Verbal Reasoning and Comprehension
This domain tests whether you can read a passage and answer questions using only the information given. It covers main idea, stated detail, inference, meaning in context, tone and true/false/not-given judgements. The passage is the only authority; your outside knowledge is irrelevant.
Core rules
- Separate what is stated from what is merely suggested.
- 'Not given' means the passage neither confirms nor denies the statement.
- Treat absolute words such as always, never and all as warning signs.
- For inference questions, choose the conclusion that must follow, not one that could follow.
- Return to the exact lines rather than relying on memory.
Worked example
Passage: 'The borough introduced a licensing scheme requiring late-night venues to record refused alcohol sales. Police say early compliance is high, but inspection notes show that some venues' records are incomplete.' Question: Which statement is best supported? A All venues comply fully. B Compliance is not universal. C Police oppose the scheme. D Records are unnecessary. Reasoning: B is best supported because the passage says compliance is high but some records are incomplete, so not every venue is fully compliant. A contradicts 'some... incomplete'. C and D are not stated and would require outside assumptions.
Traps
Importing real-world knowledge; over-inferring from one detail; treating 'not given' as false; choosing an answer because it sounds sensible rather than because the passage supports it; missing qualifying words such as some, most or early.