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Question 1Verbal reasoning

A competition notice states: 'All candidates who submit their application before 1 March will be invited to sit the written test.' Marta submits on 20 February. Which conclusion follows necessarily from the notice?

  1. Marta's submission date is irrelevant to the invitation.
  2. Marta will be invited only if places remain.
  3. Marta may be invited only if her file is complete.
  4. Marta will be invited to sit the written test. Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states a condition that is sufficient: submitting before 1 March guarantees an invitation. No additional conditions are mentioned, so the guarantee applies to Marta without qualification.

Question 2Verbal reasoning

Read the short passage: 'The committee reviewed twelve proposals. Eight were rejected on formal grounds; the remaining four were sent to external reviewers.' How many proposals went to external reviewers?

  1. Six
  2. Eight
  3. Twelve
  4. Four Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage states that twelve proposals were reviewed and eight were rejected, leaving the remainder to be sent out. Subtracting eight from twelve gives four, which matches the figure given in the text.

Question 3Verbal reasoning

A memo says: 'Staff may use the car park only if they hold a valid permit.' Luca uses the car park. What can be inferred about Luca?

  1. Luca works in the building next door.
  2. Luca applied for a permit but was refused.
  3. Luca holds a valid permit. Correct answer.
  4. Luca parked there before the rule was introduced.

Explanation

'Only if' introduces a necessary condition: holding a permit is required for using the car park. Since Luca is using the car park, the necessary condition must be satisfied.

Question 4Verbal reasoning

Which word, inserted in the blank, best completes the sentence so that it expresses a contrast? 'The report was thorough; ____, several of its recommendations were impractical.'

  1. however Correct answer.
  2. consequently
  3. therefore
  4. moreover

Explanation

The two clauses pull in opposite directions: thoroughness is positive, impracticality is negative, so a contrast marker is needed. 'However' signals contrast, whereas the other three signal consequence or addition.

Question 5Verbal reasoning

A notice reads: 'Applicants must provide two references. References must be dated within the last six months.' Ana's first reference is dated seven months ago; her second is dated two months ago. What does the notice require?

  1. The rule applies only to the second reference.
  2. Both references are acceptable because one is recent.
  3. Both references must be replaced.
  4. Only the older reference fails the requirement. Correct answer.

Explanation

The requirement applies to each reference individually, so each must fall inside the six-month window. Only the seven-month-old reference breaches it.

Question 6Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses 'principal' correctly for the meaning 'main or most important'?

  1. The principal reason for the delay was a shortage of staff. Correct answer.
  2. She principal her argument on new evidence.
  3. The principal of the loan was repaid in monthly instalments.
  4. He was appointed principal of the school in September.

Explanation

As an adjective meaning 'main', 'principal' modifies a noun such as 'reason'. The other sentences use the word either as a noun with a different meaning or in a role it cannot grammatically fill.

Question 7Verbal reasoning

A team leader writes: 'The deadline has been moved to Friday.' A team member replies: 'So we have two extra days.' The original deadline was Wednesday. Is the reply accurate?

  1. No, because the reply misunderstands the direction of the change.
  2. Yes, because the deadline was brought forward.
  3. Yes, because Friday follows Wednesday by two days. Correct answer.
  4. No, because moving from Wednesday to Friday adds two days.

Explanation

Wednesday to Friday is a two-day extension, so the member's arithmetic is right. The reply correctly treats the change as a postponement rather than an acceleration.

Question 8Verbal reasoning

Which option best restates the claim 'Not every proposal was accepted' without changing its meaning?

  1. Some proposals were not accepted. Correct answer.
  2. Every proposal was rejected.
  3. No proposal was accepted.
  4. Most proposals were accepted.

Explanation

'Not every' denies universality, which is equivalent to saying at least one item falls outside the accepted group. It does not specify how many, so only the existential restatement preserves the meaning.

Question 9Verbal reasoning

A policy states: 'Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate for hours worked beyond 35 in a week.' Rui works 40 hours at an hourly rate of 20. What is his gross pay for the week?

  1. 800
  2. 900
  3. 850 Correct answer.
  4. 700

Explanation

The first 35 hours are paid at the base rate: 35 × 20 = 700. The five overtime hours are paid at 1.5 × 20 = 30 each, giving 150. The total is 850.

Question 10Verbal reasoning

Passage: 'Although the pilot scheme reduced waiting times, uptake remained low, and the board concluded that the scheme had failed to address the underlying problem.' Which statement is best supported?

  1. The board judged the scheme inadequate despite one positive result. Correct answer.
  2. The board considered waiting times irrelevant.
  3. Uptake was low because waiting times fell.
  4. The scheme was abandoned because waiting times rose.

Explanation

The passage concedes a benefit (shorter waits) but reports that the board still found the scheme wanting. The best-supported statement captures this mixed verdict.

Question 11Verbal reasoning

A rule reads: 'Candidates with fewer than three years' experience must attend the induction course; those with three or more years may attend if they wish.' Nadia has exactly three years' experience. What applies to her?

  1. She must attend the induction course.
  2. Her attendance depends on her manager's decision.
  3. She may attend the course if she chooses. Correct answer.
  4. She is barred from the induction course.

Explanation

The mandatory rule covers only those with fewer than three years, so Nadia falls outside it. She enters the second category, where attendance is optional.

Question 12Verbal reasoning

Which sentence is free of ambiguity in its reference?

  1. Meeting the auditor, concerns about the schedule were raised by her.
  2. The manager met the auditor and she raised concerns.
  3. When the manager met the auditor, she raised concerns about the schedule.
  4. The manager raised concerns about the schedule when meeting the auditor. Correct answer.

Explanation

Only the second sentence makes clear who raised the concerns by placing the manager as the subject of the main clause. The others leave the pronoun 'she' or 'her' without a single clear referent.

Question 13Verbal reasoning

A table lists three projects with budgets: Alpha 40, Beta 25, Gamma 35 (thousands). Alpha's budget is later cut by 20 per cent. What proportion of the revised total do Alpha and Gamma together represent?

  1. About 65 per cent
  2. About 58 per cent
  3. About 72 per cent Correct answer.
  4. About 80 per cent

Explanation

Alpha falls to 32, so the revised total is 32 + 25 + 35 = 92. Alpha and Gamma together are 67, and 67 ÷ 92 is roughly 0.728, or about 72 per cent.

Question 14Verbal reasoning

A memo says: 'Unless the fire doors are checked weekly, insurance cover may be invalidated.' Which situation would breach the memo's condition?

  1. Fire doors checked fortnightly and a claim refused. Correct answer.
  2. Fire doors checked weekly but a claim rejected for another reason.
  3. Fire doors checked weekly and insurance valid.
  4. Fire doors checked weekly and a claim approved.

Explanation

'Unless P, Q' means that if P does not happen, Q may follow. Checking fortnightly means the weekly condition is not met, so the risk described in the memo arises.

Question 15Verbal reasoning

Which option best captures the function of the underlined phrase in: 'The figures, which were revised twice, remain provisional.'?

  1. It contradicts the main clause.
  2. It states the cause of the revision.
  3. It adds non-essential information about the figures. Correct answer.
  4. It restricts which figures are meant.

Explanation

A clause set off by commas and introduced by 'which' is non-defining: it comments on the noun rather than identifying which one. The main assertion stands without it.

Question 16Verbal reasoning

A survey of 200 employees found that 60 per cent use public transport, and of those, one third cycle to the station. How many employees cycle to the station?

  1. 80
  2. 20
  3. 40 Correct answer.
  4. 60

Explanation

Sixty per cent of 200 is 120 employees using public transport. One third of 120 is 40.

Question 17Verbal reasoning

Passage: 'The author argues that remote work has not reduced total travel; it has merely redistributed it, shifting trips from commutes to leisure journeys.' Which claim would the author most likely endorse?

  1. Commuting has increased since remote work began.
  2. Leisure travel is unrelated to remote work.
  3. Total distance travelled has stayed broadly similar. Correct answer.
  4. Remote work eliminates the need for transport infrastructure.

Explanation

If travel is redistributed rather than reduced, the aggregate amount remains roughly constant while its purpose changes. That is exactly the claim the author's argument supports.

Question 18Verbal reasoning

Which sentence correctly uses 'fewer' rather than 'less'?

  1. There were fewer traffic delays after the new lane opened. Correct answer.
  2. The team spent less hours on the task.
  3. Fewer attention was paid to the risks.
  4. We have less options than last year.

Explanation

'Fewer' applies to countable plural nouns such as delays, while 'less' applies to uncountable quantities. Only the first sentence pairs the countable noun with the correct form.

Question 19Verbal reasoning

A contract clause says: 'The supplier shall deliver by 30 June, provided that payment has been received.' Payment arrives on 28 June but the supplier delivers on 2 July. What is the most accurate reading?

  1. The supplier breached the delivery date; the proviso does not excuse it. Correct answer.
  2. The buyer caused the delay by paying on 28 June.
  3. The clause is void because payment came close to the deadline.
  4. The supplier complied because payment was late.

Explanation

The proviso makes timely payment a precondition for the obligation, and payment was indeed made before 30 June. The supplier therefore had to deliver by 30 June and missed the date.

Question 20Verbal reasoning

Which pair of words is related in the same way as 'scarce : abundant'?

  1. Cautious : careful
  2. Rapid : swift
  3. Transparent : opaque Correct answer.
  4. Fragile : delicate

Explanation

'Scarce' and 'abundant' are opposites, so the matching pair must also be antonymous. 'Transparent' and 'opaque' are opposites, whereas the other pairs are near-synonyms.

Question 21Verbal reasoning

A report states: 'Sales rose in every region except the north, where they fell by 4 per cent; overall sales nonetheless increased.' Which inference is valid?

  1. The growth outside the north outweighed the northern decline. Correct answer.
  2. The northern region accounts for most sales.
  3. Sales in the north were unchanged.
  4. The northern decline caused overall sales to fall.

Explanation

For the total to rise while one region fell, the gains elsewhere must have more than offset the loss. That is the only inference the figures support.

Question 22Verbal reasoning

A notice says: 'Only those who have completed the safety module, and who have not previously failed the practical assessment, may retake the exam.' Sam has completed the safety module and previously failed the practical. What follows?

  1. Sam's eligibility depends on the exam date.
  2. Sam may retake the exam because the module is complete.
  3. Sam may not retake the exam under this rule. Correct answer.
  4. Sam may retake only after repeating the module.

Explanation

Both conditions are stated as jointly necessary: completion of the module and no prior practical failure. Sam satisfies the first but fails the second, so the permission does not apply.

Question 23Verbal reasoning

Passage: 'Critics claim the reform was rushed. Its supporters reply that speed was unavoidable given the statutory deadline, and that a delayed reform would have cost more than an imperfect one.' Which statement best identifies the point at issue?

  1. Whether the reform was legally required.
  2. Whether speed justified the reform's imperfections. Correct answer.
  3. Whether the critics drafted the statute.
  4. Whether the reform has been evaluated.

Explanation

The critics attack the pace; the supporters concede the pace but argue it was justified by the deadline and the cost of delay. The disagreement is about whether that justification holds.

Question 24Verbal reasoning

Three colleagues-Ines, Kofi and Lena-each speak exactly one of French, German and Spanish, all different. Ines does not speak German. Kofi speaks Spanish. Who speaks German?

  1. Kofi
  2. Cannot be determined
  3. Ines
  4. Lena Correct answer.

Explanation

Kofi has Spanish, so German and French remain for Ines and Lena. Ines cannot have German, so she must have French, leaving German for Lena.

Question 25Verbal reasoning

A clause reads: 'The tenant shall not assign the lease without the landlord's written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.' A landlord refuses consent because the proposed assignee is a competitor. What is the strongest reading?

  1. The tenant may assign without consent in these circumstances.
  2. The clause prevents any assignment absolutely.
  3. The refusal may breach the clause because the reason is unrelated to the assignee's suitability. Correct answer.
  4. The refusal is valid because consent is discretionary.

Explanation

The proviso limits the landlord's discretion by prohibiting unreasonable withholding. Refusing solely because the assignee competes with the landlord is unlikely to count as a reasonable ground tied to the lease.

Question 26Verbal reasoning

In a selection report, a reviewer writes: 'The candidate's argument was economical, presenting only the evidence needed to support each conclusion.' In this context, what does 'economical' most nearly mean?

  1. Cautious about committing to any conclusion
  2. Concise and sparing in the use of material Correct answer.
  3. Cheap to produce in financial terms
  4. Focused mainly on economic statistics

Explanation

When applied to writing or reasoning, 'economical' describes something that uses no more words or evidence than necessary. The phrase 'only the evidence needed' signals sparing, concise expression rather than cost or caution.

Question 27Verbal reasoning

A briefing note states: 'The new procedure will take effect from 1 March; until then, the existing procedure continues to apply.' Which inference is best supported?

  1. The new procedure has already replaced the old one
  2. The existing procedure was withdrawn before March
  3. Both procedures apply simultaneously from 1 March
  4. On 28 February the existing procedure still governs Correct answer.

Explanation

The note sets 1 March as the start date for the new procedure and explicitly keeps the existing one in force until then. Therefore, on 28 February the old procedure is still the one that applies.

Question 28Verbal reasoning

Which option best restates the sentence 'The committee approved the budget only after the treasurer had revised it' without changing its meaning?

  1. The treasurer revised the budget because the committee had approved it
  2. The committee approved the budget, and then the treasurer revised it
  3. The committee approved a budget that the treasurer had never revised
  4. The treasurer's revision came before the committee's approval of the budget Correct answer.

Explanation

The original places the revision before the approval, using 'only after' to mark the sequence. The correct restatement preserves that order: revision first, approval second.

Question 29Verbal reasoning

A passage reads: 'The pilot reduced processing errors but increased handling time, so managers judged it unsuitable for peak periods.' Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. The pilot reduced both errors and handling time
  2. The pilot traded accuracy gains against slower processing Correct answer.
  3. Managers rejected the pilot for all periods
  4. Handling time fell because errors were reduced

Explanation

The passage sets a reduction in errors against an increase in handling time, which is a trade-off between accuracy and speed. Managers' judgement is limited to peak periods, not all periods.

Question 30Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses 'complement' correctly?

  1. The new figures complement the earlier report by filling gaps it left open Correct answer.
  2. The delay will complement the project and push it past the deadline
  3. The invoice was sent to complement the client's billing address
  4. The manager will complement the team on its handling of the complaint

Explanation

'Complement' means to complete or go well with something, which fits figures that fill gaps in a report. The verb 'to praise' is 'compliment', a different word.

Question 31Verbal reasoning

A notice reads: 'Staff who have not completed the data-protection module by 30 April will have their system access suspended.' Which situation follows directly from this notice?

  1. A staff member who never uses the system is exempt from the module
  2. A staff member who finishes the module on 30 April loses access
  3. A staff member who finishes the module on 29 April loses access
  4. A staff member who finishes the module on 2 May loses access Correct answer.

Explanation

The condition is completion 'by 30 April', so completing on 2 May falls outside the deadline and triggers suspension. Completing on or before 30 April satisfies the requirement.

Question 32Verbal reasoning

Which option is the best antonym for 'transparent' as used in 'a transparent decision-making process'?

  1. Efficient
  2. Opaque Correct answer.
  3. Lengthy
  4. Consultative

Explanation

In this context 'transparent' means open and easy to scrutinise, and its direct opposite is 'opaque', meaning hard to see into. The other options describe speed, duration or style, not visibility.

Question 33Verbal reasoning

A memo says: 'Provided the auditor signs off the accounts, the annual report will be published in June; otherwise publication slips to September.' The auditor signs off in May. What follows?

  1. The report is scheduled for June publication Correct answer.
  2. The report is scheduled for September publication
  3. The accounts cannot be published this year
  4. Publication depends on a further audit in June

Explanation

The condition for June publication is the auditor's sign-off, and that condition is met in May. The September date applies only when sign-off does not occur.

Question 34Verbal reasoning

A contract clause states: 'The contractor shall remedy any defect reported within 12 months of handover at no cost to the client, unless the defect results from misuse by the client.' A defect caused by client misuse is reported in month 8. What is the contractor's obligation?

  1. A paid repair, because the defect was reported after handover
  2. No obligation, because the misuse exception applies Correct answer.
  3. A free repair, because the defect was reported within 12 months
  4. A free repair, because misuse is covered by the warranty

Explanation

The clause creates a free-remedy duty subject to an exception for client misuse. Because the defect results from misuse, the exception applies and the duty to remedy at no cost does not arise.

Question 35Verbal reasoning

A rule reads: 'Applications submitted after the closing date will be considered only if the delay was caused by a documented medical emergency.' An application arrives late with a documented medical emergency. What follows?

  1. It is considered only if resubmitted on time
  2. It may be considered despite being late Correct answer.
  3. It must be rejected as out of time
  4. It is considered only if another applicant withdraws

Explanation

The rule permits late consideration when a documented medical emergency caused the delay. 'Only if' makes the emergency a necessary condition, and it is satisfied here, so consideration is permitted.

Question 36Verbal reasoning

A report notes: 'The scheme was praised for its ambition but criticised for its cost, and the board deferred a decision pending a revised budget.' Which statement is best supported?

  1. The board's decision depends on revised cost information Correct answer.
  2. The board approved the scheme subject to a budget
  3. The board rejected the scheme on grounds of cost
  4. The scheme was criticised for lacking ambition

Explanation

The board deferred its decision until a revised budget is available, so the decision hinges on revised cost information. The scheme was praised for ambition and criticised for cost, not the reverse.

Question 37Verbal reasoning

Which option best explains the function of the word 'however' in: 'The data were incomplete; however, the conclusion was widely accepted'?

  1. It signals that the second clause contrasts with the first Correct answer.
  2. It signals that the second clause restates the first
  3. It signals that the second clause is a consequence of the first
  4. It signals that the first clause is a hypothetical condition

Explanation

'However' is a contrastive connective, marking that what follows runs against the expectation set up by what precedes. Here incomplete data would normally weaken acceptance, so the contrast is clear.

Question 38Verbal reasoning

A policy states: 'Employees may carry over up to five days of unused leave, but any days above five are forfeited at year end.' An employee has eight unused days. How many are carried over and how many are forfeited?

  1. Three carried over; five forfeited
  2. None carried over; eight forfeited
  3. Eight carried over; none forfeited
  4. Five carried over; three forfeited Correct answer.

Explanation

The cap is five days, so five are carried over and the remaining three exceed the cap and are forfeited. The rule forfeits only the excess, not the whole balance.

Question 39Verbal reasoning

A paragraph reads: 'Although the merger was announced in spring, integration did not begin until autumn, and by winter the promised savings had not materialised.' Which inference is best supported?

  1. Integration began as soon as the merger was announced
  2. The merger was abandoned before winter
  3. The promised savings had been achieved by autumn
  4. The savings expected from the merger were delayed Correct answer.

Explanation

The paragraph says the savings had not materialised by winter, which supports the inference that they were delayed beyond expectation. It does not say the merger was abandoned or that savings were achieved.

Question 40Verbal reasoning

Three analysts-Mira, Dev and Tomas-each cover exactly one sector: energy, health or retail, all different. Mira does not cover energy. Dev covers health. Who covers energy?

  1. Cannot be determined
  2. Dev
  3. Mira
  4. Tomas Correct answer.

Explanation

Dev covers health, leaving energy and retail for Mira and Tomas. Since Mira does not cover energy, she must cover retail and Tomas must cover energy.

Question 41Verbal reasoning

A clause reads: 'The tenant may keep a pet only with the landlord's written consent, which shall not be withheld unreasonably.' The tenant requests consent for a small caged hamster. Which statement best reflects the clause?

  1. The landlord may refuse for any reason without explanation
  2. Consent must always be granted for any pet requested
  3. The tenant needs no consent for a caged animal
  4. Consent should be granted unless there is a reasonable ground to refuse Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause permits refusal but only on reasonable grounds, so a request should be granted absent a reasonable objection. It does not remove the consent requirement or guarantee approval in every case.

Question 42Verbal reasoning

Which sentence uses 'principal' correctly to mean a sum of money on which interest is calculated?

  1. The loan's principal was repaid first, with interest following Correct answer.
  2. The principal of the argument was accepted by all
  3. The principal reason for the delay was staff shortages
  4. The school principal addressed the assembled students

Explanation

In finance, 'principal' is the capital sum on which interest accrues, distinct from the interest itself. The other sentences use the word to mean 'main' or to refer to a head of an institution.

Question 43Verbal reasoning

A survey of 400 staff found that 45 per cent work hybrid, and of those, one fifth attend the office only once a week. How many staff attend the office only once a week?

  1. 36 Correct answer.
  2. 80
  3. 180
  4. 45

Explanation

Forty-five per cent of 400 is 180 hybrid workers. One fifth of 180 is 36, the number attending only once a week.

Question 44Verbal reasoning

A passage argues: 'Restricting car use in the city centre has not reduced total journeys; it has shifted them to the ring road, where congestion is now worse.' Which assumption underlies the argument?

  1. Public transport in the city is inexpensive
  2. Ring-road journeys are shorter than city-centre journeys
  3. Congestion on the ring road counts as a cost of the restriction Correct answer.
  4. City-centre car use was already falling before the restriction

Explanation

The argument treats the shift to the ring road as a failure, which only makes sense if ring-road congestion is a cost attributable to the restriction. Without that assumption, the shift would not undermine the policy.

Question 45Verbal reasoning

A rule reads: 'Only employees who have completed both the induction and the safety module, and who have not failed the practical assessment twice, may supervise trainees.' An employee has completed induction and safety but failed the practical assessment twice. What follows?

  1. The employee may not supervise trainees Correct answer.
  2. The employee may supervise once the modules are refreshed
  3. The employee may supervise if a manager gives verbal approval
  4. The employee may supervise trainees because the modules are complete

Explanation

Supervision requires all stated conditions, including not having failed the practical assessment twice. Because that condition fails, the employee may not supervise, regardless of the completed modules.

Question 46Verbal reasoning

A report states: 'Sales rose in every region except the north, where they fell by 4 per cent; overall sales nonetheless increased by 2 per cent.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Growth outside the north outweighed the northern decline Correct answer.
  2. Overall sales would have fallen without the northern decline
  3. Northern sales fell by more than 2 per cent of total sales
  4. Every region other than the north grew by more than 2 per cent

Explanation

Overall sales rose despite a fall in one region, so growth elsewhere must have more than offset that decline. The passage gives no figure for each other region, so claims about their individual rates are unsupported.

Question 47Verbal reasoning

A paragraph reads: 'The consultant's report was thorough, but it relied on data supplied by the department it was evaluating, and its recommendations mirrored the department's own proposals.' Which criticism is best supported?

  1. The report ignored the department's own proposals
  2. The report's independence may be compromised by its sources Correct answer.
  3. The report was insufficiently detailed in its analysis
  4. The report relied on data from an external regulator

Explanation

The report used data from the body it assessed and echoed that body's proposals, which raises a question about independence. The passage calls the report thorough, so a lack of detail is not supported.

Question 48Verbal reasoning

A clause states: 'The supplier shall deliver by 30 June, provided that payment has been received by 15 June.' Payment is received on 20 June, and delivery occurs on 28 June. Which statement best reflects the clause?

  1. The delivery condition was not met, so the delivery obligation may not have arisen Correct answer.
  2. The supplier breached the clause by delivering before payment cleared
  3. Payment on 20 June satisfied the condition because it preceded delivery
  4. The supplier met its obligation because delivery occurred before 30 June

Explanation

The proviso makes timely payment by 15 June a precondition of the delivery duty. Payment on 20 June misses that date, so the condition was not satisfied even though delivery happened before 30 June.

Question 49Verbal reasoning

A memo says: 'Unless the fire doors are checked weekly, insurance cover may be invalidated.' Which situation would breach the requirement?

  1. The doors are checked weekly by a trained warden
  2. The doors are checked every Monday without exception
  3. The doors are checked weekly and records are kept
  4. The doors are checked every ten days throughout the year Correct answer.

Explanation

'Weekly' requires an interval of no more than seven days, so checking every ten days leaves gaps and breaches the requirement. The other options all describe checks at weekly intervals.

Question 50Verbal reasoning

Which option best captures the function of the phrase 'which were revised twice' in: 'The figures, which were revised twice, remain provisional'?

  1. It states the cause of the figures being provisional
  2. It identifies which figures among several are meant
  3. It adds non-essential information about the figures Correct answer.
  4. It contradicts the claim that the figures are provisional

Explanation

The phrase is set off by commas, marking it as non-defining: it adds extra detail rather than identifying a particular set of figures. A defining clause would appear without commas.