Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context 4

Question 1

A manager described a project as 'viable'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Capable of working or succeeding

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Taking effect from a date in the past

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Relating to descriptions and qualities rather than numbers

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Open to more than one interpretation

Answer

'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?

Accepted Answer

Inflicting punishment or severe restrictions

Answer

'Punitive' means intended to punish. A punitive regulation imposes harsh conditions as a penalty.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test