Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Reading Comprehension Passages

Question 1

Read the following passage: 'The Civil Service Code requires all civil servants to carry out their duties with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service and its core values: integrity, honesty, objectivity, and impartiality.
These values are enshrined in the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010, which placed the Code on a statutory footing for the first time.' According to the passage, when were the core values given a statutory basis?

Accepted Answer

In 2010 through the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act

Answer

When the Civil Service Code was first written

Answer

When the core values were originally defined

Answer

The passage does not mention a specific date

Question 2

Read the following passage: 'The Government Digital Service (GDS) was established to lead the digital transformation of government. Its remit includes setting standards for digital services, operating shared platforms such as GOV.UK, and advising departments on technology procurement. However, individual departments retain responsibility for their own digital strategies and service delivery.' Which statement is TRUE according to the passage?

Accepted Answer

GDS operates shared platforms whilst departments manage their own strategies

Answer

GDS directly manages all departmental digital strategies

Answer

Individual departments have no role in digital service delivery

Answer

GDS only advises on technology procurement

Question 3

Read the following passage: 'The Equality Act 2010 consolidated and replaced previous anti-discrimination legislation in Great Britain. It introduced the concept of protected characteristics, covering age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Public bodies are subject to the Public Sector Equality Duty, which requires them to have due regard to eliminating discrimination and advancing equality of opportunity.' How many protected characteristics are listed in the passage?

Accepted Answer

Nine

Answer

Seven

Answer

Eight

Answer

Ten

Question 4

Read the following passage: 'Flexible working arrangements have become increasingly common across the Civil Service. A 2023 survey found that 72% of civil servants worked from home at least one day per week, compared with 38% before the pandemic. However, some roles — particularly those in operational delivery — require a greater on-site presence. Senior leaders have emphasised that flexibility must be balanced against the need for effective collaboration and service delivery.' What can be concluded from the passage?

Accepted Answer

Flexible working has increased but is not uniformly applied across all roles

Answer

All civil servants now work from home most of the time

Answer

Operational delivery roles are entirely office-based

Answer

Senior leaders oppose flexible working arrangements

Question 5

Read the following passage: 'The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives any person the right to request information held by public authorities. Authorities must respond within 20 working days, either providing the information or explaining why an exemption applies. Some exemptions are absolute, such as information relating to security matters, whilst others are qualified and require a public interest test to determine whether disclosure is appropriate.' According to the passage, what determines whether a qualified exemption prevents disclosure?

Accepted Answer

A public interest test

Answer

The sensitivity of the information

Answer

The decision of the Information Commissioner

Answer

The 20 working day deadline

Question 6

Read the following passage: 'The National Audit Office (NAO) scrutinises public spending for Parliament. It is independent of government and headed by the Comptroller and Auditor General, who is an Officer of the House of Commons. The NAO audits the accounts of all central government departments and a wide range of other public bodies. It also produces value-for-money reports examining whether public funds have been spent efficiently, effectively, and economically.' Which of the following is NOT stated in the passage?

Accepted Answer

The NAO audits local council accounts

Answer

The NAO is independent of government

Answer

The Comptroller and Auditor General heads the NAO

Answer

The NAO produces value-for-money reports