Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Reading Comprehension 3

Question 1

Passage: 'The government aims to plant 30 million trees by 2030. So far, 8 million have been planted.' Which is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

22 million trees remain to be planted

Answer

30 million minus 8 million equals 22 million trees remaining. Both options A and D are correct in meaning, but D is the most precise and directly calculable statement.

Question 2

Passage: 'All delegates attending the conference must register in advance. Walk-in registrations are not permitted.' Which is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

You cannot attend the conference without registering beforehand

Answer

'Must register in advance' and 'walk-in registrations not permitted' together confirm you cannot attend without prior registration.

Question 3

Passage: 'Unemployment in the region fell to 4.2% in June, down from 5.1% in January.' Which is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Unemployment decreased between January and June

Answer

Falling from 5.1% to 4.2% is a decrease. Option A is directly supported by the passage.

Question 4

Passage: 'The building was constructed in 1887 and is Grade II listed.' Which is CANNOT SAY?

Accepted Answer

The building has been renovated since 1887

Answer

The passage does not mention any renovation. Whether or not it has been renovated cannot be determined from the text.

Question 5

Passage: 'Speed cameras were installed on the road in March. In April, speeding incidents dropped by 40%.' Which is CANNOT SAY?

Accepted Answer

The speed cameras caused the drop in speeding

Answer

Correlation does not imply causation. The passage shows a sequence of events but does not state that cameras caused the drop. This cannot be determined.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Reading Comprehension 3