Verbal Reasoning: Comprehension Flashcards

Read the following passage and answer the question below. 'The United Nations has established a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, and peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected – often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another.' Based on the passage, which of the following statements is the most accurate description of the SDGs?

Answer: The SDGs address a broader range of challenges than their predecessors and are interrelated.

The passage explicitly states that the SDGs 'build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas' and that 'the goals are interconnected'. This directly supports the idea that they cover a wider scope and are interrelated.

A memorandum is circulated to all staff in a UN field office: 'Effective immediately, all mission-related travel requests must be submitted through the new online portal at least 14 days prior to the intended departure date. Requests submitted via email or paper form will no longer be processed. This change is mandatory to streamline the approval process and improve tracking.' An administrative assistant, who has been on leave, misses this memo and submits a paper-based travel request for their supervisor 10 days before a scheduled trip. What is the most likely outcome?

Answer: The request will be returned with instructions to resubmit through the online portal.

The memo clearly states that requests submitted via email or paper form 'will no longer be processed' and that the new online system is 'mandatory'. Therefore, the most logical consequence is that the incorrect submission will be rejected and the sender directed to use the correct procedure.

Which of the following is the best definition for the word 'mandate' as it is commonly used in a United Nations context?

Answer: The authority given by the Security Council or General Assembly to a peacekeeping operation or political mission.

In the context of the United Nations, a 'mandate' refers to the official instruction and legal authority, typically from a principal organ like the Security Council, that defines the responsibilities and powers of a mission or operation.

Read the following sentence: 'Despite the logistical challenges, the distribution of humanitarian aid was ______ by the dedicated efforts of local volunteers.' Which word best completes the sentence?

Answer: facilitated

The sentence structure with 'Despite the... challenges' suggests a contrast. The 'dedicated efforts' of volunteers would help, not hinder, the aid distribution. 'Facilitated' means to make an action or process easy or easier, which fits the context perfectly.

A project report states: 'The initial phase of the project was completed on schedule; however, the subsequent phase experienced significant delays due to unforeseen procurement issues. Consequently, the overall project timeline has been extended by three months.' What can be concluded from this statement?

Answer: The project is now expected to finish three months later than originally planned.

The statement explicitly says the 'overall project timeline has been extended by three months' as a consequence of the delays in the subsequent phase. This directly supports the conclusion that the final completion date is now three months later than the initial plan.

Read the passage below and determine the main purpose of the communication. 'This is a reminder to all personnel that the annual mandatory security training must be completed by 31 March. Access to the online course is available through the main staff portal. Please be advised that failure to complete this training by the deadline will result in the temporary suspension of network access. For technical assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk.'

Answer: To inform staff of a required action and the consequence of non-compliance.

The passage's primary function is to remind staff about the mandatory training (a required action), state the deadline, and clearly outline the penalty (suspension of network access) for not meeting the requirement. The other options are secondary details or incorrect interpretations.