UCAT Verbal Reasoning 2

Question 1

Passage: 'Antibiotic resistance is rising globally. Doctors are prescribing fewer antibiotics.' Which conclusion can be drawn?

Accepted Answer

Reduced prescribing alone has not stopped resistance rising

Answer

Antibiotics are now ineffective

Answer

Patients are not taking antibiotics correctly

Answer

Resistance will peak and then fall

Question 2

'Most accidents happen within 5 miles of home.' A driver concludes she is safer driving far from home. What is wrong with this reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Most driving also happens near home, so proximity is not the risk factor

Answer

Accidents are equally distributed everywhere

Answer

Far roads are more dangerous

Answer

She drives faster near home

Question 3

A passage claims that a new drug reduced hospital stays by 2 days on average. A critic notes the control group was healthier. This criticism suggests:

Accepted Answer

The drug's benefit may be overstated due to confounding

Answer

The drug has no effect

Answer

Shorter stays are bad for patients

Answer

The study was fraudulent

Question 4

'Either we invest in renewable energy or we face severe climate consequences.' This argument structure is an example of:

Accepted Answer

False dilemma

Answer

Ad hominem

Answer

Circular reasoning

Answer

Slippery slope

Question 5

A passage states vaccination rates fell and measles cases rose. Which additional piece of evidence would most strengthen a causal claim?

Accepted Answer

In regions with higher vaccination rates, measles cases remained low

Answer

Measles cases also rose in vaccinated individuals

Answer

The measles virus mutated recently

Answer

Health funding was cut at the same time

Question 6

Passage: 'The council banned single-use plastics. Litter on beaches fell by 40%.' The author concludes the ban worked. Which weakens this most?

Accepted Answer

A major beach clean-up campaign also ran during the same period

Answer

Single-use plastics make up 60% of beach litter

Answer

The ban was enforced with fines

Answer

Neighbouring areas saw no change

Passage: 'Antibiotic resistance is rising globally.Doctors are prescribing fewer antibiotics.' Which conclusion can be drawn?

Passage: 'Antibiotic resistance is rising globally.
Doctors are prescribing fewer antibiotics.' Which conclusion can be drawn?