Verbal Reasoning: Extracting Meaning from EU Texts
What is measured
Verbal reasoning checks whether you can extract meaning from a dense text rather than merely recognise words from it. You must separate the main point from supporting detail, distinguish what is stated from what is implied, and notice logical relations such as cause, contrast and concession. Watch quantifiers ("some", "all", "most", "only") and modality ("may", "must", "is expected to"), because options usually turn on them. Track scope as well: who is the subject? The Commission, an agency, a Member State? A shift of subject is the commonest way a plausible option becomes wrong.
Traps
- Real-world truth that the passage does not support.
- Over-inference: the text says "may", the option says "will".
- Reversal of cause and effect, or of who does what to whom.
- Partial truth: the statement appears in the text but does not answer the question asked, especially with "Which is NOT..." or "EXCEPT".
- Extreme wording ("only", "never", "proves") inside an otherwise reasonable option.
Rule of thumb
For every option, locate the sentence that proves it. If you cannot point to the text, reject it, however sensible it sounds.