UCAT key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a passage even though it is not stated outright. You must judge whether the passage logically supports it.

An unstated idea that a writer treats as true and that is needed for the argument to work. If it fails, the conclusion weakens.

The central point or overall message of a passage, rather than a supporting detail. It usually answers what the writer most wants you to understand.

The writer's attitude towards the subject, shown through word choice and emphasis. It may be critical, neutral, enthusiastic, cautious or ironic.

A restatement of a passage's meaning in different words. It preserves the sense without copying the original phrasing.

A VR answer choice set where you decide if a statement follows, contradicts, or is not addressed by the passage, using only the text.

Reading quickly to grasp structure and gist rather than every detail. It helps you locate sections worth reading more closely.

Searching a passage rapidly for specific words, numbers or names. You move your eyes selectively instead of reading every sentence.

A situation where words or sentences can be understood in more than one way. In VR, ambiguous wording can make an answer unsupported.

A form of reasoning with two or more premises that lead to a conclusion. You test whether the conclusion must follow, not just whether it seems plausible.

A requirement that must be met for something to happen, though it may not be enough on its own. Without it, the outcome cannot occur.

A condition that guarantees an outcome when it is met. Other conditions may also produce the same outcome, so it is not always the only route.

A property of an argument where the conclusion must be true if the premises are true. Validity is about structure, not factual accuracy.

A diagram using overlapping circles to show how sets relate. It helps test whether a conclusion about categories is forced by the statements.

The average outcome of a gamble or choice if it were repeated many times, found by weighting each result by its probability.

A grid showing the results of different choices under different possible situations. It helps compare options when outcomes are uncertain.

A number from 0 to 1 expressing how likely an event is. It can be based on equally likely outcomes or observed frequencies.

A way to compare options by weighing their advantages against their disadvantages, often using money, time or points as a common measure.

The difference between an old and new value, divided by the old value and multiplied by 100. It shows relative growth or decline.

A comparison of two or more quantities showing how many times one contains another. Ratios can be scaled up or down while keeping the same relationship.

An average where some values count more than others. You multiply each value by its weight, add the results, then divide by total weight.

The middle value when a set of numbers is arranged in order. If there is an even number of values, it is the mean of the two middle ones.

A measure of how one quantity changes relative to another, such as cost per item or litres per minute. Units are essential when comparing rates.

Changing a measurement from one unit to another using a multiplier, such as minutes to hours or kilograms to grams.

Interest calculated on the original amount plus any interest already added. It grows faster than simple interest over time.

Finding an approximate answer by rounding numbers to convenient values. It saves time and helps check whether a precise answer is reasonable.

A statistical relationship where two variables tend to change together. Correlation does not prove that one variable causes the other.

How suitable a response is for the situation, considering professional standards and the feelings of those involved. It is judged separately from how important the action is.

How significant an action or consideration is for resolving a situation safely and professionally. SJ questions often ask you to rate this separately from appropriateness.

Behaving in line with the standards, boundaries and responsibilities of a healthcare or workplace role. It includes reliability, respect and keeping personal interests separate.

The duty to keep personal information private and share it only with those who need it for care or safety.

Honesty and consistency in doing the right thing, even when it is difficult or unseen. It includes admitting mistakes and not misleading others.

The ability to understand and acknowledge another person's feelings and perspective. It involves communicating that understanding rather than merely feeling sorry for them.

A legal and ethical obligation to protect the safety and wellbeing of people you are responsible for, acting within your role and competence.

Action taken to protect people, especially children or vulnerable adults, from harm, abuse or neglect. It may include reporting concerns to the appropriate authority.

A situation where a personal, financial or other interest could improperly influence your professional judgement or decisions, or appear to do so to others.

Deciding the order in which tasks or patients should be dealt with, usually by weighing urgency, risk and available resources.