What is Verbal Reasoning in the UCAT?
Verbal Reasoning (VR) questions test your ability to critically evaluate written information and draw logical conclusions. They assess how clearly you think, how you analyse information, and how quickly you make informed decisions. You won’t be expected to use prior knowledge to answer the verbal reasoning UCAT questions.
Have a go at a sample UCAT Verbal Reasoning sample question
Why is Verbal Reasoning important?
It’s a key skill for future doctors and dentists, to be able to understand complex information and clearly and simply communicate this to patients. You need to interpret research and apply this to your own practice, as well as looking at materials through a critical lens to draw conclusions and make informed decisions.
What to expect on test day – You’ll be given eleven passages of text, each around 200–300 words. alongside four related questions.
There are two different question types in Verbal Reasoning subtest:
1- a question or incomplete statement with four answer options where you need to select the most suitable response
2- a question where you need to determine, based on the passage, whether a statement is true, false or you can’t tell.
There are 44 questions in the Verbal Reasoning subtest of the UCAT, and you’ll have just 22 minutes to answer them – which is why it is considered, by far, the most time-pressured UCAT section!
Quick and easy tips for Verbal Reasoning success:
Identify the keywords in your question and scan the passage for those (or their synonyms)
Don’t use your general knowledge (it’s a trap) – the information you need is within the passage!
Practice, practice, practice sample UCAT VR questions to get comfortable!
Tackle Verbal Reasoning practice questions
Practice makes perfect, so dive into 500 free UCAT questions and a mock exam that reflects the subtests, question types and timings of the live test. Work with real examples of Verbal Reasoning UCAT questions, so you know what to expect on exam day. You’ll get a score at the end to track your performance, helping you refine your test skills the more you practice.
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Review and refine
After completing practice questions and mock exams, review your answers to understand mistakes and learn from them. Focus on refining your test-taking strategies and addressing any weak areas.
FAQs - UCAT Verbal Reasoning
What is a good score for verbal reasoning in UCAT?
A good score for verbal reasoning would be above the averages scores, which were 601 in 2024, 591 in 2023 and 576 in 2022.
How to do verbal reasoning in UCAT?
Practice as much as you can using our free UCAT questions and mock exam, as well keeping the following top tips in mind on test day:
Identify the keywords in your question and scan the passage for those (or their synonyms).
Don’t use your general knowledge (it’s a trap) – the information you need is within the passage, and you need to know nothing about the passage topic at all!
Practice, practice, practice sample UCAT VR questions to get comfortable!
Why is Verbal Reasoning (VR) so hard in UCAT?
It’s time pressured and requires you to digest large amounts of information in a very short space of time.
How long is the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section?
There are 44 questions in the subtest, and you’ll have just 22 minutes to answer them – which is why it is considered, by far, the most time-pressured UCAT section!