Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Reading Comprehension 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Passage: 'The charity raised over £50,000 at its annual gala, exceeding last year's total by 15%.' Which is TRUE?
- The charity raised more money this year than last year (Correct answer)
- The charity raised exactly £50,000
- The charity raised less than last year
- The gala is held every two years
Correct answer: The charity raised more money this year than last year
'Exceeding last year's total by 15%' confirms this year's amount is greater than last year's. Option A is directly supported.
Question 2: Passage: 'While the project was completed on time, it went significantly over budget.' Which is CANNOT SAY?
- The project manager was aware of the budget overrun (Correct answer)
- The project finished by the deadline
- The project cost more than planned
- The project was delayed
Correct answer: The project manager was aware of the budget overrun
The passage tells us about time and budget but gives no information about whether the project manager was aware of anything. This cannot be determined.
Question 3: Passage: 'Staff absence rates fell by 12% following the introduction of flexible working.' Which is TRUE?
- Fewer staff were absent after flexible working was introduced (Correct answer)
- Staff absence increased after flexible working
- Flexible working caused a 12% rise in productivity
- The flexible working policy was introduced last year
Correct answer: Fewer staff were absent after flexible working was introduced
A fall of 12% in absence rates means fewer staff were absent — directly supported by the passage.
Question 4: Passage: 'The new software update is available to premium subscribers only.' Which is FALSE?
- Free users can access the new software update (Correct answer)
- Premium subscribers can access the new update
- The update is not available to all users
- Only paying customers get the update
Correct answer: Free users can access the new software update
The passage says the update is for premium subscribers only, so free users cannot access it. The statement that they can is FALSE.
Question 5: Passage: 'Applications for the scholarship must be submitted by 31 March. Late applications will not be considered.' Which is TRUE?
- Applications submitted after 31 March will be rejected (Correct answer)
- Late applications may be accepted in special circumstances
- The scholarship deadline is flexible
- Applications are accepted year-round
Correct answer: Applications submitted after 31 March will be rejected
The passage explicitly states late applications 'will not be considered,' meaning those after 31 March will be rejected.
Question 6: Passage: 'The museum is closed on Mondays and bank holidays.' It is a Tuesday that is not a bank holiday. Which is TRUE?
- The museum is open (Correct answer)
- The museum is closed
- It cannot be determined if the museum is open
- The museum may be closed for refurbishment
Correct answer: The museum is open
Since the museum only closes on Mondays and bank holidays, and Tuesday is neither, it must be open according to the passage.
Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Reading Comprehension 2
Passage: 'The charity raised over £50,000 at its annual gala, exceeding last year's total by 15%.' Which is TRUE?