UCAT Verbal Reasoning Strategies for Rare Question Types (Word Reference, New Info, Why & Summing Up)
Introduction 📚
Preparing for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is a key step towards admission to medical or dental school in the UK. The exam is a two-hour computer-based test used by most UK medical and dental schools, and it’s often considered a major hurdle for aspiring applicants. Verbal Reasoning (VR) is the first section of the UCAT, designed to assess how well you can comprehend and critically evaluate written information. You’ll face about 11 passages of ~200–300 words each, with 44 questions in total (4 per passage). Time pressure is intense – as of 2025, you have 22 minutes for the VR section, averaging roughly 30 seconds per question. It’s no surprise that VR tends to produce the lowest subtest scores each year, and many students struggle to finish in time.
Most UCAT VR questions come in familiar formats, like True/False/Can't Tell statements or standard reading comprehension questions (where you select the best answer from four options based on the passage). However, a few question types appear only rarely. These uncommon formats can catch you off guard if you haven’t seen them before, potentially causing stress or confusion. In this guide, we’ll demystify four rare Verbal Reasoning question types – Word Reference, New Information, "Why", and Summing Up – and provide strategies to tackle each one effectively. We’ll also share targeted tips to help you stay calm and confident 😌 even when facing these unusual questions. With the right preparation and mindset, you can handle any surprise the UCAT throws at you and maximise your VR score.
🔍 Word Reference Questions
What are they?
Word Reference questions present a specific word or phrase from the passage (usually in quotes) and ask you what that word or phrase refers to in the context of the passage. In essence, it’s testing your understanding of references – often pronouns or shorthand mentions in the text that point to a person, object, or idea mentioned elsewhere. For example, a passage might say, “Dr. Smith conducted a new trial on a vaccine. This approach was groundbreaking in its methodology.” A Word Reference question could be: “In the passage, what does ‘this approach’ refer to?” In this case, “this approach” refers to the new trial on the vaccine conducted by Dr. Smith.
Why they’re tricky:
These questions are rare in UCAT VR, so you might not have practised them as much. They require careful reading to ensure you identify the correct referent. The challenge is that the quoted word/phrase is often a pronoun (like he, she, it, they) or a term like “the process”, “the discovery”, etc., which could potentially link to multiple things if the passage is dense. You must pick out exactly which noun or concept the term is referring to in that context.
How to tackle Word Reference questions:
Find the word in the passage:
Quickly scan the passage for the quoted word or phrase (if it’s not already highlighted). Once you locate it, read a few sentences before and after the word. Context is key – the surrounding sentences usually clarify what the term refers to.
Identify referent clues:
Look for clues in the sentence containing the word. Often, the word will follow a description or an idea introduced earlier. For instance, pronouns like "they" or "this method" typically refer back to the most recently mentioned plural noun or concept. Make sure you haven’t mistaken the reference – double-check that the noun you think it refers to makes logical sense in place of the pronoun or phrase.
Eliminate wrong options:
If the question provides answer choices, eliminate options that don’t appear in the passage or that distort the meaning. The correct answer will usually be a rephrase of something explicitly mentioned. If it’s a free-response style (e.g. select the correct statement), ensure the statement you choose clearly matches the contextual meaning of the reference word.
Practice active reading:
As a broader strategy, while practising VR passages, get in the habit of tracking references. When you see phrases like “such measures” or “these results”, pause and ensure you know what they point to. This habit will make answering Word Reference questions more automatic.
Avoid assumptions:
Don’t use outside knowledge; stick strictly to the passage. If two possible referents seem plausible, rely on grammatical cues (singular/plural agreement, subject of previous sentence, etc.) and logical flow to decide which one is correct.
Example:
Passage excerpt: "The medical team introduced a new protocol to improve patient recovery. It significantly reduced recovery times compared to previous methods."
Question: In the excerpt, what does "It" refer to?
Solution: "It" refers to the new protocol (since the sentence talks about it reducing recovery times, meaning the protocol did this).
By practising these steps, you’ll become adept at quickly resolving what a word in quotes is referencing. Word Reference questions essentially test precise comprehension – a skill that will serve you well not just in the UCAT, but in reading scientific texts in medical school too!
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ℹ️ New Information Questions
What are they?
New Information questions (also called "New Info") present you with additional information not contained in the original passage, and then ask you to use both the passage and this new info to answer a question. The new info is usually given just before the question and could be one or more sentences long. Essentially, the exam is saying: “Suppose we add this piece of information to the scenario – what impact does it have?” You might see a question like: “New Information: A recent follow-up study finds that the treatment discussed in the passage causes minor side effects in 10% of patients. Question: Given this new information, which of the following statements is true/false?”
Why they’re tricky:
These are very rare in UCAT VR – perhaps only one per exam, if any. They force you to integrate an outside piece of data into the passage. Under time pressure, shifting your mindset to incorporate new content is challenging. It’s easy to get flustered or to ignore the new info accidentally (especially if you’re in the habit of considering only the passage text). However, if you ignore the new info, you’ll likely get the question wrong, as it usually changes the context or correct answer significantly.
How to tackle New Info questions:
Read the new information carefully:
When you see a block labelled "New Information" or phrased as an additional fact, slow down for a moment. Realise that the test is intentionally adding a twist. Read the new sentences fully and thoughtfully, just as you did the passage. This info is there for you to use, so make sure you understand it. Ask yourself: “What exactly is this new detail saying, and how does it relate to the passage I just read?”
Relate it to the passage:
Identify what part of the original passage the new info is relevant to. Does it confirm something, contradict something, or provide a detail that affects one of the statements? For example, if the passage concluded that a treatment was safe, and the new info says “it causes side effects in 10% of patients,” this qualifies the passage’s conclusion. It might turn a previously True statement into False or Can't Tell, or vice versa.
Answer as if both are true:
Approach the question under the combined context of "Passage + New Info." Only consider those two sources of truth – nothing outside. Treat the new info as an extension of the passage: if it adds a condition or an exception, factor that in. If the new info introduces a new term or statistic, that now becomes part of the knowledge base for answering.
Adjust your True/False/Can't Tell (T/F/CT) evaluation:
Often, New Info questions resemble T/F/CT style. The new info can change a statement’s status. For instance, a statement that was "True" based on the passage alone might become "False" once the new fact is added, or something unanswerable before might become answerable. Check each answer option against the entire updated context.
Beware of irrelevant new info:
Occasionally, the new info might not affect the answer. Be open to the possibility that it’s a red herring. However, examiners typically include new info for a reason, so double-check whether each answer choice is affected by it. If a choice remains unaffected by the new info, that could be a clue if other choices are altered.
Example:
Passage statement: "All studies in the passage indicate the new drug has no significant side effects."
New Information: "A recent trial (not mentioned in the passage) found that 1 in 50 patients on the new drug experienced minor nausea."
Question: “Given the new information, which of the following is true?”
Here, the new info contradicts the passage’s blanket statement of "no significant side effects." The correct answer might be a statement like: “It is no longer true that the drug has zero side effects, as minor nausea was observed in some patients.” This would be the kind of inference you draw by combining the original text and the added detail.
Strategy in practice: Stay flexible. Don’t panic when you see new info; instead, treat it as an extra paragraph of the passage. By practicing a few of these question types beforehand, you’ll train yourself to pivot quickly between the passage and new data. Remember that the examiners are testing your adaptability – in medicine, you often have to adjust your conclusions when new evidence emerges, and that’s exactly what you’re doing here!
❓ "Why" Questions
What are they?
"Why" questions ask about reasons, motivations, or causes behind something stated in the passage. They are sometimes worded as “Why…?” or “What is the reason for…?”, and occasionally they can be phrased indirectly, like “The author included the example of X in order to…?”. Essentially, they probe the underlying purpose or cause of a fact or statement in the text. For example, a question might be: “According to the passage, why did the researchers choose a double-blind trial design?” or “Why does the author mention climate change in the second paragraph?”.
Why they’re tricky:
These are a bit unusual in UCAT VR, as most questions focus on what is stated (facts) rather than on why something is the case. A "Why" question forces you to interpret the passage’s logic or the author’s intent, not just recall details. It can feel like a slight step towards critical reasoning. If you’re rushing, it’s easy to skim and miss the causal relationship or the author’s rationale that the question is targeting.
How to tackle "Why" questions:
Locate the relevant part of the passage:
Identify which line or section of the passage the question is referring to. If the question says "Why did X happen?" find where X is described. If it asks "Why did the author mention Y?", locate the mention of Y. The surrounding sentences are your gold mine – they often include connective words like “because,” “due to,” “since,” “to [verb]…” etc., which explicitly or implicitly give the reason.
Understand cause and effect:
Once you have the relevant lines, determine the cause-and-effect relationship. For instance, if the passage says "The trial was double-blind to eliminate bias," and the question asks why researchers chose a double-blind design, the answer is essentially “to eliminate bias.” Look for phrases that indicate purpose (e.g., “in order to…”) or explanation. The UCAT expects you to pick out the correct cause from the text, not from general knowledge.
Paraphrase the reason in simple terms:
Sometimes the passage’s wording can be complex. Try to rephrase the reason in your own simple words before looking at the answer options. For example, if the text says "Dr Lee cited the historical case study to illustrate the potential pitfalls of early trial termination," you can paraphrase: Dr Lee used that case study to show the dangers of stopping a trial too early. Now you have a clear idea of the "why," which will help you identify the matching answer.
Eliminate answers that aren’t reasons:
Answer options for "Why" questions often include statements of fact that might be true, but don’t answer the “why”. For instance, if the question is "Why did the author mention global warming?" a choice that says "Global warming is a significant issue discussed in politics" might be true in general, but it does not explain the author’s purpose. The correct answer might be "To provide an example that underscores the urgency of collective action," if that aligns with the passage.
Use inference if needed:
Occasionally, the reason is not stated outright with a clear signal word. You might have to infer the 'why' from the context. Ask yourself, “What point was the author trying to support or what outcome was achieved by including this detail?” In well-written passages, every sentence has a role. If you identify that role (e.g., “this detail strengthens the argument that…”), you’ve found the "why."
Example:
Passage snippet: "The author describes a patient’s personal story of recovery after listing statistical outcomes of the new therapy."
Possible question: "Why does the author include the patient’s personal story?"
Reasoning: The author likely included it to humanise the data or give a real-world example of the statistics. The story serves to illustrate and reinforce the numerical outcomes with an emotional or tangible example.
Answer: Something like “To provide a concrete example that illustrates the success indicated by the statistics” would capture the purpose.
In summary, "Why" questions test your understanding of the author’s intentions or the logical cause behind events in the text. They require a step beyond mere fact-finding – you have to grasp the underlying rationale presented. By practising reading for purpose (not just content), you’ll get better at spotting these in passages. Remember, the answers are always supported by the passage (UCAT isn’t asking for your own opinion of why; it’s about why according to the passage). So trust what’s written, and you’ll find the right explanation.
📝 Summing Up Questions
What are they?
Summing Up questions (also known as summary or main idea questions) ask you to identify the main point or overall summary of the passage. Instead of focusing on a specific detail, these questions zoom out and test whether you grasp the big picture. They may be phrased as: “Which of the following best sums up the passage?”, “What is the main message of the text?”, or “Which title would best fit this passage?”. Essentially, you need to choose the statement that best captures the entire passage’s theme or conclusion.
Why they’re tricky:
Summing Up questions are uncommon in UCAT VR (perhaps one per exam at most), and they can be time-consuming because they force you to consider the passage as a whole. Under time pressure, many candidates focus on quick keyword searches and individual facts; a global question requires a different tactic. Additionally, the answer choices can be tricky – often more abstract or generalised than the phrasing in the passage. Wrong options might focus on only one part of the passage (too narrow), or they might state something that sounds broadly relevant but is actually not the passage’s point (too broad or slightly off-topic). Selecting the true gist of a passage after a hurried read can be challenging.
How to tackle Summing Up questions:
Skim strategically for structure:
If you know a question is asking for the passage’s main idea, you should adjust your reading approach. Ideally, take a few seconds upfront to identify the passage structure: read the first sentence or two of each paragraph and the last sentence of the passage. Often, the introduction and conclusion carry the core message. For example, the first paragraph might introduce a problem, and the final paragraph might state the overall finding or viewpoint – together these give a good idea of the main theme.
Identify the author’s purpose/tone:
Ask yourself, “Why did the author write this? What are they trying to convey or convince me of?” If it’s a scientific passage, the main point might be “Evidence supports using X treatment for Y condition.” If it’s a historical passage, it could be “Event Z had significant consequences on society.” Look for any conclusive statements or recurring points. If a concept or argument is mentioned in multiple paragraphs, it’s likely central to the main idea.
Eliminate partial or extreme answers:
When looking at answer options, throw out any that focus on a minor detail from one paragraph – the main idea will cover the whole scope. Also, be wary of answers that introduce something the passage never discussed (those are usually traps). If an option goes beyond the passage’s content or is too extreme in wording (e.g., "The passage proves that no alternative is possible," when the passage was more balanced), it’s likely incorrect. The correct summary usually reflects a balanced understanding of the text.
Choose the most comprehensive answer:
The best summary will often be the one that encapsulates all major aspects of the passage without stretching beyond the given information. A useful trick is to mentally outline the passage: “Paragraph 1: topic introduced, Paragraph 2: conflict discussed, Paragraph 3: resolution presented.” Now see which answer choice covers those elements. If an answer only mentions the conflict but not the resolution, it’s incomplete. If another answer mentions the introduction and resolution but also adds something unrelated, that’s not right either. Pick the statement that logically and concisely covers the entire text’s focus.
Verify with the passage:
Before finalising, quickly cross-check the chosen answer against the passage. Does every part of that answer hold true according to the text? If you spot any unsupported portion, reconsider. The correct summary will not contradict anything in the passage, and ideally will resonate as “yes, that’s essentially what the whole passage was about.”
Example:
Imagine a passage about a new healthcare policy, describing its development, pros, cons, and outcomes. A Summing Up question asks: “Which statement best summarises the passage?”
Option A might focus only on the development process (too narrow).
Option B might say the policy is flawless and revolutionised healthcare (too positive/absolute if the passage also lists cons).
Option C might state, "The new healthcare policy was introduced to improve patient outcomes, faced various challenges, but ultimately led to modest improvements in care." If that aligns with the passage’s overall narrative, Option C is likely the best summary: it acknowledges the introduction, the challenges, and the result, covering the passage end-to-end.
In practice, Summing Up questions reward a calm, bird’s-eye view of the text. If you’ve flagged a passage as particularly long or complex, you might pre-emptively decide to skim it for gist and answer the summary question, then come back for detail questions if time allows. Some prep companies even suggest you can answer a summary question without reading every word – by focusing on the intro, topic sentences, and conclusion, you often glean the main point. This can be a time-saving strategy, but use it carefully; it works best when you’ve practised and when the question explicitly asks for a summary or main idea.
Ultimately, mastering Summing Up questions is about improving your reading skills: practice summarising articles or textbook chapters in one sentence. Over time, you’ll get quicker at spotting the central theme amid details. And remember, if you’re unsure between two summary options, ask, “Which one would the author likely agree is the take-home message?” – that can guide you to the correct choice.
👍 Tips to Stay Calm and Confident
Facing uncommon question types can be nerve-wracking, especially in a high-stakes exam like the UCAT. However, staying calm and keeping your confidence can significantly boost your performance. Here are some targeted tips to help you maintain composure and think clearly, even when a question throws you a curveball:
📖 Be prepared through practice:
The best antidote to fear is familiarity. Make sure you have practised a few examples of these rare question types during your UCAT prep. If you encounter Word Reference or Summing Up questions in practice exams or question banks, don’t skip them thinking they’re unimportant. By seeing how they work in advance, you’ll reduce the shock factor on test day. Knowing you’ve handled something before breeds confidence.
⏱️ Use your time management skills:
Rare question types might tempt you to spend extra time because they feel unusual. Be mindful of the clock. If a particular question is stumping you, don’t be afraid to flag and move on after a reasonable effort (e.g. ~30 seconds). It’s better to guess and return later if time permits than to let panic over one oddball question derail your timing for the entire section. Trust your overall pacing strategy.
💡 Positive self-talk:
Combat anxiety with a positive mindset. Remind yourself of what one top scorer said: “Keep practising, work on your weaknesses, and stay calm.”. If you feel panic rising, mentally say things like, “I’ve got this. I’ve practised hard, and I’m prepared. I can handle surprises.” This kind of self-encouragement is not trivial – it helps keep your mind clear and focused. MedEntry (a UCAT prep provider) suggests turning negative thoughts into positive ones, e.g., instead of "I can't do this", tell yourself "Yes, I can! I’ve prepared for this exam, and I will do my best.". Such affirmations can steady your nerves.
😌 Breathing and mini-breaks:
Don’t underestimate the power of a deep breath. If you encounter a baffling question and notice your heart pounding, take a quick 2-second break. Look away from the screen briefly, inhale deeply and exhale slowly. This can reset your concentration. Because VR is the first subtest, you might be extra anxious at the start – a breathing exercise before you begin (in the 1-minute instructions time) can set the tone. Some candidates even use a simple mindfulness trick: clenched fists under the desk, then release, to physically release tension without losing time. Find what works for you to stay centred.
🔑 Focus on one question at a time:
In the heat of the exam, thinking about the overall score or the previous question you found hard can spiral into anxiety. Practice compartmentalising your focus. Treat each question as its own mini-task. If a rare question appears, approach it methodically using the strategies we outlined, and remind yourself that you only need to apply logical steps. Once it’s answered or flagged, mentally let it go and move fully to the next question. Keeping your attention on the present question will prevent lingering stress from affecting your flow.
🎯 Remember the big picture:
One tricky question will not make or break your entire UCAT. Scoring is based on the total number of questions you get right, and it’s okay to find some questions hard – everyone does. In fact, knowing that most candidates find VR tough can oddly be a comfort: if you feel challenged, you’re not alone. The key is to collect as many points as you can across all questions. So, don’t let an unusual question shatter your poise. Do your best, answer or guess, and move on with determination to gather points from the rest. Your goal is a strong overall VR score, not perfection on every single item.
Staying calm is a skill you can cultivate. Consider doing timed practice tests in conditions similar to the real exam – this builds stress resilience. Top UCAT performers often attribute their success not just to knowledge, but to keeping nerves in check. As the saying goes, “Keep a cool head.” If you can maintain your cool when a rare question pops up, you’ll think more clearly and increase your chances of getting it right. And even if you’re unsure, a calm mind will help you eliminate a couple of options and make an educated guess, which is far better than a blind guess made in panic.
Finally, confidence comes from reminding yourself why you’re doing this: you’ve come so far in your studies, and the UCAT is just one more step toward your dream of becoming a doctor or dentist. You’ve tackled challenging exams before (A-levels, anyone?) and succeeded – the UCAT is just a different format. Believe in your preparation and abilities. You've got this! 💪
Conclusion 🏅
The UCAT Verbal Reasoning section may be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can handle even the rarest question types it throws at you. We covered Word Reference, New Info, "Why", and Summing Up questions – each requires a slightly different approach, but all are manageable with practice and a clear head. Remember to hone your fundamental VR skills, such as skimming for keywords, reading for gist, and drawing inferences, as these underpin success on both common and uncommon questions. Equally important is cultivating a sense of calm and confidence. Top candidates consistently highlight staying composed under pressure as a key to success.
As you prepare, incorporate these rare question strategies into your practice regimen. Simulate exam conditions, include a few oddball questions in your mocks, and rehearse the calming techniques we discussed. By test day, you’ll not only be academically prepared but also mentally ready to face anything – whether it’s a straightforward True/False or a surprise New Information scenario. Every question is an opportunity to score marks, so don’t fear the rare ones; embrace them as chances to shine and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
In summary, success in UCAT Verbal Reasoning comes down to a combination of strategy, practice, and mindset. You now have strategies for tackling even the rarest VR questions and tips to maintain your cool. All that’s left is to put them into practice. Keep working hard, trust yourself, and approach the exam with a positive attitude. With thorough preparation and a calm confidence, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a stellar UCAT score – bringing you one step closer to that coveted offer from a UK medical or dental school. Good luck, and happy studying! 🎓💙
References and Further Reading
UCAT Consortium – Official Test Format (2025): Details the updated UCAT structure and timings, including Verbal Reasoning (44 questions, 22 minutes) ucat.ac.uk.
UCAT Consortium – Candidate Advice (2024): Top percentile candidates share preparation tips; highlights the importance of staying calm and consistent practice ucat.ac.uku
Brighton & Sussex Medical School – Preparing for UCAT (2022): Medical school guide with section-specific tips. Emphasises keyword technique and reading around keywords for context in Verbal Reasoning bsms.ac.uk.
BSMS Admissions Blog – Verbal Reasoning Tips: Confirms that UCAT is a significant hurdle for applicants and offers VR tips (speed reading practice, using only given information) from an official source bsms.ac.uk
