True, False & Can't Tell | Verbal Reasoning for UCAT PDF Download

The term "True" indicates that a statement is accurate according to the passage.

• This can be determined either if the statement is directly mentioned in the passage, which is the easiest to identify, or if it can be inferred from the passage, even if not explicitly stated. I
• In such cases, there might be some ambiguity between the "True" and "Can't Tell" options.

On the other hand, "False" signifies that a statement contradicts the information presented in the passage.

• Although the passage may not explicitly disprove the statement, it can be identified as false through inference or by conflicting with factual details or general opinions expressed in the passage. 
• Another possibility is when a statement exaggerates or extends a concept mentioned in the passage beyond its actual scope.

When a statement falls under the "Can't Tell" category, it means that certainty cannot be established based solely on the information provided in the passage.

• This can occur when a statement goes beyond the information presented in the passage or when it relies on external knowledge. 
• Even if a statement may be true or false based on personal knowledge, if it is not supported by the passage, it must be considered as "Can't Tell."

At present, these definitions may appear abstract and challenging to comprehend visually. However, we will gradually explore examples to illustrate and clarify them.

Types of True

1. Directly Stated:
A statement is considered true if it is explicitly mentioned in the passage. This type of truth is the easiest to identify and should be relatively straightforward.

For example:

• Statement: WhatsApp is owned by Facebook.
• Passage: "Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, authorized the acquisition of WhatsApp."

2. Inference:
A statement can be deemed true if it can be inferred from the passage, even if it is not directly stated. Distinguishing between true statements and statements categorized as "Can't Tell" can sometimes be challenging in this case. 

For example:

• Statement: "Altitude is one of the better social media management firms in the UK."
• Passage: "Altitude has experienced significant growth since its launch. Many firms are currently utilizing Altitude to enhance their online marketing strategies."

Types of False

1. Contradiction:
A statement is considered false if it contradicts the information presented in the passage, either in terms of factual accuracy or general opinion.

Example:

• Statement: "Krandon are the only supplier of Amaroo Extract left to date."
• Passage: "Due to the scarcity of raw materials for Amaroo Extract, customers are compelled to purchase from the dominant retailer Krandon, one of the remaining few suppliers."

2. Statement Goes Too Far:
A statement is deemed false if it extrapolates or extends something mentioned in the passage beyond its actual extent or scope.

Example:

• Statement: "Krandon is the only supplier of Amaroo Extract."
• Passage: "With the depletion of raw materials, Krandon has become one of the very few remaining suppliers of Amaroo Extract, forcing customers to rely on them."

Types of Can't Tell

External Knowledge:
A statement falls under the category of "Can't Tell" if it relies on external knowledge that is not explicitly mentioned in the passage. For instance, consider the statement: "Barack Obama was elected as President of the USA in November 2008." 

While you may know this statement to be true based on your own knowledge, if the passage does not explicitly mention this fact, the answer would still be "Can't Tell." External knowledge can help eliminate the "False" option, but without explicit confirmation in the passage, certainty cannot be established.

Solved Examples

Example 1:
In the small town of Green Haven, there existed a community of people who prioritized sustainable living, environmental conservation, and the cultivation of organic foods. The town's inception can be traced back to the 1960s when a group of like-minded individuals decided to establish a settlement focused on eco-friendly practices.
Green Haven's housing structures were primarily constructed with locally sourced materials and designed with energy efficiency in mind. The town's residents were heavily invested in renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines. In addition to their energy-efficient homes, the residents of Green Haven practiced water conservation by utilizing rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling.
The town's inhabitants were not only environmentally conscious but also deeply committed to their health and well-being. The majority of Green Haven's residents maintained a plant-based diet and were involved in the cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables. They believed that consuming organic produce was not only better for their health but also more sustainable for the environment. Furthermore, the community encouraged physical activity by providing ample green spaces and promoting the use of bicycles instead of cars.
Despite their steadfast commitment to eco-friendly practices, Green Haven faced numerous challenges over the years. The cost of maintaining sustainable infrastructure and organic farming practices proved to be quite high, resulting in the need for external funding. The town's residents sought support from various environmental organizations and philanthropists to continue their mission.
In recent years, Green Haven has attracted the attention of many researchers and environmentalists who are interested in understanding the long-term effects of sustainable living on both human health and the environment. The community's commitment to eco-friendly practices serves as a model for other towns and cities looking to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

Q.1. Green Haven was established in the 1920s.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that Green Haven's inception can be traced back to the 1960s.

Q.2. The majority of Green Haven's residents follow a plant-based diet.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage states that the majority of Green Haven's residents maintain a plant-based diet and are involved in the cultivation of organic fruits and vegetables.

Q.3. The town's residents rely solely on governmental funding to maintain their sustainable infrastructure.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that the town's residents sought support from various environmental organizations and philanthropists to maintain their sustainable infrastructure, not solely relying on governmental funding.

Q.4. Green Haven has successfully implemented water conservation practices.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that Green Haven's residents practice water conservation through rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling.

Q.5. Researchers and environmentalists are not interested in Green Haven's eco-friendly practices.(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that in recent years, Green Haven has attracted the attention of many researchers and environmentalists who are interested in understanding the long-term effects of sustainable living.

Example 2: 
Climate change is a pressing global issue that has gained significant attention in recent years. It refers to long-term shifts in temperature patterns and weather conditions on Earth, primarily caused by human activities. The scientific consensus is that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main contributors to climate change.
One of the key consequences of climate change is the rising global temperatures. Over the past century, the Earth's average temperature has increased by approximately 1 degree Celsius. This may seem like a small increase, but it has far-reaching impacts. Rising temperatures lead to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise. This phenomenon poses a threat to coastal regions and island nations, increasing the risk of flooding and displacing communities.
Another significant effect of climate change is the alteration of weather patterns. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. These events have devastating consequences, including the destruction of infrastructure, loss of agricultural productivity, and the displacement of populations. Moreover, climate change can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the extinction of plant and animal species, which in turn affects biodiversity and ecological balance.
There is also evidence to suggest that climate change exacerbates health risks. Increased temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Changes in precipitation patterns can impact water availability and quality, leading to waterborne diseases. Furthermore, climate change can contribute to the spread of infectious diseases as vectors like mosquitoes expand their range due to changing climatic conditions.
Addressing climate change requires global cooperation and immediate action. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable land-use practices are crucial. Additionally, adaptation strategies must be developed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. It is imperative that governments, businesses, and individuals take responsibility and make environmentally conscious choices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Q.1. Climate change is primarily caused by natural factors.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main contributors to climate change.

Q.2. Rising global temperatures can lead to a decrease in sea levels.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that rising temperatures lead to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, causing sea levels to rise.

Q.3. Climate change has no impact on biodiversity.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that climate change can disrupt ecosystems and lead to the extinction of plant and animal species, which affects biodiversity.

Q.4. Increased temperatures due to climate change have no effect on human health.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that increased temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths, among other health risks.

Q.5. Transitioning to renewable energy sources is not a recommended strategy for addressing climate change.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage emphasizes that transitioning to renewable energy sources is a crucial strategy for addressing climate change.

Example 3:
In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the impact of social media on mental health. Social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, allowing us to connect with friends, share updates, and discover new information. However, studies have indicated that excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on mental well-being.
One of the main issues with social media is its potential to promote feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. The carefully curated profiles and highlight reels of others can lead to social comparison, where individuals compare themselves unfavorably to their peers. This constant exposure to idealized versions of others' lives can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction and a distorted perception of reality.
Moreover, social media can exacerbate the fear of missing out (FOMO). Seeing others engage in exciting activities and events can create a sense of exclusion and make individuals feel like they are not living fulfilling lives. This fear of missing out on experiences can lead to anxiety and stress, as people strive to keep up with the virtual lives of others.
Another concerning aspect of social media is cyberbullying. Online platforms provide a space for individuals to anonymously target and harass others, leading to emotional distress and psychological harm. The anonymity of the internet often emboldens people to say hurtful things they wouldn't say in person, making it a breeding ground for negativity and toxic behavior.
Furthermore, the constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and the pressure to gain validation through likes and comments can contribute to body image issues and disordered eating. Studies have shown a correlation between heavy social media use and negative body image, as individuals strive to attain an unrealistic ideal portrayed online.
Overall, while social media has its advantages in terms of connectivity and information sharing, it is crucial to be mindful of its potential impact on mental health. It is important to strike a balance between online and offline interactions and to prioritize self-care and well-being in the digital age.

Q.1. Excessive use of social media has no impact on mental well-being.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage clearly states that excessive use of social media can have detrimental effects on mental well-being.

Q.2. Social media can contribute to feelings of dissatisfaction and distorted perception of reality.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (a)
The passage mentions that social media can promote feelings of dissatisfaction and a distorted perception of reality.

Q.3. Fear of missing out (FOMO) is not associated with social media use.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage states that social media can exacerbate the fear of missing out (FOMO) by creating a sense of exclusion and anxiety.

Q.4. Cyberbullying is not a concern related to social media.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage highlights cyberbullying as a concerning aspect of social media, where individuals can target and harass others anonymously.

Q.5. Social media has no correlation with body image issues and disordered eating.
(a) True
(b) False
(c) Can’t Tell

Correct Answer is Option (b)
The passage mentions that there is a correlation between heavy social media use and negative body image, indicating that social media can contribute to body image issues and disordered eating.