UCAT Verbal Reasoning 4

Question 1

A passage states hospitals in city A have better outcomes than hospitals in city B. City A hospitals are larger. The author concludes larger hospitals produce better outcomes. What weakens this?

Accepted Answer

City A is wealthier and has healthier patients on average

Answer

If city A patients are generally healthier (case-mix difference), the hospitals' size is a confounding variable rather than the cause of better outcomes.

Question 2

'This painkiller reduced pain scores by 50% in trials.' A patient concludes it will halve her pain. Which caveat is most important?

Accepted Answer

Trial results are averages — her individual response may differ

Answer

Average trial results do not predict individual outcomes. The patient's pain may reduce by more, less, or not at all depending on her specific condition.

Question 3

Passage: 'Speed cameras reduced accidents at monitored junctions by 30%.' The transport minister announces cameras will be installed everywhere. Which assumption does this require?

Accepted Answer

Cameras will be equally effective at all junctions, not just those already chosen for cameras

Answer

Sites chosen for cameras are often already high-accident locations (regression to the mean risk). Assuming the same reduction everywhere requires the assumption that location type does not matter.

Question 4

A writer argues: 'Since ancient Greeks practised democracy, democracy is the oldest and most natural form of government.' Identify the flaw.

Accepted Answer

Age does not establish that something is natural or best — the argument conflates origin with value

Answer

Arguing from antiquity (appeal to tradition) — the fact that something is old does not make it natural or superior. This is a classic logical fallacy.

Question 5

'Every student who failed the test admitted they had not revised. Therefore, revision guarantees passing.' What is wrong?

Accepted Answer

The evidence only shows that non-revision is associated with failure, not that revision guarantees success

Answer

Knowing non-revision is linked to failure does not establish that revision is sufficient for passing. Other factors may prevent success despite revising.

UCAT Practice Test

UCAT Practice Test

UCAT Verbal Reasoning 4