verbalcomprehensiontest1 solutions

8/13/2019 VerbalComprehensionTest1 Solutions

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AssessmentDayPractice Aptitude Tests

Instructions

This verbal comprehension test comprises 30 questions and there is a time limit of 30

seconds per questions.

Read the passage of information thoroughly and select the correct answer from the four

options. Read the question thoroughly to ensure you know what the question entails.

There is only one correct answer per question.

Base your answers only on the information given in the passage.


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Q1 Why is the music industry the fastest growing sector in the British economy?Base your answer on the information in the passage alone. Select one answeronly.

a. It caters to a wide target audience.

b. It is enjoyed by a marginal sector of society.

c. It is a long-standing art form.

d. Operatic music is finally dying out.

Answer: a

Explanation:

a. The passage states that the music industry is the fastest growing sector of the

economy because it is enjoyed by both the youngest and oldest individuals in society.

This suggests that it is enjoyed by a wide ranging target audience. Option a is the

correct answer.

b. The passage states that forms of media, such as gaming, are enjoyed by a marginal

sector of society. The question asks about the popularity of the music industry. This is

therefore the wrong answer.

c. The passage makes no reference to the popularity of the music sector stemming from

the age of the art form. It states that opera is a long-standing art form, which is

becoming increasingly less popular. This is therefore the wrong answer.

d. The passage does not state that the music industry is popular because operatic music

is dying out. This is therefore the wrong answer.

The music industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors of the British

economy. This trend can be traced to the large range of medias available, such as

concerts and downloads, and the wide ranging target audience. For example, the music

industry confidently boasts to be the only form of media enjoyed by both the youngest and

oldest individuals in society.

In comparison, forms of media, such as gaming, are enjoyed a by a marginal sector of

society. However, statistics suggest that not all forms of music are enjoying this boom.Sales figures for operatic music continue to decrease steadily. In this way, it is feared that

the dominance of the music industry, catering to popular culture, comes at the expense of

long-standing art forms.


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Q2 Based on the information in the passage, which one of the followingstatements is true?

a. Dumbards employ local workers as it is cheaper

b. Dumbards refuse to use internet advertising due to bad experiences

c. Dumbards rely exclusively on recommendations from current employees

d. Dumbards only employ local workers to appear exclusive.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. The passage makes no reference to the expense of hiring local workers. For this

reason, option a is incorrect.

b. The passage identifies that Dumbards refuse to advertise via the internet. However,

there is no reference to a previous bad experience. The passage asks you to

answer the question based solely on the information in the passage. For this reason,

option b is incorrect.

c. The passage identifies that Dumbards use recommendations from current

employees in their selection process. However, this is not the only method ofselection employed by the company. The passage notes that advertisements are also

placed in shop windows and the local newspaper. For this reason, option c is

incorrect.

d. Option d is the correct answer. The passage identifies that Dumbards only select

local employees as it wishes to appear exclusive.

Dumbards champagne house, a company based in the south of France, employ local

workers only. The reason behind this policy is that Dumbards promote their products as

home-crafted, lovingly-made. They believe that by employing local workers, their products

appear more exclusive, and therefore, more expensive. In recruiting its workers, Dumbards

place advertisements in the local newspaper and shop windows. They are heavily

sceptical about the internet and refuse to advertise on it.

Another way in which Dumbards recruit their staff is via recommendations from current

employees. In September last year, the company was taken over by an American

businessman who is keen to rebrand the company. He wants Dumbards to be more

metropolitan and intends to open the selection process to workers from other EU

countries. This idea has been controversial and may lead to strike action by current

employees.


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Q3 Based on the information in the passage only, which one of the followingoptions is incorrect?

a. The colour of packaging can indicate what the product is.

b. The products packaging colour may depend on culture

c. The colour of a products packaging tends to be universal.

d. Colour coding is seen in foods, cleaning products and traffic signals.

Answer: c

Explanation:

a. The question asked you to identify which of the statements was incorrect, in other

words, false. The passage identifies that the colour of a products packaging can be a

helpful indication of what the product is. Based on the information in the passagealone, this is a correct statement. For this reason, option a is incorrect.

b. The question asked you to identify which of the statements is incorrect, in other

words, false. The passage identifies that the colouring of a products packaging may

be culturally dependant and are, therefore, not always universal. Based on the

information in the passage alone, this is a correct statement. For this reason, option b

is incorrect.

c. The question asked you to identify which of the statements is incorrect, in other

words, false. The passage identifies that the colouring of a products packaging maybe culturally dependant and are, therefore, not always universal. For this reason, this

statement is incorrect. Based on the nature of the question, option c is the right

answer.

d. The question asked you to identify which of the statements is incorrect, in other

words, false. This statement correctly identifies the examples of colour coding

highlighted in the passage. Based on the nature of the question, Option d is incorrect.

The colour of a products packaging often denotes what is inside of it. The most common

example of this can be seen in the flavours of crisps. For example, the colour red

commonly denotes ready salted whereas blue is often cheese and onion. The colour coding

of product packaging can also be seen in cleaning products, with lemon yellow packaging

or apple green.

In addition to the packaging of products, the choice of colour can also represent emotion

(with red as sensual, or black for mourning), instructions (such as green for go), and gender

(with blue and pink). In this way, the colour of the world around us can often be a helpful

message. However, these colour codes are often dependant to a particular culture they

are formed in and may not be universal.


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Q4 Based on the information in the paragraph alone, which one of the followingstatements is true?

a. Food supplements can aid weight loss.

b. Half the UK population take multivitamin daily

c. Supplements are becoming increasingly popular.

d. Supplements are not intended to replace a balanced diet.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. The passage does not state that food supplements can aid weight loss. For this

reason, option a is incorrect.

b. The passage does not state that half the population take multivitamins, but half take

a form of food supplement and is therefore incorrect.

c. The passage does not state that food supplements are becoming increasingly

popular. For this reason, option c is incorrect.

d. Option d is the correct answer. The passage notes these products are not intended

to replace a balanced diet.

Over half the population of the UK take a form of food supplement daily. Food

supplements, such as vitamin c, are said to make up for a lack of nutrients in an individuals

diet. An example of this can be seen with vegetarianism. Vegetarians are recommended to

take iron supplements to make-up for a lack of iron, most commonly found in meat

products. Such an addition can prevent common problems associated with vegetarianism,

such as anaemia.

Statistics suggest that the most popular food supplement in the UK is multi-vitamins, with

two thirds of people adding multi-vitamins to their diet. Iron tablets are the second most

popular daily supplement. However, such supplements are not intended to replace a

balanced diet.


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Q5 Based on the information in the passage alone, which of the following reasonsdoes the writer give for the popularity of public transport in cities?

a. Public transport can be cheaper and more practical in busy cities.

b. Public transport is more entertaining than private transport.

c. Public transport is often safer than parking in busy cities.

d. Public transport offers less regular services and can be unpractical.

Answer: a

Explanation:

a. The passage states that public transport is often cheaper and more practical than

private transport. Option a is therefore the correct answer.

b. The passage does not mention that public transport is more entertaining than private

transport. Option b is incorrect.

c. The passage makes no reference to the safety of either method of transport. Option c

is therefore incorrect.

d. The passage states that public transport can be less regular, and therefore less

practical, in some areas. However, this is not a reason why such services would be

popular. Based on the question, option d is therefore incorrect.

There are several forms of public transport in the UK. Statistics suggest that forms of

public transport are becoming increasingly popular, due to relatively cheap cost when

compared to private transport. In addition to this, public transport is often quicker and morereliable, especially when travelling in busy cities, such as London.

One reason why public transport is increasingly popular in London is the ease in which

people can travel around the city centre. Services such as the Underground provide the

opportunity to beat traffic congestion and negate the need for often costly parking. In

addition, the regularity of such services is popular. However, public transport is often less

popular in less densely populated areas. A possible reason for this is that services tend to

be less regular, making public transport a less practical option.


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Q6 Based on the information in the passage alone, which of the following hasYoGo implemented in an attempt to compete with DairyFree?

a. A scheme that gives away free samples and discount vouchers.

b. A scheme that aims to reduce the cost of production.

c. YoGo has lowered the costs and given away free samples

d. YoGo will go into administration.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The passage states that Dairy Free, not YoGo , have been giving away free samples

and discount vouchers. Based on the question, this is the incorrect answer.

b. Option b is the correct answer. The passage states that YoGo has been trying to

reduce the cost of its productions.

c. The passage states that YoGo has been trying to reduce the cost of its productions.

However, it also states that Dairy Free, not YoGo , have been giving away free

samples and discount vouchers. Based on the question, this is the incorrect answer.

d. The passage makes no reference to YoGo going into administration. Option d is

therefore incorrect.

YoGo is a company that makes low-fat dairy products. It built its reputation making

virtually fat-free yogurts, but has since branched out to produce low fat ice-creams,

milkshakes and cooking sauces. YoGos biggest competitor is DairyFree, a company that

makes fat-free, dairy-free products. In order to compete with DairyFree, YoGo is trying to

lower the cost of its products. It hopes to do this by buying its ingredients in bulk, using

automated production lines and reducing the amount of packaging.

Since implementing these changes, YoGo has seen an increase in its profit margin but

sales figures are yet to change. In comparison, DairyFree has out-sold its target for this

month, as a result of a marketing scheme. This scheme included the giving away free

samples and discount vouchers, a marketing ploy that YoGo will not be able to compete

with.


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Q7 Based on the information in the passage alone, select one of the followinganswers to complete this sentence.Since 1990, the UK Foods Standards Agency has...

a. Discouraged the purchase of pack-items

b. Encouraged consumers to purchase items such as fruit.

c. Encouraged consumers to purchase items that are easy to prepare.

d. Encouraged consumers to purchase items with no fat.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The discuses the popularity of pack-items, however, no reference is made to the

Food Standards Agency discouraging consumers to purchase these items. For this

reason, option a is the wrong answer.

b. The passage notes that the Food Standards Agency is encouraging consumers to

eat healthily. Option B correctly identifies fruit as an example noted by the passage

of a food promoted by the Foods Standards Agency. Option B is the correct answer.

c. The passage makes reference to the fact that foods which are easy to prepare seem

to be more popular, however, the Foods Standards Agency are not noted as

encouraging this. Option C is incorrect.

d. The passage notes that the Foods Standards Agency is encouraging consumers to

eat foods which are low in saturated fats. However, this differs from items with no fat

in them at all. For this reason, option D is incorrect.

The following passage provides information regarding the most popular type of foods in

the United Kingdom. Such information has been compiled by the UK Foods Standards

Agency since 1990 as part of an on-going project to encourage consumers to purchase

healthier products, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods and foods low in

saturated fat.

Currently, the most popular types of food in the UK are those which are easy to prepare.

Items requiring time consuming preparation continue to suffer comparatively lower sales

rates. In this way, the Foods Standards Agency has found that pack items, those

containing ready-measured baking ingredients, are more popular than buying fresh

ingredients in bulk. Similarly, ready baked items, such as bread and biscuits, continue to

sell well.


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Q8 Based on the information in the passage alone, which of the followinganswers is most likely to be false?

a. The Tea Palace receives half a million people every six months.

b. The Tea Palace makes its tea at the customers table.

c. The Tea Palace imports items from all over the globe.

d. The Tea Palace is a major attraction for tourists.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The passage states that the Tea Palace is visited by an estimated million people

every year. Option a states that the Tea palace is visited by an estimated half a

million people every six months. Based on the passage this is therefore correct

information. The question asked which statement was false. Option A is not false

and is therefore incorrect.

b. The passage states that the Tea palace makes the tea over fires in its open

kitchen, not at the customers table. B is therefore false and is the correct answer.

c. Option c correctly identifies that the Tea Palace purchases products from all over

the world. This statement is true. However, based on the nature of the question,option c is the wrong answer.

d. Option d correctly identifies that the Tea Palace is a major attraction for tourists.

This statement is true. However, based on the nature of the question, option d is the

wrong answer.

The Tea Palace, a popular shop in Londons West End, opened its doors in 1880.

Nowadays over an estimated one million consumers pass through its doors every year. The

shop, commonly known as the palace, imports products from all over the world. A major

attraction for tourists, the palace has continued to make tea in the same way since

opening.

Large ladles of dried tea leaves are placed in metal cauldrons over the fires of the open

kitchen; customers are able to see this process and the tea, in traditional pots, is then

brought to the table. Many customers take pictures of this process and like to pose for

pictures in front of the shops world-famous front door.


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Q9 Based on the information in the passage alone, which of the followingstatements is not mentioned by the passage?

a. Respectful individuals are more likely to get promoted.b. Respectful individuals are likely to appear attractive to an employer.

c. Businesses are less likely to employ those who have a negative attitude.

d. Many people spend the majority of their day at work.

Answer: a

Explanation:

a. The passage makes no reference to promotions. The question asks you which

statement is not mentioned by the passage. Therefore option a is the correct answer.

b. Option b correctly identifies the information stated in the passage. The question asks

you which statement is not mentioned by the passage. Based on the nature of the

question, option b is therefore the wrong answer.

c. Option c correctly identifies the information stated in the passage. The question asks

you which statement is not mentioned by the passage. Based on the nature of the

question, option c is therefore the wrong answer.

d. Option d correctly identifies the information stated in the passage. The question asks

you which statement is not mentioned by the passage. Based on the nature of thequestion, option d is therefore the wrong answer.

An important skill when working in an office environment is the ability to get on well with

those around you. As many people spend the majority of their waking day at work, the

ability to be polite and respectful has never been more important. For this reason, when

hiring new staff, employers look at the inter-personal skills of possible employees. How

well is this person able to get on with those around them? Are they respectful of other

people or do they push through their own will at the expense of others?

Such skills are also of value in occupations where there is prolonged contact with clients.

Many businesses making a lasting impression through the way their staffs represent them,

and are unlikely to employ those who make a negative impression.


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Q10 Using the information in the passage only, select the answer that mostaccurately completes the following sentence. Westerns engineering firm...

a. Reported net-profits of one-million pounds over the last financial year.

b. Are known for the careful selection of their apprentices.

c. Always re-invest their profits back into the business.

d. Plan to create a number of new apprenticeship placements.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. The passage states that Westerns reported profits of one-billion pounds, rather

than one-million. Option a is therefore incorrect.

b. The passage makes no reference to the selection process of Westerns

apprentices. Option b is therefore incorrect.

c. The passage states that Westerns are re-investing their profits this time. There is no

reference to this happening on more than one occasion. Option c is therefore

incorrect.

d. Option d correctly identifies that Westerns plan to create a number of new

apprenticeships. This is therefore the correct answer.

Engineering firm Westerns reported annual net profits of one-billion pounds over the last

financial year. The company plans to re-invest this money into the business by creating

three hundred new apprenticeships. Westerns, who are known for hiring from within their

own apprentices, hope that such a step will encourage other companies to offer more jobs

for younger workers.

Youth unemployment rates are currently at an all-time high in the UK. A possible reasonfor this is a lack of training placements and non-academic routes for school leavers.

However, as the average unemployment rate continues to rise, mirroring that of youths,

differing reasons may be to blame.


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Q11 Based on the information in the passage alone, which of the followingstatements is most likely to be true?

a. A source of disruption between house-mates is tax.b. House-sharing became popular in the nineteen-fifties.

c. House-sharing is a popular option amongst graduates

d. Graduates live with their house-mates for much less than one year.

Answer: c

Explanation:

a. The passage makes reference to the common sources of disruption between

housemates. It notes examples as division of chores, payment of bills and respecting

personal issues. For this reason, no mention is made of tax. Option a is thereforeincorrect.

b. The passage makes no reference as to when house-sharing became popular. Option

b is therefore incorrect.

c. The passage correctly identifies that house sharing is a popular option amongst

graduates at the beginning of their careers. Option c is therefore the correct answer.

d. The passage states that many graduates in house-share arrangements for one year

only. Option d, which states that many graduates live with their house-mates for lessthan a year, is incorrect.

Many graduates opt to house-share during the beginning of their careers. A benefit of this

is that it provides the opportunity to save money; it reduces rent without compromising the

standard of accommodation. In this way, house-sharing is often a popular option.

However, living in close proximity with non-family members can often be taxing. Issues

such as division of chores, payment of bills and respecting personal privacy can make

such arrangements difficult.

Statistics suggest that over sixty percent of graduates who opt to house-share live with the

same people for no more than one year before finding other arrangements. For this reason

there has been an increase in the number of graduates renting self-sufficient

accommodation.


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Q12 Based on the information in the passage, which one of the followingstatements is correct?

a. The holiday provider has over 1,000 UK stores and 660 staff.

b. The holiday provider recently confirmed that staff were being let go.

c. The holiday provider has been in operation for exactly 170 years.

d. More closures are planned for the future.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. Option a correctly identifies that the holiday provider discussed in the passage has

over 1,000 stores. However, the passage notes that the company confirmed that 660

staff were to be let go. Option a, therefore, incorrectly states that the company has

660 members of staff. A is therefore the wrong answer.

b. Option b correctly identifies that the holiday provider discussed in the passage hasover 1,000 stores. It also correctly identifies that the company recently confirmed that

it was letting a number of staff go. B is therefore the correct answer.

c. The passage notes that the company has been in operation for almost 170 years.

Option c, therefore, incorrectly states that the company has been in operation for

exactly 170 years. C is therefore the wrong answer.

d. the passage does not mention that any more closures are planned. It merely states

that business analysts suggest the company faces a difficult year. D is therefore the

wrong answer.

A leading holiday provider was forced to close the doors of 200 hundred of its stores

yesterday. The travel giant, who had been in operation for almost 170 years, made this

move after it reported a loss of over 350 million at its annual shareholders meeting.

The company, which has over 1,000 stores in the UK, confirmed that 660 members of

staff were also being let go. Business analysts suggest that the company faces another

difficult year, as consumer confidence is at an all-time low.


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Q13 Complete the following sentence based on only the passage. It was recentlyannounced that..?

a. Unemployment in Britain is at an all-time high.

b. Local people are more likely to be unemployed

c. A supermarket opens new stores, despite financial problems

d. A supermarket opens new stores, despite the economic climate.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. There is no evidence in the passage to suggest that unemployment is at an all-time

high. The last sentence of the passage refers to a seventeen-year high. This is


b. The passage refers to the new stores providing more job opportunities, with a focus

being placed on local people who are currently unemployed. The passage does not

say that local people are more likely to be unemployed. B is therefore the wrong

answer.

c. Option C correctly identifies stores to be opened. However, the passage does not

refer to the supermarket has financial problems but that the stores are opening

despite the difficult economic conditions facing the country. C is therefore the wrong

answer.

d. D is the right answer. It correctly identifies that new stores are to be opened despite

the current economic conditions facing the country.

A leading supermarket recently announced plans to open twenty-five new stores, despite

the difficult economic conditions facing the country. It is hoped that the expansion will

create more than 6,500 jobs over the next year, with the focus placed on local residents

who are currently unemployed. This announcement comes as official statistics suggest

unemployment is at a seventeen-year high in Britain.


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Q14 Based on the passage, which one of the following statements cannot be

deduced?

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Answer: a

Explanation: This question asks which statement we cannot know based on the

information provided by the passage.

a. The passage states that 15% of women in lap-dancing clubs are estimated to be

students. Therefore this is answer false and A is the correct answer.

b. Option b correctly identifies that there is 180 million worth of funding available for

students. The passage goes on to state that further support from the Universities and

Colleges is required. We can therefore deduce that this amount of money is not

enough. Based on the nature of the question, B it therefore incorrect.

c. We are told at the beginning of the passage that a growing number of university and

A-level students are turning to extreme means as a way of funding their education.

Based on the nature of the question, c is therefore the wrong answer.

d. The passage states that there has been a reduction in the number of graduate jobs

.Based on the nature of the question, d is therefore the wrong answer.

A growing number of university and A-level students are turning to extreme means as a

way of funding their education. The National Union of Students (NUS) found that an

alarming number of students are working as escorts, gambling or volunteering to take part

in medical experiments to bolster their income. According to the NUS, the increased cost

of living and the reduction in graduate jobs and educational maintenance allowance

(EMA) is behind such drastic action. The NUS predicts that 15% of women working in

lap-dancing clubs are students.

Responding to the release of this information, a spokesman for the Department for

Education stated that there is currently over one hundred and eighty million pounds of

financial support available each year for the most vulnerable students, but further support

from the universities and colleges themselves is required, in the form of bursaries, for

any real change to take place.


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Q15 Based on the information in the passage, what percentage of obese childrenwill become obese adults?

a. 20%

b. 14%

c. 23%

d. Cannot say

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. The passage states that 20% of final year students will be affected by the issue of

obesity in London. This is therefore the wrong answer.

b. The passage states that 14% of four and five year olds in deprived areas are affected

by the issue of obesity. This is therefore the wrong answer.

c. The passage states that 23% is the current rate of obesity in adults in the UK. The

passage makes no reference to the percentage of obese children becoming obese

adults. This is therefore the wrong answer.

d. D. Is the correct answer. Based on the information in the passage, we cannot say

what percentage of obese children will become obese adults.

Current figures suggest that one in five British children will be obese by the time they

reach the final year of primary school. This statement comes from a survey conducted by

the National Child Measurement Programme, which collected data based on more than

one million school children.

London was found to have the highest percentage of obese children, with 20% of final

year pupils affected by the issue. The survey also noted that the problem was twice as

acute in deprived areas, with 14% of four and five year olds in deprived area being obese,

compared to only 6% in well-off areas. In comparison to the rising rates of obesity in

children, the percentage of obese adults in the UK has fallen, currently standing at 23%.


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Q16 Based on the passage, which one of the following reasons does the OFTblame for the rise in cost for car insurance?

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Answer: b

Explanation:

a. Option a makes the mistake of stating referral fees are being covered by the

insurance providers. The passage states that insurance providers are passing these

costs on to drivers. A is therefore the wrong answer.

b. B is the correct answer. It correctly identifies the issue.

c. Option c makes the mistake of stating referral fees are being passed on to the OFT

(Office of Fair Trading). The passage states that these fees are being passed on to

drivers. C is therefore the wrong answer.

d. Option d incorrectly identifies a lack of competition by the OFT (Office of Fair Trade)

as an issue. The passage states there is a lack of competition between insurance

providers. D is therefore the wrong answer.

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has begun an investigation into Britains car insurance

industry after prices soared by twenty five percent in the last two years. The regulatory

body believe that a restriction has been placed on the market by a lack of competition

between insurance providers.

In addition, the OFT suggest that the increasing popularity of comparison sites has led to

an increase in referral fees, which insurance companies passed on to drivers. Further

research into the issue is being carried out and is predicted to be completed in the springof next year.


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Q17 Based on the information in the passage, which one of the following statements isincorrect?

a. Luxury Chinese labels decreased sales of western luxury goods.

b. Chinese companies are emulating the exclusivity of Western luxury goods

c. Chinese companies are trying to promote traditional values

d. The Western market is rising to the challenge of Chinese companies.

Answer: b

Explanation: This question asked you which statement was incorrect.

a. The first sentence of the passage states that there has been a decrease in sales in

luxury goods market thanks to the emergence of luxury Chinese labels. Based on

the type of question; A is therefore the wrong answer.

b. B is the right answer. The passage states that the Chinese companies are promoting

traditional values, rather than the exclusivity of Western labels.

c. The passage states that Chinese companies are trying to promote traditional values

and have received positive feedback so far. Based on the type of question; C is


d. The last sentence of the passage states that Western heavy-weights are rising to

meet the challenge. This is identified by option d. Based on the type of question; d is


The luxury goods market has seen a sudden slump in sales in China thanks to the

emergence of Chinese labels. While Chinas love of Western brands, such as Prada and

Louis Vuitton, shows no sign of ending, a new group of smaller luxury Chinese companies

is gaining in popularity.

Such companies try to promote traditional Chinese values, rather than the exclusivity of

Western labels that have been ever popular in China. Feedback for the new rivals has

been positive so far, yet they are expected to face an up-hill struggle as Western heavy-weights rise to meet the challenge.


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Q18 Based on the passage information, which of the following statements is definitelycorrect?

a. UK annual Anaphylactic shock cases are numbered at fifty-thousand.

b. UK Anaphylactic shock cases have risen over six hundred percent in ten years.

c. Injection of adrenaline is the only cure for anaphylactic shock.

d. Anaphylactic shock can cause death or serious illness in healthy individuals.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. Option a. is incorrect for two reasons. 1. The passage does not state the actual

number of cases of anaphylactic shock each year, and 2. The passage states that

anaphylactic shock is estimated to affect an average of fifty-thousand people over the

course of their lifetime.

b. Option b correctly identifies that the number of anaphylactic shock cases in the UK

has risen by over 600 percent, but the passage states this rise is over a period of

twenty years, and says nothing of the trend over the last ten years. . B is therefore

not necessarily correct .

c. The passage mentions adrenaline injections as a cure but it does not say this is the

only cure. Option c is therefore wrong.

d. Option d is the correct answer. The passage states that anaphylactic shock can

cause the death or serious illness of otherwise healthy individuals.

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has announced that the number of

cases of anaphylactic shock in the UK has risen by over 600 per cent in the past twenty

years. Anaphylaxis is usually triggered by an allergic reaction and can cause a decrease

in blood pressure, swelling of the affected area and a difficulty to breath. Such reactions,

which can cause death or serious illness in otherwise healthy individuals, are estimated to

affect an average of fifty-thousand people over the course of their lifetime. Guidelines for

dealing with anaphylactic shock were published today by NICE and include advise such

as giving those who have previously suffered from anaphylaxis an adrenaline injection,

which they can administer themselves in the advent of a future attack. Such measures

may prove lifesaving.


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Q19 Which of the following statements is not mentioned by the passage?

a. Local authorities are considering new ways to save money.

b. Since outsourcing, remaining employees have more variety in their day

c. Out-sourcing has become common practise in many Companies.

d. Authorities must act like commercial operations to survive funding cuts.

Answer: d

Explanation: The question asks you to look for the statement that is not mentioned in the

passage.

a. This statement is mentioned in the passage. A spokesman for the council stated that

this move (the out-sourcing) aimed to reduce spending cuts, as central government

grant money is cut substantially across the country.

b. This statement is mentioned in the passage. Talking about her work load since the job

cuts, a remaining employee commented that the cuts have brought more variety to her

day.

c. This statement is mentioned in the passage. ...the process of out-sourcing has

become common aspect of daily life for many British companies.

d. The passage does not mention this statement, and is therefore the correct answer

Over the past decade, the process of out-sourcing has become a common aspect of daily

life for many British companies. However, a local governmental authority recently took this

phenomenon to a new level when it out-sourced its waste-collection, leisure facilities,

planning, licensing and pest control. Acting now in a supervisory role, the local authority

now has only fourteen remaining employees. A spokesman for the council stated that this

move aimed to reduce spending cuts, as central government grant money is cut

substantially across the country.

Talking about her work load since the job cuts, a remaining employee commented that the

cuts have brought more variety to her day as different tasks now come under one officer,

when they would have been segregated prior to the cuts. It remains to be seen whether

such changes will stream line local government authorities into more commercial like

operations.


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Q20 Complete the following sentence based only on the information in theparagraph. Competitors, such as Sainsburys and Morrisons...

a. Continually pose a threat to Tesco.

b. Continually made a loss in the last four quarters.

c. Continue to make a profit, despite the economic downturn.

d. Continue to make a profit on clothing and electrical items.

Answer: c

Explanation:

a. The passage does not mention smaller supermarkets posing a threat to Tesco. While

they may do so, you were asked to base your answer on only information in the

passage.

b. The passage states that Tesco, rather than its smaller competitors, made a loss in the

last four quarters. The passage states that Sainsburys and Morrisons continue to

make a profit.

c. The passage states that these retailers continued to make a profit, and is therefore the

correct answer.

d. We do not know on which items Sainsburys and Morrisons are making a profit. The

passage refers to fewer people buying these items due to the recession.

The rise and fall in the annual gross income of Britains biggest supermarkets is well

documented. For this reason it came as no surprise to many when Tescos annual figures

represented a loss this quarter. Official figures suggest that a price-cutting campaign by

Britains biggest retailer failed to plug the losses, as Tesco made its fourth quarterly loss in

a row.

Commentators suggest that the fall in sales is a result of the current economic climate,

with shoppers not only spending less on clothing and electronic items, but also on theirweekly food shops. However, this view is controversial as smaller competitors, such as

Sainsburys and Morrisons, continue to make a profit.


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AssessmentDay...

Q21 Based on the information in the passage, what does the writer mean when hestates perhaps things are not as bad as they seem...?

a. Unemployment is about to fall, improving the economic outlook.

b. The government is likely to make new public sector cuts.c. Economists are mistaken and unemployment is lower.

d. Economists over-estimated the number rise in benefits claims

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. The passage does not mention that the level of unemployment will fall. Instead, it

suggests that the level of unemployment has recently risen.

b. The passage states that the government have recently made new job cuts, but doesnot mention they are likely to do the same again.

c. The passage states that unemployment rates in Britain are at a new high. Option C

says the opposite to this. It is therefore the wrong answer.

d. The passages mentions the statement in the passage, and is therefore the correct

answer

UK unemployment has reached a new high after the public sector made a new wave of

cuts this week. Statistics suggest that those particularly hit by the cuts will be youths, as a

record high of over 1 million youths were recorded as unemployed at the beginning of this

month. This figure is just under half of the total national statistic for unemployment, a

reported 2.5 million.

Yet, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits has not risen as far as it was

expected to. Economists predicted that the number of people claiming support would riseby an estimated 15,000, yet the actual figure demonstrates a rise of less than 4,000.

Perhaps things are not as bad as they seem after all.


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AssessmentDay...

Q22 Which one of the following statements can we not know based on theinformation provided in the passage?

a. 7 million families in Britain are cohabiting but never married.b. Recommendations to change inheritance laws have been made.c. Children without married parents are not entitled to inherit their parents estate.d. Cohabiting with a partner still married to someone else would be an exception.

Answer: c

Explanation: This question asked you which statement you could not know based on the

information provided in the passage. The only possible answer is c, as the other

statements are all stated in the passage. However, the inheritance rights of children are

not mentioned in the passage, merely the rights of partners who have children.

The Law Commission has recommended, as part of a major overhaul to inheritance law,

that unmarried couples should have equal inheritance rights. The proposal suggests that

unmarried couples who live together for five years or more should be able to inherit from

each other without writing a will. This provision would also apply to couples who had lived

together for two years or more and who had a child, providing that the child lived with the

couple at the time one parent died.

An exception to the proposed law would be where one partner had been previously married

to another partner and had not divorced them. In this situation, the surviving co-habitant

would have no right to the deceaseds estate. If passed, this British law is thought to affect

roughly 7 million families who cohabit but have never married.


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Q23 Based on the passage, which one of the following statements is correct?

a. Eurostat is backed by the European Commission.

b. Denmark is one of the richest countries in the EU

c. The richest countries are Sweden and Norway.

d. The richest countries are Denmark and Norway.

Answer: c

Explanation:

a. the passage does not mention that Eurostat is backed by the European Commission.

b. the passage states that Denmark is the most expensive country to live in, not the

richest.

c. The fourth sentence gives Norway and Sweden as the richest [in the EU].

d. the passage states that Denmark is the most expensive country to live in, not the

richest.

Official statistics from countries around the European Union suggest that Britain has the

second-highest living standard within the EU. Research suggests that a major reason for

this is the service provided by the NHS. The European research body, Eurostat,

compared the figures for Britain both with the services supplied by the NHS and without

such services.

It found that without the aid of the NHS, Britain moved down to 10th in the scale for its

standard of living. In the recent report Bulgaria was found to be the worst-off country in theEU, with Norway and Sweden as the richest. Denmark was found to be the most

expensive to live in within the EU.

These figures represent a dramatic change since the last survey carried out in 2007. At

the time of the 2007 survey, Ireland was found to be one of the richest countries with its

standard of living 48% above the average, beating even Sweden. However, this is no

longer the case.


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Q24 Based on the information only, chose the option that best completes the followingsentence. As a result of the London Olympics...

a. Sporting events and advertising has been researched for the first time.

b. Sporting events and advertising is receiving more attention from companies

c. Sporting events and advertising is receiving more attention from adults.

d. Sporting events and advertising is now protected by statute.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The passage does not mention that the relationship between sporting events and

advertising is being researched for the first time, merely that it is under greater

scrutiny. The passage goes on to discuss the findings of research which suggest the

average amount of adults who discuss the Olympics on a typical day. Option a is


b. Option b is the correct answer. It correctly identifies that the relationship between

sporting events and advertising is receiving more attention from British companies as

a result of the London 2012 Olympics.

c. The passage does not mention that the relationship between sporting events and

advertising is receiving more attention from British adults. It states that this

relationship is under greater scrutiny from British Companies. Option c is therefore

the incorrect answer.

d. The passage states that the investment of sponsors is now protected by statute, not

the relationship between sponsorship and sporting events. Option d is therefore

incorrect.

To what extent does advertising a product at a sporting event increase sales? In light of

the London Olympics, the relationship between sporting events and advertising is under

greater scrutiny by British companies than ever before. Research suggests that in the year

prior to the Games, twelve percent of adults talked about the Olympics on a typical day.

With this in mind, it is estimated that more than one billion pounds have been invested in

the Games in the form of sponsorship from companies. In return for their investment, theexposure gained by sponsors is now legally protected by statute to prevent non-official

sponsors from profiting.


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Q25 Based on the information in the passage only, which of the following statements isdefinitely correct?

a. British banks will be downgraded from their AAA status.b. Christian Noyer called it unjust for French banks to lose their AAA status

c. British bankers are all members of the AA insurance group.

d. The governor of the Banque de France lives in a glass house.

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The passage states that British banks may lose their current AAA status. There is no

information in the above passage to suggest that British banks will be downgraded,

only that this is possible. Option a is therefore the wrong answer.

b. Option b is the correct answer. It identifies that the governor of the Banque de France

stated it would be unjust or unfair if French banks lost their AAA status when British

banks did not.

c. The passage makes no reference to the AA insurance group. The passage discusses

AAA bank ratings. A close reading of the passage is necessary to distinguish

between these two subjects. Option c is therefore wrong.

d. The author of the passage uses the statement that Mr Noyer should not throw stones

in glass houses to convey the message that, as France also appears to be in

recession, Mr Noyer should be more careful about his comments of other economies.

This statement does not mean Mr Noyer lives in a glass house. Option d is therefore

incorrect.

The AAA rating currently enjoyed by British banks may be about to change, as the

governor of the Banque de France, Christian Noyer, lashed out at the amount of British

debt. This statement was made in response to warnings received by the French

government that a number of banks across Europe, including France, are being

considered for downgrading.

Noyers outburst continued, as he stated that a downgrade for France was unjust, andthat the downgrades should start with the UK, which currently has a larger amount of debt,

more inflation and weaker growth than France. However, the French economy is expected

to shrink both this quarter and the next, suggesting the nation is suffering from recession.

In light of this, a warning for Mr Noyer not to throw stones in glass houses appears apt.


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Q26 Based on the information in the above passage, how much tax, in total, wasspent on local roads and national highways in 2010?

a. Four billion pounds

b. Five billion pounds

c. Nine billion pounds

d. Twenty eight billion pounds

Answer: c

Explanation:

a. The passage states that four billion pounds were spent on national highways on

2010. The question asks for the total amount spent on both local roads and national

highways. For this reason, option a is the wrong answer.

b. The passage states that five billion pounds were spent on local roads in 2010. The

question asks for the total amount spent on both local roads and national highways.

For this reason, option b is the wrong answer.

c. The passage states that four billion pounds were spent on national highways, and

five billion pounds were spent on local roads in 2010. The question asks for the total

figure spent on both of these in 2010. This is nine billion pounds. For this reason,

option c is the right answer.

d. The passage states that road users spent twenty eight billion pounds in fuel taxes in

2010. Based on the information in the passage, this is not the amount spent on local

roads and national highways. For this reason, option d is the wrong answer.

Official statistics suggest that only a third of drivers tax is spent on the roads. In 2010,

figures suggest revealed that drivers spent twenty eight billion pounds in fuel taxes, yet, in

the same year, only five billion was spent on local roads and a further four billion on national

highways. In addition to fuel taxes, excise tax has almost doubled since 1988. Speaking on

this subject, the president of the AA stated that the poorest motorists are often the most

affected by tax hikes.


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Q27 Based on the information in the above passage, what does the author meanwhen he refers to the proposed scheme as taking with one hand while givingwith the other?

a. The author means the scheme will be detrimental to families

b. The author means funding for the scheme may come from other areas

c. The author means that only local government will be giving funds,

d. The author means that funds will come from companies

Answer: b

Explanation:

a. The passage makes no reference to the proposed scheme being detrimental to

families. For this reason, option a is incorrect.

b. Option b correctly identifies that the author suggests funding for the scheme will have

to be drawn from other areas currently provided for by the central government. For this

reason, option b is the correct answer.

c. The passage refers to both local and central government funding the scheme. For this

reason, option c is incorrect.

d. The passage makes no mention of funds being diverted away from companies. For

this reason, option d is incorrect.

The prime minister recently announced a new plan to kick-start social recovery and

troubleshoot dysfunctional families. Under this scheme, the government plans to invest

450 million into families; providing more case workers, probation officers and social

workers. While forty percent of the total bill is expected to be provided by central

government, the remaining sixty percent is to be provided by local councils.

Those in opposition appear sceptical as to the worth of the scheme, highlighting that the

funding must be gained by cuts to other key areas. In this way, the prime minister has

been accused of taking with one hand while giving with the other.


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Q28 Based on the information in the passage only, when was the technology tospecifically kill knee pain by the use of vibrations first invented?

a. In the American civil war.

b. In the 1960s.

c. In 2009.

d. Cannot say.

Answer: d

Explanation:

a. Based on the information above, the technology to kill pain by the use of vibrations first

appeared in the American civil war; however, the question specifically asks when the

technology of using vibrations to kill new pain was first invented. Option a is therefore

incorrect.

b. Based on the information above, the technology to kill pain by the use of vibrations

was re-examined in the 1960s; however, the question specifically asks when the

technology of using vibrations to kill new pain was first invented. Option b is therefore


c. Based on the information above, the technology to kill pain by the use of vibrations first

appeared in the market in 2009; however, the question specifically asks when the

technology of using vibrations to kill new pain was first invented. Option c is therefore


d. Option d is the correct answer. We are unable to say, based on the information

available in the passage, when the technology to block knee pain was first invented.

A British surgeon has invented a new device that kills pain without the use of drugs. The

gadget, which aims to reduce knee pain and the need for operations, is said to block the

pain signal as the spinal cord is unable to carry both the pain and the vibration at the

same time. This technique, using vibration to block pain signals, is not new; first

appearing in the American civil war before being re-examined in the 1960s and

eventually appearing on the market in 2009. This technology, which is powered by AAA

batteries, is the first time the product has been widely available for knee pains.


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AssessmentDay...

Q29 Based on the information in the passage only, which one of the followingstatements cannot be deduced?

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Answer: c

Explanation: This question asks you which statement you cannot know based on the

information provided by the passage.

a. The passage states that the World Alzheimer Report predicts that the burden placedon social resources by cases of dementia will continue to grow as the number of cases

escalates. We can therefore deduce, based on this information, that the growing

number of cases will place an increasing burden on social resources. Option A is


b. The passage states that a reason behind the growing number of dementia cases is

due to an increase in life expectancy, with more people living into their eighties and

nineties. Option B is therefore incorrect.

c. C is the right answer. The passage refers to European Countries being more likely toemploy professional healthcare workers, but no mention is made on whether these

professionals are nurses or whether there are a greater number of nurses than any

other country. Therefore we cannot deduce the statement made by option c from the

information in the passage.

Experts warn that the growing number of dementia cases may become the social

problem of this century. The World Alzheimer Report predicts that the burden placed on

social resources by cases of dementia will continue to grow as the number of cases

escalates. A reason behind the growing number of people suffering from dementia is due

to an increase in life expectancy, with more people living into their eighties and nineties

that than ever before.

In addition to the increasing number of cases, a difference in how differing European

countries care for patients with Alzheimers has also been found. The World Alzheimer

report noted that in counties with higher income, patients are more likely to be looked

after by professional healthcare workers, than by family members themselves.


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d. Option D correctly identifies that, based on the information in the passage, European

countries with a higher income are more likely to employ health care professionals

than to care for family members with dementia themselves. Based on the nature of the

question, option d is incorrect.


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Q30 Based on the passage, which one of the following statements is not correct?

a) Australian mining company profits have been negatively effectedb) The price of Iron ore has fallenc) Increased growth in developing countries is to blamed) Investment into Australia has been hurt.

Correct answer: c

Explanation

a) The passage states that Australian mining company profits have beennegatively affected, and is therefore not the correct answer

b) The passage states that the price of iron ore has fallen, and is therefore notthe correct answer

c) The increased growth in developing countries is the opposite of the reasongiven in the passage, which is decreased growth in development countries.This is therefore the correct answer

d) The passage states that investment into Australia has been hurt, and istherefore not the correct answer.

-- End of Test --

Australias economic growth slows down in second quarter, say economists. Annual

economic growth in Australia has begun to slow as demand for natural resources slows

around the world. Decreased growth in key developing countries such as china and India

has taken its toll on the Australian economic, which is heavily based on the mining sector.

Similarly commodity prices such as iron ore have also fallen in recent months, negatively

effecting Australian mining company profits. A knock on effect of this is decreased

investment in the Australian mining sector, hurting investment in the country. It is believed

that this decline in demand for natural resources will continue throughout the year, and

Australian economic growth is not likely to increase for some time.

verbalcomprehensiontest1 solutions

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