Dr. Kellogg's first creation was a flaked cereal called Granose, not Corn Flakes.
Keywords: first cereal invention, Granose

(iv) Dr. Kellogg's exercise machines used weights to build strength and endurance.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage explains that Dr. Kellogg's exercise machines used resistance, rather than weights, to build strength and endurance.
Keywords: exercise machines, resistance, weights

(v) Dr. Kellogg's ideas on health and wellness were widely accepted and uncontroversial during his time.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that Dr. Kellogg's ideas were controversial and that some critics viewed his dietary recommendations and hydrotherapy practices as extreme and dangerous.
Keywords: ideas, controversial, critics, extreme, dangerous