BMAT Section 1: Question Types

Problem solving

The problem-solving questions are based upon complicated sets of data where students are expected to use skills of numerical reasoning. Although this section is not testing your learnt knowledge the BMAT assumes that you have retained mathematical skills from GCSE. When preparing make sure you are confident with the maths procedures and skills, which you can find referenced as part of the section 1 admissions guidance document. There are three different question forms which will arise as part of problem-solving questions:

• Relevant Section – Using the information; identify appropriate, applicable material.
• Finding Procedures – Determine which mathematical operation that must be used to solve a question based on a smaller amount of information.
• Identifying Similarities – Identify similarities and difference between two provided resources. Resource format and type will differ with questions utilising graphs, tables and charts.

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking questions test your ability in verbal reasoning. This involves answering multiple choice questions based upon large pieces of written information in the form of long passages or paragraphs. These questions are like decision making and verbal reasoning questions in the UCAT, however you have more time per question. These questions require you to rapidly read, quickly interpret and analyse the passage. As part of your preparation, you should practice skim reading text and drawing relevant conclusions. Passages will contain a lot of irrelevant information so you need to learn a strategy where you can filter through the information rapidly. This may involve identifying relevant keywords or phrases used within the question-and-answer options. Each passage of text may contain a conclusion, supporting evidence and an assumption. A top tip is to make sure that you are confident with the definitions of words used to describe argument elements such as what a reason vs argument is. There are 7 types of question found within this section.

• Identifying the main conclusion – identify the claim that the passage is persuading you to believe.
• Drawing a conclusion – what conclusion (a claim supported by a reason) can be inferred from the text. The conclusion will not be explicitly elicited in the question.
• Identifying the assumption – Identify the unstated reason that is required for the argument to be true and work effectively.
• Assessing the impact of additional evidence – Identify claims or reasons that strengthen or weaken the argument in the text.
• Detecting Reasoning Errors – Identify inaccuracies within the text. Consider the validity of any assumptions and if the conclusion follows on from the points being made.
• Matching arguments – Identify the underlying logical process used to structure and phrase the text and the scenario given in the question. The context of the passage and questions will differ.
• Applying principles – Using the text identify what theory, concept or idea is being presented. Select the answer which describes the same fundamental argument.