Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context 3

Question 1

A report says the findings are 'inconclusive'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

They do not lead to a definite conclusion

Answer

'Inconclusive' means not leading to a clear or definitive conclusion. Inconclusive findings leave questions unanswered.

Question 2

The new manager was described as 'proactive'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Acting in anticipation of future problems rather than reacting to them

Answer

'Proactive' means taking action in advance to deal with expected difficulties, rather than waiting for problems to arise and reacting.

Question 3

A witness was described as 'credible'. What does this mean in a legal context?

Accepted Answer

Believable and trustworthy

Answer

'Credible' means able to be believed — convincing and trustworthy. A credible witness is one whose account is plausible and reliable.

Question 4

The document described the government's position as 'unequivocal'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Leaving no doubt — completely clear

Answer

'Unequivocal' means leaving no doubt — expressed clearly and without ambiguity. An unequivocal statement means exactly what it says.

Question 5

The survey results were described as 'statistically significant'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The results are unlikely to be due to chance

Answer

'Statistically significant' means there is a low probability the result occurred by chance — it likely reflects a real pattern or effect.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test