Practice Questions for Verbal Reasoning UCAT | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT PDF Download

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The Tuol Svay Pray High School is located on a dusty road on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During the year 1976, the Khmer Rouge changed its name to S-21 and transformed it into a centre for torture, interrogation, and executions. Out of the 14,000 individuals who entered, only seven managed to survive. The Khmer Rouge not only meticulously recorded the prisoners' interrogations but also took careful photographs of the majority of the inmates, creating a remarkable photographic collection. Each of the nearly 6,000 recovered S-21 portraits portrays a story of shock, resignation, confusion, defiance, and horror. While the most horrifying images from Cambodia were those of the mass graves, the portraits taken by the Khmer Rouge at S-21 were the most haunting.
Today, the S-21 Prison is known as the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide. Upon entering the gates, it resembles an ordinary high school, with five buildings facing a grass courtyard equipped with pull-up bars, green lawns, and lawn-bowling pitches. One of the buildings has preserved its ground-floor classrooms to appear as they did in 1977. The simple interrogation rooms contain only a school desk-and-chair set, facing a steel bed frame with shackles at each end. On the far wall, you can see distressing photographs of bloated, decomposing bodies chained to bed frames, with pools of wet blood underneath. These were the sights that the two Vietnamese photojournalists encountered when they first discovered S-21 in January 1979.
In another building, the walls are covered with thousands of S-21 portraits. At first glance, a photograph of a young man without a shirt seems typical of the prison photos. However, upon closer inspection, you notice that the number tag on his chest has been attached with a safety pin to his pectoral muscle. A bruised-faced boy stands with his arms by his sides, a pad-locked chain around his neck, and gazes directly into the camera. A mother holding her baby stares into the camera with a look of defiant resignation. The photographs and confessions were collected to provide evidence to the Khmer Rouge leaders that their orders had been carried out.

(i) Has a man in one of the portraits been assigned a 5 digit number tag on his chest?
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct answer is option (c)
In the last paragraph, it mentions that the man had a 'number tag' on his pectoral muscle. However, the exact number of digits is unknown, so the answer is Can't Tell.

(b) Is the S-21 Prison also a high school?
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct answer is option (b)
By using the keywords 'S-21 Prison', we can find the first line of the second paragraph, which states that the prison resembled a high school but was not one.

(c) Does the Khmer Rouge involve mass graves?
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct answer is option (a)
The keyword 'mass graves' indicates that the statement is true. Although the words 'Khmer Rouge' are present throughout the passage, they do not provide as much clarity as 'mass graves' does. The passage mentions that the most gruesome images from Cambodia were of the mass graves, while the most haunting were the portraits taken by the Khmer Rouge at S-21.

(iv) Which of the following statements is true?
(a) There were hundreds of survivors.
(b) S-21 was first discovered in December 1979.
(c) Khmer Rouge is found in S-21.
(d) The interrogation rooms have no furniture at all.

Correct answer is option (c)
A - This is not true. The passage explicitly states that there were only seven survivors.
B - This is not true. By using the keyword '1979', we can locate the last line of the second paragraph, which mentions that S-21 was discovered in January 1979, not December.
C - This is true. The Khmer Rouge renamed the school and transformed it into their base for torture and interrogation.
D - This is not true. The passage indicates that the spartan interrogation rooms are furnished with only a school desk-and-chair set.

Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Pizza's early form was likely the focaccia, a flat bread known to the Romans as panis focacius, which was later topped with ingredients. Modern pizza emerged in Naples when tomato was added to the focaccia in the late 18th century. Neapolitan pizza is believed to have originated from a similar dish called Jeyoun. The term "pizza" was first recorded in AD 997 in Gaeta and subsequently in various parts of Central and Southern Italy. Initially, pizza was mainly consumed in Italy and by Italian emigrants. However, this changed after World War II when Allied troops stationed in Italy began to enjoy pizza and other Italian foods.

Similar foods to pizza have been created since the neolithic age. Historical records show people adding various ingredients to bread to enhance its flavor. For instance:

• French and Italian archaeologists discovered bread baked over 7,000 years ago in Sardinia, which was leavened by the local islanders, according to Professor Philippe Marinval.
• The Ancient Greeks had a flat bread called plakous (πλακοῦς, gen. πλακοῦντος —plakountos), which was seasoned with toppings such as herbs, onion, and garlic.
• In the 6th century BC, soldiers in Persian King Darius I's armies baked flatbreads with cheese and dates on their battle shields.
• An early mention of a pizza-like food can be found in the Aeneid (ca. 19 BC), where Celaeno, the queen of the Harpies, predicts that the Trojans would have to eat their tables out of hunger before finding peace (Book III).

(i) The first mention of food like pizza  was in AD 997
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell 

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The text states that the word "pizza" was first documented in AD 997 in Gaeta. Therefore, it is true that the first mention of food like pizza was in AD 997.

(ii) Plakous is seasoned with garlic 
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell 

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The text mentions that the Ancient Greeks had a flat bread called plakous, which was flavored with toppings like herbs, onion, and garlic. However, it does not specifically state that garlic was used as a seasoning for plakous. Therefore, it cannot be determined whether plakous is seasoned with garlic or not.

(iii) The pizza we eat today was developed in Torino
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell 

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The text does not mention Torino (Turin) as the place where the pizza we eat today was developed. It states that modern pizza developed in Naples when tomato was added to the focaccia. Therefore, it can be inferred that the pizza we eat today was not developed in Torino.

(iv) Pizza is Italy’s signature dish
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The text mentions that pizza was mainly eaten in Italy and by emigrants from there. It also indicates that pizza is considered one of Italy's signature dishes. Therefore, it is true that pizza is Italy's signature dish.

Q.3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

Day Trip from Tokyo: Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Bullet Train

Start your day with a convenient pickup from selected Tokyo hotels or Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. Sit back and relax as you travel in a comfortable deluxe coach along a picturesque 2.5-hour route to the Mt Fuji Visitor Center. Here, your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the history and geology of Japan's highest mountain, and you can explore the informative exhibits about this revered landmark. On a clear day, head up to the observation deck on the second floor for breathtaking views of Mt Fuji. Afterward, hop back on the coach and continue to Mt Fuji's 5th Station, situated halfway up the mountain at an elevation of 7,545 feet (2,300m). Take in the sights of the shrines, torii gates, and souvenir shops, while enjoying panoramic views of Mt Fuji and the surrounding lakes, weather permitting. Experience the invigorating atmosphere of the 5th Station, where you might even spot climbers gearing up for their ascent.

Next, it's time for lunch. You have the option to upgrade your package and enjoy a delicious Japanese-style lunch, or you can choose to purchase your own meal. Once you've satisfied your hunger, the journey continues to Lake Ashi, nestled within the beautiful Hakone National Park. Step aboard a boat for a delightful cruise across the serene lake. Marvel at the stunning scenery of crystal-clear waters, embraced by the majestic Mt Komagatake, Mt Fuji, and other mountains. Disembark from the boat and make your way to the Mt Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial tram that transports you from the shores of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mt Komagatake. Take your time exploring the mountaintop, soaking in the awe-inspiring views of Lake Ashi, the volcanic Owakudani valley, and the magnificent Mt Fuji.

After your Hakone adventure, return to the coach for a transfer to the evening bullet train (Shinkansen) that will whisk you back to Tokyo. Your guide will provide instructions on how to return to your hotel from the station. Alternatively, if you prefer a direct transfer without stopping at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal, there's a discounted option with pickup available at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. This allows you to spend more time at Mt Fuji.

Please keep in mind that the views around Mt Fuji are always subject to weather conditions, as the mountain weather can be unpredictable. For better visibility, it is recommended to visit during the colder months, in the early morning, or late evening.

(i) Which of the following would the author most likely agree with?
(a) From the second floor observation deck, it is still possible to get great views on a rainy day.
(b) The upgrade to have a Japanese style mention is worth it.
(c) The scenery around Mt Komagatake is stunning
(d) The Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal is a must-see. 

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The passage mentions that from the top of Mt Komagatake, you can take in amazing views of Lake Ashi, the Owakudani volcanic valley, and majestic Mt Fuji. This indicates that the author would agree that the scenery around Mt Komagatake is stunning.

(ii) Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
(a) There is no option for lunch on this trip
(b) It takes more than 3 hours to reach Mt Fuji Visitor Center from the pick-up point.
(c) Mt Fuji is under 5000m tall.
(d) Views around Mt Fuji are always majestic. 

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The passage states that the views around Mt Fuji are subject to weather conditions and visibility tends to be better during certain times. However, it does not provide explicit information about the views always being majestic. Therefore, it cannot be inferred from the passage that views around Mt Fuji are always majestic.

(iii) Which of the following statements is true?
(a) The guide will drop you off at your hotel.
(b) Shinkansen is the name of the bus company.
(c) Lake Ashi is located in Mt Komagatake Ropeway
(d) There is an option to avoid going to Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. 

Correct Answer is Option (d)
The passage mentions that there is a discounted option with pickup available at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, which allows you to spend more time at Mt Fuji without stopping at Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal. Therefore, it is true that there is an option to avoid going to Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal.

(iv) The author suggests which of these monuments has the most revitalizing atmosphere.
(a) Mt Fuju
(b) 5th Station
(c) Lake Ashi
(d) Hakone National Park

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The passage describes Lake Ashi as having pristine waters surrounded by mountains, including Mt Komagatake and Mt Fuji. While the passage does not explicitly mention which monument has the most revitalising atmosphere, the description of Lake Ashi highlights its beautiful scenery, indicating that it could be seen as having a revitalising atmosphere.

Q.4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

New HIV Guidelines

The latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight the crucial issue of a lack of HIV diagnoses, which hinders the implementation of the recommendation that everyone with HIV should have access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

The report emphasises that over 18 million individuals are currently receiving ART for HIV, but an equal number still face challenges in accessing treatment. The majority of these individuals are unaware of their positive HIV status. Shockingly, 40% of people living with HIV, amounting to over 14 million individuals, remain unaware of their condition. Many of them are at higher risk of HIV infection and encounter difficulties in accessing existing testing services.

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, stated, "Millions of people with HIV are still missing out on life-saving treatment, which can also prevent HIV transmission to others." To address this issue, HIV self-testing is being promoted as a means for more people to discover their HIV status privately and conveniently. This method allows individuals to use oral fluid or blood finger-pricks and obtain results within 20 minutes or less. If the results are positive, it is recommended that individuals seek further tests at healthcare clinics. In addition to providing information and links to counselling, WHO suggests providing rapid referral to prevention, treatment, and care services.

HIV self-testing is an important step towards reaching more individuals who remain undiagnosed, empowering them, and enabling earlier detection before they become ill. It also brings testing services closer to where people reside and creates a greater demand for HIV testing, particularly for those who face barriers in accessing existing services.

Global data between 2005 and 2015 showed a significant increase in the proportion of people learning of their HIV status, rising from 12% to 60%. This increase in HIV testing uptake worldwide has led to over 80% of diagnosed individuals receiving ART.

(i) Everyone is not offered antiretroviral therapy only because of a lack of HIV diagnosis
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The passage states that a lack of HIV diagnosis is a major obstacle to implementing the recommendation of offering antiretroviral therapy (ART) to everyone with HIV. This implies that not everyone is offered ART solely due to a lack of HIV diagnosis.

(ii)  If more people self-test for HIV, it is likely that will correlate with increased treatment
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage suggests that HIV self-testing can reach more people with undiagnosed HIV, leading to earlier detection and empowering individuals to seek treatment. Therefore, it is likely that an increase in self-testing would correlate with increased treatment.

(iii) In 10 years, the number of people with HIV learning of their status has increased more than 5-fold
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)

The passage states that between 2005 and 2015, the proportion of people with HIV learning of their status globally increased from 12% to 60%. This represents a significant increase of more than 5-fold.

(iv) HIV self-testing is beneficial mainly because it is economically viable.

(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage does not mention economic viability as the main benefit of HIV self-testing. Instead, it highlights the privacy, convenience, and empowerment aspects of self-testing, as well as its potential to reach more individuals and facilitate early detection.

(v) Between 15-20 million people with HIV are unable to access treatment
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can't Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that more than 18 million people with HIV are currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART), while a similar number still face challenges in accessing treatment. However, it does not provide a specific range of 15-20 million people who are unable to access treatment. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that between 15-20 million people with HIV are unable to access treatment.

Q.5. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:

The Power of Napping for Memory

The frequency of napping plays a role in its effect on memory consolidation. According to a study by Milner, Fogel, and Cote (2006), habitual nappers (those who nap more than twice a week) showed greater improvement in procedural motor learning after a 20-minute nap compared to nonhabitual nappers (those who nap less than twice a month). Similar findings were observed in a study by Kurdziel et al. (2013), where children who regularly napped demonstrated the highest improvement in declarative memory performance. However, one limitation of Milner et al.'s study is that napping behavior was determined based on frequency rather than personal preference. Some adults may prefer to nap but may not have the opportunity due to time constraints. Nevertheless, it can be argued that the study participants, being students, had sufficient time to nap as per their preference.

Apart from frequency, the desirability of napping also influences memory consolidation. Evans et al. (1977) found differences in nap patterns among appetitive nappers (napping not related to sleep need), replacement nappers (napping when tired), and sporadic nappers. A replication study conducted by Dinges, Orne EC, Orne MT, and Evans (1980) supported these findings and revealed that appetitive nappers experienced more stage 1 sleep and frequent stage changes compared to non-nappers. Therefore, the frequency and reasons behind individuals' napping habits can impact memory consolidation, as different sleep compositions have been shown to have an influence.

(i) Which of these are not a type of napper?
(a) Appetitive napper
(b) Replacement napper
(c) Frequent napper
(d) Sporadic napper

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The types of nappers mentioned in the text are appetitive napper, replacement napper, and sporadic napper. "Frequent napper" is not mentioned.

(ii) Which of these authors are not mentioned in the text?
(a) Evan
(b) Burgess
(c) Dinges
(d) Kurdziel

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The authors mentioned in the text are Evans, Dinges, and Kurdziel. "Burgess" is not mentioned.

(iii) Which of these was a potential weakness in the study by Milner et al. 2006)?
(a) The participants were students and so did have enough time to carry out their desired napping.
(b) Napping was not based on inclination for napping,
(c) The variation in how often people take naps
(d) Composition of sleep may have varied

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The text mentions that one potential weakness of the study by Milner et al. (2006) is that napping behavior was determined based on frequency rather than personal preference or inclination for napping.

(iv) Which of these is the correct time period for a habitual napper?
(a) Less than once a week
(b) Twice a week
(c) More than twice a week
(d) Less than twice a week

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The text mentions that habitual nappers are those who nap more than twice a week.