Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A manager described a project as 'viable'. What does this mean?
- Capable of working or succeeding (Correct answer)
- Too expensive
- Legally approved
- Already completed
Correct answer: Capable of working or succeeding
'Viable' means capable of working successfully — feasible and practical. A viable project is one that can realistically be done.
Question 2: The policy was described as 'retrospective'. What does this mean?
- Taking effect from a date in the past (Correct answer)
- Applying from today forward
- Under review
- Recently introduced
Correct answer: Taking effect from a date in the past
'Retrospective' means looking back or applying to the past. A retrospective policy affects things that happened before it was introduced.
Question 3: In a report, data was described as 'qualitative'. What does this mean?
- Relating to descriptions and qualities rather than numbers (Correct answer)
- Based on numerical measurements
- Statistically verified
- Collected from a large sample
Correct answer: Relating to descriptions and qualities rather than numbers
'Qualitative' data is descriptive — it deals with characteristics, qualities, and categories rather than numbers. The opposite is quantitative data.
Question 4: The spokesperson gave an 'ambiguous' response. What does this mean?
- Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
- Extremely clear
- Deliberately evasive
- Factually incorrect
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
'Ambiguous' means open to multiple interpretations — unclear or uncertain. An ambiguous response could be understood in more than one way.
Question 5: The new regulation was described as 'punitive'. What does this mean?
- Inflicting punishment or severe restrictions (Correct answer)
- Offering financial incentives
- Rewarding compliance
- Encouraging voluntary change
Correct answer: Inflicting punishment or severe restrictions
'Punitive' means intended to punish. A punitive regulation imposes harsh conditions as a penalty.
Question 6: The council's approach was described as 'consultative'. What does this mean?
- Seeking the views and advice of others before deciding (Correct answer)
- Making decisions without input
- Legally binding on all parties
- Based on expert opinion only
Correct answer: Seeking the views and advice of others before deciding
'Consultative' means seeking the input and views of relevant people. A consultative process involves stakeholders before a final decision is made.
Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context 4
A manager described a project as 'viable'.
What does this mean?