The Verbal Reasoning subtest of the UCAT is a vital component of your assessment. It evaluates your ability to comprehend and analyse information presented in passages, enabling you to draw accurate conclusions. What sets this subtest apart is that it does not require prior knowledge for answering questions. Let’s explore the significance of Verbal Reasoning and provide you with strategies to excel:

The Importance of Verbal Reasoning in Medical and Dental Professions

Verbal Reasoning skills are indispensable for doctors and dentists in various aspects of their work. Effectively understanding complex information and communicating it clearly to patients is essential. Medical professionals must also interpret findings from published materials, applying them to their own practice. The ability to critically evaluate such materials and draw valid conclusions is vital for their professional development.

Unveiling Verbal Reasoning Questions

In the Verbal Reasoning subtest, you will encounter eleven passages, each accompanied by four questions. The questions fall into two categories:

1. Selection: Choose the most suitable response from four answer options for a given question or incomplete statement.
2. Evaluation: Determine the truth, falsity, or inability to determine the veracity of a statement based on the passage’s information.

Effective Strategies for Verbal Reasoning Success

To excel in Verbal Reasoning, consider the following strategies:

1. Fresh Perspective: The passages may cover unfamiliar topics. Remember, prior knowledge is not relevant. Focus solely on the information presented in the passage.

2. Time Management: Plan your time wisely for this section. Practice speed reading by perusing newspaper articles and extracting key facts quickly. This enhances your reading efficiency.

3. Question First Approach: Some candidates find it helpful to read the question before scanning the passage for the answer. Experiment with different strategies to identify what works best for you.

UCAT Test Time and Question Breakdown

In the Verbal Reasoning subtest, you have 21 minutes to tackle 44 questions associated with 11 reading passages. Allocate your time wisely to ensure you can navigate through the questions effectively.

The Power of Daily Reading and Practice

One of the most effective ways to prepare for Verbal Reasoning is to develop a daily reading habit. Engage with newspapers and non-fiction books, paying attention to arguments and techniques used. Learn to dissect arguments and enhance your reading speed. By dedicating just 15 minutes every day to reading, you will gradually improve your skills, making the Verbal Reasoning section feel manageable when you sit for the UCAT.

Sample Question: Please note that this mimics the exact level of wording, difficulty and grammar as the official UCAT exam.

Question 1: The human body relies on a complex network of organs and systems to maintain optimal functioning. One crucial system is the cardiovascular system, which consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Understanding the functions of each component is vital to comprehending how the cardiovascular system works.

• The heart, a muscular organ, pumps oxygenated blood to various parts of the body through a network of blood vessels. It ensures that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues and organs while removing waste products.
• Blood vessels can be classified into three types: arteries, veins, and capillaries. Arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart, while veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Capillaries are tiny, thin-walled vessels that enable the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials between the blood and surrounding tissues.
• Blood, a vital fluid, transports essential substances throughout the body. It consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen, while white blood cells help fight infections. Plasma contains various proteins and nutrients, and platelets aid in blood clotting.

Considering the passage, which of the following statements can be deduced?

A. Capillaries are responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to tissues and organs. 

B. Veins carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart. 

C. Plasma primarily carries oxygen to various parts of the body. 

D. White blood cells play a role in blood clotting.

Question 2:

Communication plays a fundamental role in human interactions. It encompasses both verbal and non-verbal forms of expression, enabling the exchange of ideas, emotions, and information. Understanding the different aspects of communication is crucial in navigating social interactions effectively.

1. Verbal communication involves the use of spoken or written words to convey messages. It encompasses conversations, speeches, presentations, and written documents. The clarity, tone, and choice of words greatly influence the effectiveness of verbal communication.

2. Non-verbal communication refers to the transmission of information through gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other non-linguistic cues. These subtle cues often convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions, complementing or contradicting the verbal messages being expressed.

3. Active listening is a vital component of effective communication. It involves fully concentrating on and understanding the speaker’s message, responding appropriately, and providing feedback. Active listening enhances understanding and fosters meaningful dialogue.

Considering the passage, which of the following statements can be deduced?

A. Non-verbal communication is solely based on spoken or written words. 

B. The effectiveness of verbal communication is solely determined by the choice of words. 

C. Active listening is essential for effective communication. 

D. Verbal communication does not involve facial expressions or body language.

Question 1

Correct response: B

Option B is correct because the passage states that veins return deoxygenated blood back to the heart. This implies that veins carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart.

Option A is incorrect as the passage mentions that capillaries enable the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials between the blood and surrounding tissues, but it does not specifically state that capillaries deliver oxygenated blood to tissues and organs.

Option C is incorrect as plasma contains various proteins and nutrients, but it does not primarily carry oxygen to various parts of the body.

Option D is incorrect because the passage states that white blood cells help fight infections but does not mention their role in blood clotting.

Question 2

Correct response: C

Option C is correct because the passage states that active listening is a vital component of effective communication. This implies that active listening is essential for effective communication.

Option A is incorrect as the passage specifically mentions that non-verbal communication includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, and other non-linguistic cues. It is not solely based on spoken or written words.

Option B is incorrect because while the passage mentions that the clarity, tone, and choice of words influence the effectiveness of verbal communication, it does not state that the choice of words solely determines its effectiveness.

Option D is incorrect as the passage clearly states that non-verbal communication involves gestures, facial expressions, and body language, indicating that verbal communication does involve these aspects.

The Decision Making subtest of the UCAT evaluates your ability to apply logic, analyse statistical information, and reach sound conclusions. This section is specifically designed to assess the skills essential for doctors and dentists, who frequently encounter complex scenarios requiring effective decision-making, risk assessment, and uncertainty management.

What to Expect in Decision Making?

In this subtest, you will face a total of 29 questions that may involve text, charts, tables, graphs, or diagrams. Each question stands alone and does not share data with others. Some questions will provide you with four answer options, where only one is correct. Others will require you to respond to five statements by indicating ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each statement.

The question formats in the Decision Making subtest are diverse, encompassing logical puzzles, syllogisms, and Venn diagrams. It is important to note that you do not need prior knowledge of specific mathematical or logical reasoning terminology to answer the questions. However, there are definitions for common Decision Making terms if you would like to familiarise yourself with them.

During the test, you will have access to a simple on-screen calculator and may need to utilise your notebook and pen to aid in problem-solving.

Strategies for Success in Decision Making

To optimise your performance in this subtest, consider the following strategies:

1. Identify question types: Recognise the types of questions that you find most challenging. By flagging these for review, you can answer the easier questions first, allowing you to manage your time more efficiently.

2. Visualise and notate: Take advantage of your notebook and pen to write out or draw the information provided in the question. This technique can help you better understand and analyse the given data.

3. Familiarise with question format: Some questions may require you to ‘drag and drop’ the correct response. Practice this functionality by exploring the Tour Tutorial.

4. Strengthen mathematical skills: Review concepts related to probability and Venn diagrams, as they frequently appear in Decision Making questions.

5. Evaluate arguments objectively: Certain items will ask you to assess arguments for and against a specific solution. To reach the strongest conclusion, it is crucial to suspend your own beliefs and analyse the arguments impartially.

Sample Question: Please note that this mimics the exact level of wording, difficulty and grammar as the official UCAT exam.

Syllogisms

Questions 1 :In a company, all employees must be assigned to at least two departments out of Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources. No employee is assigned to all three departments.

Place ‘Yes’ if the conclusion does follow. Place ‘No’ if the conclusion does not follow.

No employee is assigned to only Marketing. Yes/No

All of the employees are assigned to 2 departments. Yes/No

More employees than not are assigned to Finance. Yes/No

More employees than not are assigned to three departments. Yes/No

At least one employee is assigned to the same pair of departments as another employee. Yes/No

Logic Puzzles

Questions 2:

I have a collection of books on my bookshelf.

The red book is a mystery novel. 

The green book is a fantasy novel. 

The blue book is a science fiction novel. 

The yellow book is a romance novel. 

The purple book is a poetry collection.

Which one of the following MUST be true?

A. The red book is the longest book on the shelf. 

B. The green book is next to the blue book. 

C. The yellow book is the shortest book on the shelf. 

D. The purple book is the only book written by a famous author.

Recognising Assumptions

Question 3:Is technology more beneficial than harmful for society?

Select the strongest argument from the statements below.

A. Yes, technology has greatly improved communication and connectivity among people. 

B. Yes, technological advancements have led to significant medical breakthroughs and improved healthcare. 

C. No, technology has caused increased social isolation and decreased face-to-face interaction. 

D. No, technology has led to an overreliance on machines and reduced human capabilities.

Interpreting Information

Question 4: The growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has sparked a debate on their environmental impact and practicality. Proponents argue that EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system. They also highlight advancements in EV technology, such as longer battery life and expanding charging infrastructure. Critics, however, contend that the production and disposal of EV batteries contribute to environmental harm, and limited charging infrastructure hinders their widespread adoption.

Place ‘Yes’ if the conclusion does follow. Place ‘No’ if the conclusion does not follow.

EVs are completely emission-free. Yes/No 

EVs are more cost-effective than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Yes/No 

EVs have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles. Yes/No

The environmental impact of EVs outweighs the benefits. Yes/No 

The demand for EVs will surpass that of traditional vehicles in the near future. Yes/No

Venn Diagrams

Question 5: In a school’s science fair, there are a total of 60 participants who are either students or teachers. Among the participants, there are twice as many students as there are teachers. Additionally, 40% of the students are female, while only 30% of the teachers are female.

How many male students are participating in the science fair?

A. 15 

B. 20 

C. 25 

D. 30

Probabilistic and Statistical Reasoning

Question 6: A bakery offers a variety of cakes with different flavors. Each cake can have up to 4 different fillings. The bakery decides to introduce a new filling option.

How many additional unique cake combinations can the bakery offer with the new filling?

A. Yes, because there will be 14 additional combinations from 3 + 4 + 6 + 1. 

B. Yes, because there will be 9 additional combinations from 13 – 4. 

C. No, there will be 3 additional combinations since there are a total of 4 fillings. 

D. No, there will be 10 additional combinations from 2 + 4 + 3 + 1.

Question 1

Answer Rationale

1st conclusion – Does follow because “all employees must be assigned to at least two departments.” 2nd conclusion – Does follow because all employees are assigned to 2 departments. 3rd conclusion – Does not follow because there is no information in the statements to support this. 4th conclusion – Does not follow because we cannot conclude if there are any employees assigned to all three departments. 5th conclusion – Does follow because if multiple employees are assigned to at least two departments, it is likely that at least one pair of employees will share the same pair of departments.

Question 2

Answer Rationale

Correct response: C

From the information given, we can deduce that each book on the shelf belongs to a different genre. However, there is no specific information provided regarding the length of each book, the positioning of the green book relative to the blue book, or the fame of the author of the purple book.

Therefore, the only statement that MUST be true based on the given information is that the yellow book is the shortest book on the shelf.

Question 3 

Answer Rationale

A is correct because it presents a strong argument highlighting the positive impact of technology on communication and connectivity. B is incorrect because while it emphasises the positive outcomes of technological advancements in healthcare, it does not directly address the overall impact of technology on society. C is incorrect because it focuses solely on the negative effects of technology on social interaction, without considering potential benefits. D is incorrect because it presents a broad statement about technology’s impact on human capabilities without providing specific evidence or counterarguments.

Therefore, the strongest argument is A, as it presents a clear and positive outcome of technology that benefits society.

Question 4

Answer Rationale

1st conclusion – Does not follow because the passage does not state that EVs are completely emission-free. While they do reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the process of producing electricity to charge the vehicles can still result in emissions depending on the energy source. 

2nd conclusion – Does not follow because the passage does not provide information about the cost-effectiveness of EVs compared to traditional vehicles. Cost-effectiveness depends on various factors such as upfront costs, maintenance, and fuel prices. 

3rd conclusion – Does follow because the passage states that EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional vehicles. 

4th conclusion – Does not follow because the passage presents contrasting arguments and does not explicitly state that the environmental impact outweighs the benefits or vice versa. It highlights both positive and negative aspects of EVs. 

5th conclusion – Does not follow because the passage does not provide information or predictions about the future demand for EVs compared to traditional vehicles.

The rationale considers the information presented in the passage to determine whether the conclusions can be logically derived from it.

Question 5

Answer Rationale

Correct response: C

Given that there are twice as many students as teachers, let’s assume the number of teachers is T. Therefore, the number of students would be 2T. Among the students, 40% are female, so the number of female students would be 40% of 2T, which is 0.4 * 2T = 0.8T. Among the teachers, 30% are female, so the number of female teachers would be 30% of T, which is 0.3T. To find the number of male students, we subtract the number of female students from the total number of students: 2T – 0.8T = 1.2T. Since the total number of participants is 60, we have T + 2T = 60, which simplifies to 3T = 60 and T = 20. Therefore, the number of male students is 1.2T = 1.2 * 20 = 24.

The rationale considers the given information about the ratio of students to teachers and the percentages of female students and teachers to determine the number of male students participating in the science fair.

Question 6

Answer Rationale

Correct response: B

If we consider the original fillings as A, B, C, and D, there would be a total of 13 possible combinations (A, B, C, D, AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, CD, ABC, ABD, ACD, BCD). By introducing a new filling option E, we can create additional combinations by adding E to each of the existing combinations: AE, BE, CE, DE, ABE, ACE, ADE, BCE, BDE, CDE. This results in 9 additional unique cake combinations.

The rationale considers the original combinations of fillings and determines the number of additional combinations that can be created by introducing a new filling option.

The Quantitative Reasoning subtest in the UCAT evaluates your ability to utilise numerical skills in problem-solving scenarios. It assumes a familiarity with numbers comparable to a strong performance in GCSE exams. However, the focus is more on problem-solving rather than mere numerical calculations. It entails knowing how to extract relevant information, apply simple calculations, and work with ratios to solve problems effectively.

Why is Quantitative Reasoning Important?

Professionals in the medical and dental fields frequently encounter situations where they must analyse and apply data. Accurate drug calculations based on patient characteristics such as weight and age are essential for safe practice. Furthermore, the ability to interpret and assess complex statistical information is crucial in medical and dental research. Universities seeking applicants want to ensure their aptitude to handle such scenarios effectively.

Quantitative Reasoning Questions

During this subtest, you will be presented with problems that require extracting pertinent information from tables and other numerical presentations. Most questions are part of a set of four interconnected questions that share the same data. However, there are also standalone questions that do not rely on shared data. Each question provides five answer options, with only one correct response.

To facilitate your calculations, a user-friendly on-screen calculator is available. It is integrated into the practice tests, and we highly recommend familiarising yourself with its functionality.

Strategies for Quantitative Reasoning

To excel in the Quantitative Reasoning subtest, consider the following strategies:

1. Time management is crucial, so pace yourself throughout the test. Assess your progress halfway through and adjust your speed accordingly.
2. Read each question carefully, as individual words and units may hold critical information for answering correctly.
3. Aim to comprehend the question being asked first. This will help you quickly identify the relevant aspects of the presented scenario.
4. Utilise the provided notebook and pen to assist with calculations and keep track of your work.
5. Identify any gaps in your mathematical skills and review areas where you may struggle, such as percentages, averages, ratios, and fractions. Refresh your understanding of these calculations if needed.
6. If you encounter a challenging question, eliminate obviously incorrect answers and make an educated guess.
7. Practice mental arithmetic to enhance your speed and reduce reliance on the calculator, thereby improving your overall efficiency.
8. When using the UCAT calculator, turn on ‘Number-lock’ and use the number keypad on the computer keyboard for faster use.

The table below shows the distances in kilometres between different cities:

The rule for converting distances in kilometres to miles is to multiply the distance in kilometres by 0.6214.

What is the difference in miles between the distance from City A to City C and the distance from City B to City D?

68. 68.57 miles
69. 86.28 miles
70. 99.93 miles
71. 124.42 miles
72. 136.13 miles

Answer Rationale

Correct response: B

Distance from City A to City C = 180 km

180 km x 0.6214 = 111.768 miles

Distance from City B to City D = 220 km

220 km x 0.6214 = 136.428 miles

Difference in miles = 136.428 miles – 111.768 miles = 24.66 miles ≈ 86.28 miles

Therefore, the difference in miles between the distance from City A to City C and the distance from City B to City D is approximately 86.28 miles.

Abstract Reasoning is a crucial component of the UCAT exam that evaluates your ability to recognise patterns among abstract shapes, even when irrelevant or distracting elements are present. This test assesses your aptitude for critical evaluation, hypothesis generation, and the ability to question judgments during the problem-solving process.

Why is Abstract Reasoning important? 

In medical practice, professionals often encounter sets of symptoms or test results where some information is more reliable, relevant, and clearer than others. Doctors and dentists must make informed judgments based on this information to reach accurate diagnoses. Additionally, conducting research in healthcare often involves identifying patterns within data to generate further hypotheses.

Abstract Reasoning Questions

During the exam, you will be presented with questions related to sets of shapes. Most questions are presented in sets of five, all connected to the same group of shapes. However, there are also stand alone questions. Each question offers three or four answer options, and you are required to select only one response.

There are four different question types in the Abstract Reasoning subtest. You may be asked to:

• Determine if a given test shape belongs to Shape Set A, Shape Set B, or Neither.
• Select the next shape in a series.
• Identify the shape that completes a given statement.
• Decide which shape belongs to a specific Shape Set.

Strategies for Abstract Reasoning

To excel in this section, it is important to adopt effective strategies:

• Manage your time wisely, as it can be challenging. If you cannot identify a pattern, flag the questions and move on to the next set of shapes. You can revisit them if time permits.
• For questions involving two sets of shapes, allocate time at the beginning of each set to review both Set A and Set B. Recognising the common link between shapes in each set will help you ignore distracting elements.
• Consider patterns related to size, shape, number, sides, shading, color, symmetry, angles, position, and direction. Although it may initially seem complicated, examining the shapes will help you grasp which aspects require your focus.
• Create an acronym to remember common rules and jot it down at the start of the subtest.

We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, requiring you to reschedule or cancel your UCAT test appointment. Rest assured, UCAT provide options to accommodate your needs while ensuring a seamless testing experience. Here’s everything you need to know:

Rescheduling or Cancelling Made Easy

Through your UCAT account, you have the flexibility to reschedule or cancel your test centre appointment, provided you provide appropriate notice. To avoid any inconvenience, please make changes a full 24 hours before your scheduled test. By doing so, you can avoid additional fees for rescheduling. Please note that availability for rescheduling during the last two weeks of testing may be extremely limited.

Booking Closed? No Worries!

If you find yourself needing to reschedule or cancel your test after the booking deadline has passed (12 noon BST on 21 September), simply reach out to Pearson VUE Customer Services via phone. They will assist you in making the necessary changes to your test appointment. Please remember that cancellation or rescheduling requests cannot be accommodated through email.

Missed Your Test? Stay Positive!

In the event that you miss your test without cancelling or rescheduling in time, we understand that circumstances can sometimes be beyond your control. However, it’s important to note that refunds are not eligible for missed tests. We encourage you to stay positive, learn from the experience, and take advantage of the next available testing opportunity to showcase your abilities.

Make the Most of Your UCAT Experience

Explore our comprehensive resources and stay informed about all aspects of the UCAT. Take advantage of the support available to help you achieve your best performance on test day. Remember, a slight change in plans should never deter you from reaching your goals. Trust in your abilities, adapt to the circumstances, and excel in your UCAT journey.  We can help you perform your best with our comprehensive UCAT mentoring!

Situational Judgement is an essential component of the UCAT exam that measures your ability to understand real-world scenarios and identify critical factors, as well as appropriate behaviors to handle them. It’s important to note that these questions do not require medical or procedural knowledge.

Why is Situational Judgement important? 

This test evaluates qualities such as integrity, perspective-taking, team involvement, resilience, and adaptability, which are crucial for success in medical and dental fields. Situational Judgement Tests (SJT) are widely used in the selection process for various medical professions, including Foundation Doctors, Dentists, GPs, and other specialties.

Situational Judgement Questions

During the exam, you will be presented with hypothetical scenarios set in clinical or educational training environments relevant to a medical or dental career. Each scenario may be associated with up to six questions.

Strategies for Situational Judgement

To excel in this section, consider the following strategies:

• Thoroughly read each scenario and response before providing an answer.
• Be aware that there are different question styles in this subtest, so carefully read the instructions to understand the task at hand.
• Remember that within a scenario, each rating can be used more than once or not at all. For example, all answer options may be given the same rating of “very appropriate.”
• Focus on what an individual should do rather than what they may be likely to do.
• Treat each answer option independently and make a judgment based on its appropriateness or importance within the given scenario.

UCAT Test Time

Situational Judgement consists of:

• 26 minutes for answering questions (plus 1 minute for instructions).
• 69 questions associated with various scenarios, with up to 6 questions per scenario.

Additional Preparation Tips

• Understand that the answer options provided may not cover all possibilities. The most appropriate or important response you have in mind might not be among the options.
• Consider both short-term and long-term implications when evaluating answer options.
• When deciding on the most and least appropriate actions, remember that all possible options may be valid actions. The question is asking you to prioritise or rank the actions.

If you find Situational Judgement challenging, reading the General Medical Council (GMC) guidance on “Good Medical Practice” can be helpful during your preparation. Previous high-scoring candidates have found it beneficial to apply the general principles from these documents to the scenarios presented in the questions.

Sample Question: Please note that this mimics the exact level of wording, difficulty and grammar as the official UCAT exam.

Sarah, a newly licensed nurse, is working in a busy emergency department. Due to a sudden influx of patients, the department is understaffed, and the nurses are overwhelmed with multiple critical cases. A patient arrives with a severe allergic reaction, and Sarah’s supervisor asks her to administer an emergency medication. Sarah, however, has never administered this medication before and feels unsure about her competence in handling such a critical situation.

How important is it for Sarah to consider the following factors when deciding how to respond to the situation?

Her lack of experience in administering the emergency medication. 

A. Very important 

B. Important 

C. Of minor importance 

D. Not important at all

Answer Rationale

Correct response: A

It is very important for Sarah to consider her lack of experience in administering the emergency medication. As a newly licensed nurse, she should always be honest about her skills and knowledge, especially in critical situations. If Sarah feels uncertain about her competence, it is crucial for her to communicate this to her supervisor and seek guidance or assistance from a more experienced nurse. Patient safety is of utmost importance, and administering a medication without the necessary skills and confidence could potentially jeopardize the patient’s well-being.

Nurses should always work within the limits of their competence and seek help or additional training when faced with unfamiliar situations. By acknowledging her lack of experience and seeking guidance, Sarah can ensure the best possible care for the patient and maintain professional standards.

It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize their limitations and prioritize patient safety above all else. Open communication and collaboration with colleagues are key in delivering optimal care. Sarah should take this opportunity to learn and grow in her role, while also ensuring the well-being of her patients.