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Irish Defence Forces Cadetship Aptitude Assessment study materials
Irish Defence Forces Cadetship Aptitude Assessment study resources

Irish Defence Forces Cadetship Aptitude Assessment practice questions

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Question 1Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to 'candid'.

  1. Cautious
  2. Frank Correct answer.
  3. Wealthy
  4. Reluctant

Explanation

'Candid' describes someone who speaks openly and honestly, so 'frank' is the closest match. The other choices describe caution, riches or unwillingness rather than honesty.

Question 2Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'scarce'.

  1. Costly
  2. Ample Correct answer.
  3. Rare
  4. Hidden

Explanation

'Scarce' means in short supply, so its opposite is 'ample', meaning plentiful. 'Rare' actually reinforces the idea of scarcity rather than opposing it.

Question 3Verbal Reasoning

Three of the following belong to the same category. Which one does not?

  1. Heron
  2. Badger Correct answer.
  3. Sparrow
  4. Robin

Explanation

A sparrow, a robin and a heron are all birds, while a badger is a mammal. The odd word out is therefore the mammal.

Question 4Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that best completes the sentence: 'Despite the noise from the exercise, the sentry remained ___ at his post.'

  1. Absent
  2. Restless
  3. Curious
  4. Still Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence contrasts noise with the sentry's lack of movement, so a word meaning motionless is needed. 'Still' supplies that contrast; the other words either contradict the sense or describe something unrelated.

Question 5Verbal Reasoning

Book is to reading as fork is to ___.

  1. Cooking
  2. Eating Correct answer.
  3. Kitchen
  4. Metal

Explanation

A book is the object you use when reading, just as a fork is the object you use when eating. The relationship is object to activity, so 'eating' fits.

Question 6Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'generous'.

  1. Brave
  2. Wealthy
  3. Kind
  4. Stingy Correct answer.

Explanation

'Generous' means willing to give freely, so its opposite is 'stingy', meaning unwilling to give. 'Kind' is close in meaning rather than opposite.

Question 7Verbal Reasoning

Three of the following share a common feature. Which one is the odd one out?

  1. Triangle
  2. Rectangle
  3. Circle Correct answer.
  4. Square

Explanation

A triangle, square and rectangle are all closed shapes bounded entirely by straight sides, whereas a circle is bounded by a curve. The circle is therefore the exception.

Question 8Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word that is closest in meaning to 'rapid'.

  1. Noisy
  2. Slow
  3. Swift Correct answer.
  4. Steady

Explanation

'Rapid' means happening quickly, which is what 'swift' means. The remaining words describe pace or sound in ways that do not convey speed.

Question 9Verbal Reasoning

Doctor is to hospital as teacher is to ___.

  1. Lesson
  2. School Correct answer.
  3. Learning
  4. Pupil

Explanation

A hospital is the workplace in which a doctor normally carries out their duties, so the matching word for a teacher is the place of work, 'school'. The other options name a recipient, a unit of work or an activity.

Question 10Verbal Reasoning

Every member of the platoon who is a qualified driver is also a marksman. Some members of the platoon are qualified drivers. Which conclusion must follow?

  1. No qualified driver is a marksman
  2. All marksmen in the platoon are qualified drivers
  3. Some members of the platoon are marksmen Correct answer.
  4. Every member of the platoon is a marksman

Explanation

The qualified drivers in the platoon are guaranteed to be marksmen, and at least one qualified driver exists, so at least one marksman exists. The other statements either reverse the rule or overstate it.

Question 11Verbal Reasoning

Three of the following words are close in meaning. Which one is the odd one out?

  1. Tactful Correct answer.
  2. Direct
  3. Blunt
  4. Frank

Explanation

'Blunt', 'direct' and 'frank' all describe saying exactly what one thinks without softening it. 'Tactful' instead describes careful, considerate expression, which is the opposite quality.

Question 12Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that best completes the sentence: 'The witness gave a ___ account of the incident, omitting no detail.'

  1. Hasty
  2. Vague
  3. Reluctant
  4. Full Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'omitting no detail' signals completeness, so a word meaning complete is required. 'Full' provides that meaning, while the others suggest the opposite or something irrelevant.

Question 13Verbal Reasoning

Every recruit who passes the fitness test is eligible for the hill march. Conor is eligible for the hill march. What follows?

  1. Every recruit eligible for the march passed the test
  2. Conor cannot have passed the fitness test
  3. Conor must have passed the fitness test to be eligible for the march
  4. Conor may or may not have passed the test Correct answer.

Explanation

Passing the test guarantees eligibility, but eligibility does not guarantee that the test was passed, since other routes to eligibility may exist. Conor's test result therefore remains undetermined.

Question 14Verbal Reasoning

In the sentence 'The officer put forward a sound plan for the patrol', the word 'sound' most nearly means:

  1. Loud
  2. Musical
  3. Reliable Correct answer.
  4. Noisy

Explanation

Applied to a plan, 'sound' means well founded and dependable rather than relating to hearing. Context, not the more familiar meaning of the word, decides the sense.

Question 15Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'obscure'.

  1. Vague
  2. Hidden
  3. Famous Correct answer.
  4. Distant

Explanation

'Obscure' describes something little known or unnoticed, so its opposite is 'famous', meaning widely known. 'Hidden' and 'vague' are closer to the original meaning than to its opposite.

Question 16Verbal Reasoning

Ardent is to enthusiastic as frugal is to ___.

  1. Careless
  2. Wealthy
  3. Thrifty Correct answer.
  4. Wasteful

Explanation

'Ardent' and 'enthusiastic' are near synonyms, so the second pair must also be near synonyms. 'Frugal' means economical, and 'thrifty' carries the same meaning.

Question 17Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that best completes the sentence: 'The recruits were ___ in their response, answering before the question had been fully asked.'

  1. Careful
  2. Polite
  3. Hasty Correct answer.
  4. Calm

Explanation

Answering before a question is finished indicates excessive speed, so a word meaning rushed is needed. 'Hasty' supplies that meaning, while the other options describe calmness, care or courtesy.

Question 18Verbal Reasoning

No vehicle may enter the base without a permit. Truck X entered the base. Which conclusion follows?

  1. Truck X had a permit Correct answer.
  2. Truck X was searched at the gate
  3. Truck X had no permit
  4. Only trucks need permits

Explanation

A permit is stated as necessary for entry, so a vehicle that entered must have held one. Nothing in the statement concerns searching vehicles or restricts the rule to trucks.

Question 19Verbal Reasoning

Which word means 'a strong feeling of dislike'?

  1. Aversion Correct answer.
  2. Admiration
  3. Affection
  4. Curiosity

Explanation

'Aversion' denotes a settled dislike of something. 'Affection' and 'admiration' are positive feelings, and 'curiosity' is a desire to know.

Question 20Verbal Reasoning

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

  1. Neither of the recruits were completing the course
  2. Neither of the recruits have completed the course
  3. Neither of the recruits has completed the course Correct answer.
  4. Neither of the recruits having completed the course

Explanation

'Neither' is singular, so it takes the singular verb 'has' in the present perfect. Options using 'have' or 'were' treat the subject as plural, and the remaining option has no finite verb at all.

Question 21Verbal Reasoning

All signallers in the unit are radio-trained. No radio-trained soldier in the unit is a driver. Some drivers in the unit are medics. Which conclusion must follow?

  1. All medics in the unit are also qualified drivers
  2. Every driver in the unit is also a medic
  3. Some medics in the unit are not radio-trained Correct answer.
  4. No medic in the unit is a radio-trained signaller

Explanation

The medics who are drivers cannot be radio-trained, because no radio-trained soldier is a driver. Since at least one such medic exists, at least one medic is not radio-trained.

Question 22Verbal Reasoning

Paucity is to abundance as ___ is to ___.

  1. Silence : quiet
  2. Haste : speed
  3. Wealth : riches
  4. Candour : deceit Correct answer.

Explanation

'Paucity' and 'abundance' are opposites, so the answer must also be a pair of opposites. 'Candour' means honest openness, which is the opposite of 'deceit'.

Question 23Verbal Reasoning

A patrol returned along the ridge rather than the valley track. The valley track is shorter, but the ridge offers clear lines of sight for several kilometres in every direction. The patrol leader later reported that the return took forty minutes longer than planned. Which is the most reasonable inference?

  1. The leader favoured visibility over speed Correct answer.
  2. The valley track was impassable because of recent rain
  3. The ridge route is the only route back to base
  4. The patrol was detected by an enemy on the ridge

Explanation

The passage sets a shorter route against one with better observation and records that the longer route was chosen. The most economical explanation is that observation was valued more highly than time.

Question 24Verbal Reasoning

A claim that is literally true but crafted to create a false impression is best described as:

  1. Erroneous
  2. Exaggerated
  3. Misleading Correct answer.
  4. Ambiguous

Explanation

The key feature is that the statement is true yet leads the reader to a wrong belief, which is exactly what 'misleading' captures. Accuracy is not in question, so words about error or overstatement do not fit.

Question 25Verbal Reasoning

Three soldiers have different duties: one is the driver, one is the medic and one is the signaller. Soldier A is not the driver. Soldier B is the medic. Who is the signaller?

  1. Cannot be determined
  2. Soldier C
  3. Soldier A Correct answer.
  4. Soldier B

Explanation

With B fixed as medic, the driver must be either A or C, but A is ruled out, so C is the driver. The remaining duty, signaller, therefore belongs to A.

Question 26Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'candid'.

  1. Blunt
  2. Frank
  3. Evasive Correct answer.
  4. Sincere

Explanation

'Candid' describes speech that is open and straightforward, so its opposite must describe avoidance or concealment. 'Evasive' carries exactly that sense of sidestepping a direct answer.

Question 27Verbal Reasoning

Which of the following words is spelled correctly?

  1. occurence
  2. recieve
  3. necessary Correct answer.
  4. seperate

Explanation

'Necessary' is spelled with one 'c' and two 's' letters. Each of the other options breaks a standard English spelling rule.

Question 28Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that best completes the sentence: 'The sentry remained ___ all night, alert to every sound.'

  1. vigilant Correct answer.
  2. indifferent
  3. drowsy
  4. careless

Explanation

The phrase 'alert to every sound' signals that the missing word must describe close watchfulness. 'Vigilant' means keeping careful watch, so it fits both the sentence and its clue.

Question 29Verbal Reasoning

Corporal, Sergeant and Commandant are ranks in the Irish Defence Forces. Which of the following belongs to a different organisation?

  1. Constable Correct answer.
  2. Commandant
  3. Sergeant
  4. Corporal

Explanation

'Constable' is a rank within An Garda Síochána rather than a Defence Forces rank. The other three options are all ranks actually used by the Defence Forces.

Question 30Verbal Reasoning

'The recruits were shown to their billet in the old barracks.' In this sentence, 'billet' most nearly means:

  1. Living quarters Correct answer.
  2. A type of ration
  3. A written order
  4. A training exercise

Explanation

In military usage a billet is the place where soldiers are lodged, so 'living quarters' matches the sentence. The detail that the recruits were 'shown to' it confirms that a place is meant.

Question 31Verbal Reasoning

Squad is to platoon as platoon is to ___.

  1. section
  2. battalion
  3. division
  4. company Correct answer.

Explanation

The relationship is that a smaller formation forms part of the next larger formation: a squad is part of a platoon. The formation immediately above a platoon is a company.

Question 32Verbal Reasoning

No cadet who is under eighteen may drive the unit transport. Cadet Byrne drove the unit transport today. Which conclusion must follow?

  1. Cadet Byrne holds a full driving licence.
  2. Cadet Byrne is exactly eighteen years old.
  3. Cadet Byrne had written permission to drive.
  4. Cadet Byrne is not under eighteen. Correct answer.

Explanation

The rule excludes everyone under eighteen from driving, so anyone who drove must be eighteen or older. This is the contrapositive of the stated rule and therefore follows necessarily.

Question 33Verbal Reasoning

In the sentence 'The officer gave a terse reply', the word 'terse' most nearly means:

  1. Detailed
  2. Hesitant
  3. Brief Correct answer.
  4. Angry

Explanation

'Terse' describes speech that uses very few words, so 'brief' is the closest meaning. It can suggest curtness, but shortness of expression is the core sense.

Question 34Verbal Reasoning

Four cadets, Niamh, Owen, Pádraig and Ruth, each trained in exactly one skill: map reading, signals, first aid or drill. Owen trained in signals; Niamh trained in neither signals nor drill; Ruth did not train in drill. Which skill did Pádraig train in?

  1. First aid
  2. Drill Correct answer.
  3. Map reading
  4. Signals

Explanation

Owen takes signals, leaving map reading, first aid and drill for the other three. Niamh and Ruth can each only take map reading or first aid, so those two skills are used up between them, leaving drill for Pádraig.

Question 35Verbal Reasoning

Three of the following words are similar in meaning. Which one is the odd one out?

  1. intransigent
  2. amenable Correct answer.
  3. obstinate
  4. stubborn

Explanation

'Obstinate', 'stubborn' and 'intransigent' all describe a person who will not change position. 'Amenable' means willing to be persuaded, which is the opposite quality.

Question 36Verbal Reasoning

A notice states: 'Cadets must obtain written permission before using the gym.' Which statement must be true?

  1. Cadets without written permission may not use the gym. Correct answer.
  2. Only cadets are permitted to use the gym at any time.
  3. Every cadet who obtains written permission may use the gym.
  4. Cadets who use the gym train harder than others.

Explanation

The notice makes written permission a necessary condition for gym use, so anyone lacking it is excluded. It does not say permission is sufficient, nor does it say anything about who else may use the gym.

Question 37Verbal Reasoning

Choose the word most nearly opposite in meaning to 'meticulous'.

  1. Thorough
  2. Precise
  3. Careless Correct answer.
  4. Careful

Explanation

'Meticulous' means showing great attention to detail, so the opposite must describe a lack of care. 'Careless' is the only option expressing that lack.

Question 38Verbal Reasoning

'The commander's orders were discretionary.' In this sentence, 'discretionary' most nearly means:

  1. left to the recipient's judgement Correct answer.
  2. repeated at regular intervals to the unit
  3. withdrawn at short notice without explanation
  4. written out and issued in duplicate

Explanation

Something discretionary is left to a person's discretion, meaning their own judgement. The sentence therefore says the orders allowed the recipient to decide how to act.

Question 39Verbal Reasoning

Select the word that best completes the sentence: 'The witness's account was so ___ that the board could not establish which version of events was true.'

  1. concise
  2. contradictory Correct answer.
  3. detailed
  4. corroborated

Explanation

The board cannot tell which version is true because the account conflicts with itself. 'Contradictory' means containing statements that conflict with one another.

Question 40Verbal Reasoning

Which sentence uses the apostrophe correctly?

  1. The platoon marched with it's full equipment.
  2. Its a long march back to the barracks.
  3. The cadet's were issued with new boots.
  4. The cadets' kit was inspected. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Cadets'' is a plural possessive: the kit belonging to several cadets, so the apostrophe follows the plural 's'. The other sentences confuse plural forms with possessives or misuse the possessive 'its'.

Question 41Verbal Reasoning

Every cadet who is fluent in Irish is also a member of the debating society. No member of the debating society is excused from the night exercise. Which conclusion must follow?

  1. No cadet who is fluent in Irish is excused from the night exercise. Correct answer.
  2. Every cadet fluent in Irish is excused from the night exercise.
  3. Some cadets who are fluent in Irish are excused from the night exercise.
  4. Only cadets fluent in Irish are members of the debating society.

Explanation

Fluency in Irish places a cadet in the debating society, and every member of that society is barred from being excused. Chaining the two premises shows that no fluent Irish speaker can be excused.

Question 42Verbal Reasoning

If the bridge is damaged, the patrol will use the river crossing. If the patrol uses the river crossing, it will arrive after dusk. The patrol arrived before dusk. Which conclusion must follow?

  1. The patrol arrived after dusk despite the route taken.
  2. The patrol used the river crossing and waited until after dusk.
  3. The bridge was not damaged. Correct answer.
  4. The bridge was damaged, but the patrol crossed it safely.

Explanation

Arriving before dusk means the patrol did not use the river crossing, because that route guarantees a post-dusk arrival. Not using the river crossing in turn means the bridge was not damaged, since damage would have forced that route.

Question 43Verbal Reasoning

Only soldiers who have served at least two years may apply for the course. Every soldier selected for the course has served at least four years. Which statement must be true?

  1. Every soldier who has served four years is selected for the course.
  2. Every soldier who applies for the course is selected.
  3. Every soldier selected for the course has served at least two years. Correct answer.
  4. Only soldiers who have served at least four years may apply for the course.

Explanation

Selection requires four years' service, and four years is more than two, so every selected soldier necessarily satisfies the two-year threshold. The premises never claim that four years' service guarantees selection.

Question 44Verbal Reasoning

In which sentence is 'sanction' used to mean official approval?

  1. Economic sanctions were lifted after the agreement.
  2. The tribunal's sanction was swift and severe.
  3. The committee gave its sanction to the drill. Correct answer.
  4. He was sanctioned for arriving late at parade.

Explanation

'Sanction' can mean either approval or penalty, so the surrounding words must settle the sense. Giving sanction 'to' an activity is approval, whereas penalties are imposed on a person or state.

Question 45Numerical Reasoning

A cadet unit has 240 members, and 35% of them are new recruits. How many members of the unit are not new recruits?

  1. 84
  2. 120
  3. 156 Correct answer.
  4. 140

Explanation

35% of 240 is 84 new recruits, so the remainder is 240 − 84 = 156. Equivalently, 65% of 240 = 156.

Question 46Numerical Reasoning

What number comes next in the sequence 3, 7, 15, 31, 63, ...?

  1. 129
  2. 127 Correct answer.
  3. 121
  4. 125

Explanation

Each term is formed by doubling the previous term and adding 1: 63 × 2 + 1 = 127. The same rule gives 3 → 7, 7 → 15 and so on.

Question 47Numerical Reasoning

A ration pack weighs 4.5 kg. It is split into portions of 0.75 kg each. How many portions are produced?

  1. 6 Correct answer.
  2. 4
  3. 7
  4. 5

Explanation

Dividing the total weight by the weight of one portion gives 4.5 ÷ 0.75 = 6 portions. Checking: 6 × 0.75 kg = 4.5 kg.

Question 48Numerical Reasoning

A training route is 8.4 kilometres long. How many metres is that?

  1. 84
  2. 840
  3. 8,400 Correct answer.
  4. 84,000

Explanation

There are 1,000 metres in a kilometre, so multiply by 1,000: 8.4 × 1,000 = 8,400 metres.

Question 49Numerical Reasoning

Three cadets score 68, 74 and 83 in a fitness test. What is their mean score?

  1. 76
  2. 73
  3. 75 Correct answer.
  4. 74

Explanation

The mean is the total divided by the number of values: (68 + 74 + 83) ÷ 3 = 225 ÷ 3 = 75.

Question 50Numerical Reasoning

An equipment budget of €360 is shared between two platoons in the ratio 5 : 4. How much does the larger share come to?

  1. €160
  2. €180
  3. €240
  4. €200 Correct answer.

Explanation

The ratio has 5 + 4 = 9 equal parts, so one part is €360 ÷ 9 = €40. The larger share is 5 parts: 5 × €40 = €200.