Logical Reasoning / Evaluation
Eleanor St John Sutton
Teacher
Contents
Introduction - Logical Reasoning / Evaluation
Evaluate arguments or assess how statements support or weaken a claim, using only information from the passage.
What Are Logical Reasoning / Evaluation Questions?
These questions test whether you can:
Use information in the passage to evaluate options.
Decide which fact best supports or weakens a claim.
Identify the strongest reasoning or evidence.
Pick the best material, approach, or interpretation given the context.
You’re not being tested on logic puzzles. Every answer must be grounded in the passage – even if it feels like a reasoning question, the right answer depends on what’s written or implied in the text.
Methods You Can Use
1. Read the full passage first
This gives you an overview and avoids misinterpreting parts of the argument. It’s useful when the question requires balancing different considerations or comparing complex options.
2. Skim and compare options
If the question is about selecting the best method, reason, or material, you can scan for relevant features, then eliminate options that don’t match the passage.
In most UCAT questions, reading first saves time overall – but for simpler comparisons, scanning may work just as well.
Explainer Video
Filmed by our English department, this video walks through Logical Reasoning / Evaluation.
Worked Examples
Passage - Evaluating Materials for School Science Models
The science department of Hillcroft High School is trialling new materials for classroom models. The current material, FlexFoam, is lightweight and easy to shape, but deteriorates quickly with frequent use. Teachers report that models made from FlexFoam often need replacing every term, especially in classes with high student numbers.
Three alternatives are being considered: EcoClay, ClearForm, and PolyBuild. EcoClay is biodegradable and safe to handle but becomes brittle in dry environments. ClearForm is transparent and durable, making it ideal for demonstrating internal structures, but it is more expensive and difficult to cut. PolyBuild, widely used in engineering colleges, is rigid and durable but heavy and unsuitable for younger students.
The school’s science labs are equipped with basic tools and are used by students from ages 11 to 18. Each classroom handles around 25 students per lesson. Teachers have requested a material that allows models to last for at least a year without breaking.
A student council has been asked to weigh up the pros and cons of each material before presenting a recommendation. They are advised to consider cost, safety, and the variety of student ages who will handle the models.
No decision has yet been made, though the science department has expressed a preference for avoiding any material that would be too heavy or too prone to snapping under pressure.
Question 1 - Easy
Which material would best allow teachers to demonstrate internal structures?
A. EcoClay
B. PolyBuild
C. ClearForm
D. FlexFoam
Answer:
C
Explanation: ClearForm is explicitly described as “transparent and durable, making it ideal for demonstrating internal structures.”
Question 2 - Medium
What is the strongest reason to reject PolyBuild as the primary material?
A. It is not biodegradable.
B. It cannot be shaped easily.
C. It is unsuitable for younger students due to weight.
D. It is rarely used in schools.
Answer:
C.
Explanation: PolyBuild is rejected because it’s heavy and not appropriate for younger students. That is clearly stated in the passage. The other answers are either not mentioned or less relevant.
Question 3 - Medium
Which statement best supports choosing EcoClay?
A. It is the most affordable option available.
B. It is biodegradable and safe to handle.
C. It is commonly used in university-level labs.
D. It is resistant to breaking in dry environments.
Answer:
B.
Explanation: Option B lists two clear advantages of EcoClay directly stated in the passage. A and C are not mentioned, and D is actually the opposite of what the passage says.
Question 4 - Hard
Given the school’s needs, which material is least likely to meet the science department’s request?
A. ClearForm
B. PolyBuild
C. EcoClay
D. FlexFoam
Answer:
D.
Explanation: FlexFoam is already in use and is described as breaking often and needing replacement every term. The department wants something that lasts at least a year, so FlexFoam is the worst match for their goals.
Tips and Tricks
The best answer may not always be a “perfect” solution – just the best option available based on the information.
Eliminate any answer that relies on assumptions or information not mentioned.
Look out for subtle clues in the passage (e.g. durability vs safety vs cost).
If the question asks what supports or weakens a claim, check whether the answer actually addresses that claim directly.
Keyboard shortcuts: Use the flag tool to skip harder questions and come back later. You can use arrows or numbers to jump quickly between questions.
Worked Examples Video