Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context

Question 1

In the sentence 'The minister made an oblique reference to the scandal', what does 'oblique' mean?

Accepted Answer

Indirect

Answer

'Oblique' means not straightforward — indirect or evasive. An oblique reference avoids naming something directly.

Question 2

The report described the company's financial position as 'precarious'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Unstable and uncertain

Answer

'Precarious' means not securely held — uncertain and potentially dangerous. A precarious financial position is one that could collapse.

Question 3

The manager was described as 'taciturn' during the meeting. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

She said very little

Answer

'Taciturn' means reserved and uncommunicative — habitually saying little. A taciturn person does not volunteer information or engage freely in conversation.

Question 4

The policy was described as 'contentious'. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

Causing disagreement or controversy

Answer

'Contentious' means causing or likely to cause an argument. A contentious policy is one that divides opinion.

Question 5

In the sentence 'The auditors found several discrepancies in the accounts', what does 'discrepancies' mean?

Accepted Answer

Inconsistencies or differences

Answer

'Discrepancies' are differences or inconsistencies between things that should match. In accounts, they suggest figures that do not add up.

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Practice Test

Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test Vocabulary in Context