Practice Test 1: Identifying Keywords | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT PDF Download

Q.1. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The world is an ever-changing place, with new technologies and ideas constantly emerging. One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the rise of social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed the way we communicate, allowing us to connect with people from all over the world at the touch of a button.

But with this new form of communication come new challenges. One of the biggest concerns is the spread of fake news. False information can spread like wildfire on social media, with many people sharing and reposting stories without fact-checking them first. This can have serious consequences, from political upheaval to public health crises.

Another challenge is the impact of social media on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. This is partly because social media often presents a distorted view of reality, with people only sharing the highlights of their lives and giving the impression that everyone else is happier and more successful than they are.

Despite these challenges, social media can also be a force for good. It has been used to raise awareness of important issues, connect people with similar interests, and even bring about social change. The key is to use social media responsibly and critically, fact-checking information and being mindful of its impact on our well-being.
(i) The rise of social media has transformed the way we communicate.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that social media has transformed the way we communicate, making option A true.
Keywords: social media

(ii) Fake news is not a concern when it comes to social media.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that the spread of fake news is a concern when it comes to social media, making option B false.

(iii) Excessive use of social media has no impact on mental health.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that excessive use of social media can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, making option B false.
Keywords: mental health

(iv) Social media can only be a force for good.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that social media can also be a force for good, but acknowledges that there are also challenges, making option B false.
Keywords: wellbeing

(v) It is important to fact-check information and be mindful of the impact of social media on our wellbeing.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage concludes by stating that it is important to use social media responsibly and critically, fact-checking information and being mindful of its impact on our wellbeing, making option A true.
Keywords: communication.

Q.2. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
The town of Greensville has become increasingly popular among tourists and locals alike, due to its picturesque scenery and abundance of flora and fauna. The town's natural beauty has attracted several environmentalists who have expressed concerns about the impact of tourism on the local ecosystem. In response, the local government has implemented a series of measures to ensure that the town remains sustainable and environmentally friendly.
One of the primary initiatives undertaken by the local government is the establishment of a comprehensive recycling program. This program has been designed to encourage residents and visitors to recycle their waste, thereby reducing the amount of trash that ends up in landfills. The program has been successful in increasing recycling rates in the town, with recent reports indicating that recycling rates have risen by 15% since its introduction.
Another initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in the town is the introduction of a bike-sharing scheme. By providing easily accessible bicycles for public use, the government hopes to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower the town's carbon footprint. The bike-sharing scheme has been well-received by tourists and locals alike, with many praising the convenience and affordability of the service.
Lastly, the local government has invested in the development of green spaces, such as parks and nature reserves, to preserve the town's natural beauty and provide habitats for various species of flora and fauna. These green spaces also serve as recreational areas for the community, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of the town center.
While the town of Greensville has made significant progress in becoming a sustainable and environmentally friendly destination, there is still much work to be done. The local government continues to explore additional measures to further reduce the town's environmental impact and maintain its appeal as a tourist destination.
(i) The town of Greensville is popular primarily due to its extensive shopping facilities.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that Greensville is popular due to its picturesque scenery and abundance of flora and fauna.
Keywords: popular, picturesque scenery, flora and fauna

(ii) The recycling program in Greensville has increased recycling rates by a definite 15%.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that recycling rates have risen by 15% since the introduction of the recycling program.
Keywords: recycling program, recycling rates, 15%

(iii) The bike-sharing scheme was introduced to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower the town's carbon footprint.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that the bike-sharing scheme was introduced to reduce the number of cars on the road and lower the town's carbon footprint.
Keywords: bike-sharing scheme, reduce cars, carbon footprint

(iv) The local government has already finished implementing all possible measures to make the town sustainable and environmentally friendly.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that there is still much work to be done and the local government continues to explore additional measures.
Keywords: work to be done, additional measures

(v) Which of the following is NOT a reason for the development of green spaces in Greensville?
(a) Preserve natural beauty
(b) Provide habitats for flora and fauna
(c) Encourage recycling
(d) Offer recreational areas for the community

Correct Answer is Option (c)
The passage mentions that green spaces are developed to preserve natural beauty, provide habitats for flora and fauna, and offer recreational areas for the community, but not to encourage recycling.
Keywords: green spaces, reasons, recycling

Q.3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an increasingly pervasive force in our lives, transforming the way we work, communicate, and even think. From voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars, AI technology has made remarkable advancements in recent years. But with these advancements come ethical dilemmas and concerns about the future of human society.
One of the key concerns surrounding AI is its potential to replace human jobs. Many fear that as AI technology becomes more sophisticated, it will render humans obsolete in various industries. While it is true that AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and jobs, it is unlikely to completely replace humans in the workforce. AI excels in tasks that involve data analysis, pattern recognition, and repetitive actions, but it lacks the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills that humans possess. Jobs that require social interaction, emotional intelligence, and complex decision-making are likely to remain in the hands of humans for the foreseeable future.
Another concern relates to the ethical implications of AI. As AI systems become more advanced, they have the ability to make decisions autonomously, raising questions about accountability and transparency. Who is responsible when an AI system makes a mistake or engages in biased behavior? Additionally, there are concerns about the potential misuse of AI for nefarious purposes, such as surveillance or cyber warfare. These ethical dilemmas require careful consideration and regulation to ensure that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of humanity.
Despite the concerns, AI also offers tremendous opportunities for progress and innovation. AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, with applications in disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans. It can also enhance productivity in various sectors by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and meaningful work. Furthermore, AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and uncover patterns and insights that would be impossible for humans to discover on their own.
In conclusion, while there are legitimate concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and ethics, it is important to approach this technology with a balanced perspective. AI has the potential to augment human capabilities, improve efficiency, and drive innovation. However, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that AI is developed and used in a responsible and transparent manner.
(i) AI technology has the capability to completely replace humans in the workforce. (Keywords: AI, replace, humans, workforce)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that while AI has the potential to automate certain tasks and jobs, it is unlikely to completely replace humans in the workforce. This implies that AI technology does not have the capability to completely replace humans.

(ii) AI systems are incapable of making decisions autonomously. (Keywords: AI, systems, decisions, autonomously)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that as AI systems become more advanced, they have the ability to make decisions autonomously. Therefore, AI systems are capable of making decisions autonomously.

(iii) AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving disease diagnosis and treatment. (Keywords: AI, revolutionize, healthcare, disease diagnosis, treatment)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, with applications in disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans. This supports the idea that AI can improve disease diagnosis and treatment in healthcare.

(iv) AI lacks the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills that humans possess. (Keywords: AI, lacks, creativity, empathy, critical thinking, humans)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that AI excels in tasks that involve data analysis, pattern recognition, and repetitive actions, but it lacks the creativity, empathy, and critical thinking skills that humans possess. Therefore, AI lacks these skills.

(v) AI technology is not subject to any ethical implications or concerns. (Keywords: AI, ethical implications, concerns)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage discusses ethical implications of AI, including questions about accountability, transparency, and potential misuse. This indicates that AI technology is subject to ethical implications and concerns.

Q.4. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions that follow:
Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires immediate attention and collective action. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the fact that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the primary drivers of climate change. The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and include rising global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems.

One of the key impacts of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. The Earth's average surface temperature has been steadily increasing over the past century, primarily due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. This rise in temperature has led to numerous changes in the environment, such as the melting of glaciers and ice caps, which contribute to rising sea levels. The resulting sea-level rise poses significant threats to coastal communities, increasing the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation and atmospheric moisture, fueling the formation of severe storms. These extreme weather events can have devastating impacts on human lives, infrastructure, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Climate change also poses risks to biodiversity and ecosystems. Many species are facing habitat loss, altered migration patterns, and increased vulnerability to disease and extinction as a result of changing environmental conditions. Coral reefs, for example, are particularly vulnerable to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, which threatens the diverse marine life they support

Mitigating climate change requires concerted efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner and renewable energy sources. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in adopting sustainable practices and supporting policies that prioritize environmental conservation. Renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, offer viable alternatives to fossil fuels and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(i) Human activities are the primary drivers of climate change. (Keywords: human activities, primary drivers, climate change)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the fact that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the primary drivers of climate change. Therefore, human activities are indeed the primary drivers of climate change.

(ii) Rising sea levels are caused by the melting of glaciers and ice caps. (Keywords: rising sea levels, melting, glaciers, ice caps)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that the melting of glaciers and ice caps contributes to rising sea levels. This supports the idea that rising sea levels are caused by the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

(iii) Climate change has no impact on biodiversity and ecosystems. (Keywords: climate change, impact, biodiversity, ecosystems)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage highlights the risks climate change poses to biodiversity and ecosystems, including habitat loss, altered migration patterns, and increased vulnerability to extinction. Therefore, climate change does have an impact on biodiversity and ecosystems.

(iv) Renewable energy technologies have no potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. (Keywords: renewable energy technologies, reduce, greenhouse gas emissions)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, offer viable alternatives to fossil fuels and can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This implies that renewable energy technologies do have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

(v) Extreme weather events are becoming less frequent and intense due to climate change. (Keywords: extreme weather events, less frequent, less intense, climate change)
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. This contradicts the idea that extreme weather events are becoming less frequent and less intense due to climate change.