University Entry practice
Free University Entry practice with 70 original tasks, worked guidance and links to timed practice and a full mock. These tasks are not live-bank items.
What you will learn
- Practise analytical reasoning in University Entry contexts.
- Practise quantitative data literacy in University Entry contexts.
- Practise communication in University Entry contexts.
- Practise ethical judgement in University Entry contexts.
- Practise learning agility in University Entry contexts.
These 70 tasks teach the University Entry reasoning process. They are public preparation, not a scored sitting, and they do not reuse protected assessment items.
Before you begin
- Use only the information given. State what remains unknown.
- Attempt a task before opening the guidance.
- Write the evidence for the choice, not only the final answer.
- Use timed practice after an untimed pass, then the full mock.
Practice activities
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
Which assumption must hold for that conclusion to follow? Situation: A school-leaver comparing two course handbook claims. Course A cites '90 percent in work after six months' from 40 respondents of 200 graduates; course B reports 70 percent from a full cohort of 180. A side count of 4 used a different definition from 9.
Review answer guidance
Name the missing premise. If it is unchecked, the conclusion is not shown. The claim in play is that course A has better outcomes. 40 of 200 is a selected slice, not the cohort The extra figure (A side count of 4 used a different definition from 9) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
Which inference is actually supported by the stated facts? Situation: An admissions essay that cites a newspaper column. The column says the course 'has no academic value' and the essay treats that as proof. The working copy is dated 9 days later than a 20-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Keep the conclusion inside the evidence. Do not import a cause that was not given. The claim in play is that the course has no academic value. an opinion column can raise a question; it does not prove the claim The extra figure (The working copy is dated 9 days later than a 20-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
What alternative explanation still accounts for the difference? Situation: A library database search with mixed source types. The first page shows a textbook chapter, a blog, and a peer-reviewed paper with n=12. 14 of 31 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
A change that arrives with another change is not a cause until those extras are ruled out. The claim in play is that the first page is sufficient evidence. source type and sample size still need judging The extra figure (14 of 31 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
Which of the two arguments is better supported, and why? Situation: A campus open-day survey of 80 visitors. 72 said they would apply; the survey was handed out at the free lunch queue. A second observer recorded 19 where the first sheet shows 42.
Review answer guidance
Score each argument by the evidence it actually cites, not by how confident it sounds. The claim in play is that 90 percent of visitors will apply. the lunch queue is a convenience sample of people already on site The extra figure (A second observer recorded 19 where the first sheet shows 42) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
What counterexample would be enough to refute the general rule? Situation: A chemistry practical write-up copied from a blog. The method section matches a public blog word for word; the student changed the title. The window used for 5 days is not the window used for 16 days.
Review answer guidance
One well-formed contrary case is enough to show that an unrestricted rule fails. The claim in play is that changing the title makes it the student's method. the method text is still copied The extra figure (The window used for 5 days is not the window used for 16 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Which constraint is being ignored in the recommended action? Situation: A personal statement claiming all students succeed. The statement says every student on the programme progresses; the handbook lists a 12 percent withdrawal rate. A note in the margin says 10 cases were excluded without a rule, against 27 kept.
Review answer guidance
List the limits that still bind. An option that needs a resource you do not have is not available. The claim in play is that all students succeed. the handbook figure contradicts the universal claim The extra figure (A note in the margin says 10 cases were excluded without a rule, against 27 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
How far can the claim fairly be extended? Situation: A scholarship form asking for predicted grades. Predicted AAB; mock results BBB; the form has no field for mocks. The same label covers 15 events in one table and 38 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Match the claim's scope to the sample, time window and population that were actually observed. The claim in play is that only the prediction should be sent. the mock is relevant uncertainty even if the form does not ask The extra figure (The same label covers 15 events in one table and 38 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
What evidence is required before the claim can be treated as shown? Situation: A group project charter for first-year seminars. Four names, one deadline, no owner for the data table. An appendix lists 20 exceptions that the summary of 12 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Identify the comparison, baseline or source that is absent, and withhold the stronger wording until it arrives. The claim in play is that the group is organised. an unowned table is a missing decision right The extra figure (An appendix lists 20 exceptions that the summary of 12 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Which wording is stronger than the evidence permits? Situation: A reading list mixing textbooks and opinion videos. The essay question asks for evidence of prevalence; the student cites two videos. A side count of 6 used a different definition from 23.
Review answer guidance
Replace 'proves' and 'always' with what the observations actually cover. The claim in play is that the videos answer the question. prevalence needs a source that counts, not an opinion video The extra figure (A side count of 6 used a different definition from 23) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
Which disputed definition would change the result? Situation: An online forum thread about a guaranteed degree. A post says payment guarantees a pass; the official page says awards depend on assessed work. The working copy is dated 11 days later than a 34-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
If two sides count different things, agree the definition before arguing about the number. The claim in play is that payment guarantees the degree. the official rule contradicts the forum The extra figure (The working copy is dated 11 days later than a 34-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
How did the way the cases were chosen affect the conclusion? Situation: A statistics worksheet using a convenience sample. Friends of the student, n=11, all from one class, are used to claim a national pattern. 16 of 45 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
A volunteer, leftover or convenience sample cannot stand in for the group the claim names. The claim in play is that the nation follows this pattern. n=11 from one class cannot carry a national claim The extra figure (16 of 45 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Which other variable moved at the same time as the supposed cause? Situation: A tutor comment asking the student to check a citation. The cited page does not contain the quoted sentence; a similar sentence appears two pages later in a different argument. A second observer recorded 21 where the first sheet shows 19.
Review answer guidance
Name the co-occurring change and say what comparison would separate the two. The claim in play is that the citation is close enough. the quote is not on the cited page and supports a different argument The extra figure (A second observer recorded 21 where the first sheet shows 19) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
What comparison is required before calling one option better? Situation: A lab partner's shared spreadsheet. Units are missing on a column of 0.03 values that might be metres or kilometres. The window used for 7 days is not the window used for 30 days.
Review answer guidance
Better than what, for whom, over which period, on which measure. The claim in play is that the calculation can proceed. 0.03 km is not 0.03 m; the unit is required The extra figure (The window used for 7 days is not the window used for 30 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
When would the recommended rule not apply? Situation: A UCAS-style activity list. 200 hours of volunteering are claimed; the diary shows 12 Saturday mornings of 3 hours. A note in the margin says 12 cases were excluded without a rule, against 41 kept.
Review answer guidance
State the boundary condition. A rule without a stated exception is being oversold. The claim in play is that 200 hours is supported. 12 × 3 is 36 hours The extra figure (A note in the margin says 12 cases were excluded without a rule, against 41 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Who has the burden of proof for the disputed claim? Situation: A source that is a press release about a study. The press release says a 'breakthrough'; the abstract says a pilot with 14 people and no control group. The same label covers 17 events in one table and 15 in the other.
Review answer guidance
The party asserting a general effect must produce the comparison; the other party need not disprove a slogan. The claim in play is that the breakthrough is established. a 14-person uncontrolled pilot is not a breakthrough The extra figure (The same label covers 17 events in one table and 15 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
What mechanism is asserted, and what would count against it? Situation: A timed exam instruction. Section A is 20 marks in 20 minutes; the student spends 35 minutes there and has 10 minutes for 40 marks of Section B. An appendix lists 22 exceptions that the summary of 26 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
A story about how an effect happens is not evidence that it happened. The claim in play is that effort on A maximises the score. time has to track marks, not comfort The extra figure (An appendix lists 22 exceptions that the summary of 26 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
Which two statements in the account cannot both be true? Situation: A referencing guide versus a copied citation generator. The generator invented a year of 2024 for a 2019 book. A side count of 8 used a different definition from 37.
Review answer guidance
Put the statements side by side. If they conflict, at least one needs a source or a revision. The claim in play is that the generator is authoritative. the book year is 2019; generated metadata still needs a check The extra figure (A side count of 8 used a different definition from 37) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Why is the measured proxy a poor stand-in for the stated outcome? Situation: A bursary statement about household income. Income is stated as last month's pay annualised; the form asks for the last tax year. The working copy is dated 13 days later than a 11-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Say what the proxy actually captures and what part of the outcome it misses. The claim in play is that last month is a fair substitute. the form specified a period; substituting another period is a different claim The extra figure (The working copy is dated 13 days later than a 11-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
What time-order problem undermines the causal claim? Situation: A peer-review of a draft paragraph. The paragraph asserts that 'research shows' without a source; the peer ticks 'evidence present' because a URL appears in the bibliography, unused. 18 of 22 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
A cause must precede its effect. If the 'result' was already trending, the intervention is not shown to be responsible. The claim in play is that the paragraph is evidenced. an unused bibliography line does not support the sentence The extra figure (18 of 22 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
From this case, which generalisation is unwarranted? Situation: A calculator policy on a specimen paper. The front page says no calculator; a later question asks for 17.5 percent of 240. A second observer recorded 4 where the first sheet shows 33.
Review answer guidance
A single setting does not licence a rule about all settings of that type. The claim in play is that the later question implies a calculator is allowed. the front-page rule still binds; 17.5 percent of 240 is 42 by hand The extra figure (A second observer recorded 4 where the first sheet shows 33) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Which unstated premise does the author need? Situation: A language-test score report. Overall 6.5; writing 5.5 against a course requirement of 6.0 in each skill. The window used for 9 days is not the window used for 44 days.
Review answer guidance
Write the suppressed step. If that step is false, the argument collapses. The claim in play is that the overall score meets the course rule. the rule is each skill, and writing is 5.5 The extra figure (The window used for 9 days is not the window used for 44 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
Which rival hypothesis is most worth testing next? Situation: A fieldwork photo used as evidence of a method. The photo is from a different site than the write-up names. A note in the margin says 14 cases were excluded without a rule, against 18 kept.
Review answer guidance
Pick the alternative that would produce the same observations, then name the test that could split them. The claim in play is that the photo illustrates the method used. the site does not match the named location The extra figure (A note in the margin says 14 cases were excluded without a rule, against 18 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
Which quantifier in the claim is unjustified? Situation: A conditional offer. Offer is ABB including Mathematics; predicted AAB with B in Mathematics. The same label covers 19 events in one table and 29 in the other.
Review answer guidance
All, most, some and none are different claims. Keep the one the data can support. The claim in play is that the prediction meets the offer. Mathematics is B, and the offer requires Mathematics in the ABB set — the subject constraint is the issue to check The extra figure (The same label covers 19 events in one table and 29 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
Where does the analogy break? Situation: A plagiarism panel example. Three identical sentences, no quotation marks, a URL in the bibliography. An appendix lists 5 exceptions that the summary of 40 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Name the property that holds in the source case but not in the target case. The claim in play is that the bibliography entry is acknowledgement enough. identical sentences still need quotation or paraphrase with a citation at the point of use The extra figure (An appendix lists 5 exceptions that the summary of 40 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
What decision rule is being used, and is it stated? Situation: A sample size in a psychology summary. A headline says 'students prefer X'; the study used 16 volunteers paid to try X. A side count of 10 used a different definition from 14.
Review answer guidance
If the threshold is implicit, make it explicit before treating the verdict as fair. The claim in play is that students prefer X. paid volunteers for X are not 'students' as a class The extra figure (A side count of 10 used a different definition from 14) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
Which source is weakest, and why does that matter here? Situation: A graph in a geography draft. The y-axis starts at 80; the bars look like a doubling from 82 to 90. The working copy is dated 15 days later than a 25-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Match the source type to the claim type. An opinion column cannot carry a prevalence claim. The claim in play is that the values doubled. 82 to 90 is 8 points, not a doubling The extra figure (The working copy is dated 15 days later than a 25-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
What was left out that would most change the decision? Situation: An interview invitation. The email says 'optional portfolio' and later 'portfolios will be used to rank candidates'. 20 of 36 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Identify the missing group, time period or cost, and say how it would move the recommendation. The claim in play is that the portfolio is optional in effect. if it is used to rank, it is not optional for competitive chances The extra figure (20 of 36 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · foundational
What would you need to see to reverse the current conclusion? Situation: A module choice form. Two modules clash on the timetable; both are listed as required in different documents. A second observer recorded 6 where the first sheet shows 10.
Review answer guidance
State a specific observation that would count the other way. If none exists, the claim is unfalsifiable. The claim in play is that both can be taken. a timetable clash plus two 'required' labels is a constraint to raise, not to ignore The extra figure (A second observer recorded 6 where the first sheet shows 10) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · moderate
How does aggregation hide an important subgroup difference? Situation: A lab safety induction. The student missed the session and signed the form 'because everyone else did'. The window used for 11 days is not the window used for 21 days.
Review answer guidance
A total can be right while every important subgroup moves the other way. Ask for the split. The claim in play is that the signature shows the induction was completed. the signature is false if the session was missed The extra figure (The window used for 11 days is not the window used for 21 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Analytical Reasoning · challenging
What is the cost of doing nothing, given only the stated facts? Situation: A predicted-grade appeal note. The note says the mock was sat with a migraine and should be ignored; no medical note is attached. A note in the margin says 16 cases were excluded without a rule, against 32 kept.
Review answer guidance
Inaction is an option. Compare it with the proposal using the same outcome and the same unknowns. The claim in play is that the mock can be set aside. the migraine is an assertion without the evidence the process asked for The extra figure (A note in the margin says 16 cases were excluded without a rule, against 32 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
What percentage change is actually shown, and what is still unknown? Situation: A school-leaver comparing two course handbook claims. Course A cites '90 percent in work after six months' from 40 respondents of 200 graduates; course B reports 70 percent from a full cohort of 180. The same label covers 21 events in one table and 43 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Compute the change from the stated baseline. Percent change without a base, period or definition is incomplete. The claim in play is that course A has better outcomes. 40 of 200 is a selected slice, not the cohort The extra figure (The same label covers 21 events in one table and 43 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
Which ratio should be compared, rather than the raw totals? Situation: An admissions essay that cites a newspaper column. The column says the course 'has no academic value' and the essay treats that as proof. An appendix lists 7 exceptions that the summary of 17 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Divide each count by its own eligible population and period before ranking. The claim in play is that the course has no academic value. an opinion column can raise a question; it does not prove the claim The extra figure (An appendix lists 7 exceptions that the summary of 17 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
How should the base rate change the reading of the count? Situation: A library database search with mixed source types. The first page shows a textbook chapter, a blog, and a peer-reviewed paper with n=12. A side count of 12 used a different definition from 28.
Review answer guidance
A large count from a large group can be a lower rate than a small count from a small group. The claim in play is that the first page is sufficient evidence. source type and sample size still need judging The extra figure (A side count of 12 used a different definition from 28) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
The chart's axis does not start at zero. What is the responsible reading? Situation: A campus open-day survey of 80 visitors. 72 said they would apply; the survey was handed out at the free lunch queue. The working copy is dated 17 days later than a 39-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Describe the difference in units, not the visual height. A truncated axis exaggerates change. The claim in play is that 90 percent of visitors will apply. the lunch queue is a convenience sample of people already on site The extra figure (The working copy is dated 17 days later than a 39-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
What is the chance of the stated event on the information given? Situation: A chemistry practical write-up copied from a blog. The method section matches a public blog word for word; the student changed the title. 22 of 13 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Use the given counts as the sample space. Do not import an outside probability. The claim in play is that changing the title makes it the student's method. the method text is still copied The extra figure (22 of 13 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
How should missing values change the reported rate? Situation: A personal statement claiming all students succeed. The statement says every student on the programme progresses; the handbook lists a 12 percent withdrawal rate. A second observer recorded 8 where the first sheet shows 24.
Review answer guidance
Recalculate under more than one assumption for the missing cases and say whether the ranking survives. The claim in play is that all students succeed. the handbook figure contradicts the universal claim The extra figure (A second observer recorded 8 where the first sheet shows 24) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
Which weighted comparison is the fair one? Situation: A scholarship form asking for predicted grades. Predicted AAB; mock results BBB; the form has no field for mocks. The window used for 13 days is not the window used for 35 days.
Review answer guidance
Weight by the size of each group, not by the number of groups. The claim in play is that only the prediction should be sent. the mock is relevant uncertainty even if the form does not ask The extra figure (The window used for 13 days is not the window used for 35 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
What order-of-magnitude estimate is defensible from the figures given? Situation: A group project charter for first-year seminars. Four names, one deadline, no owner for the data table. A note in the margin says 18 cases were excluded without a rule, against 9 kept.
Review answer guidance
Round to the precision the data support. A precise-looking figure from rough inputs is a false exactness. The claim in play is that the group is organised. an unowned table is a missing decision right The extra figure (A note in the margin says 18 cases were excluded without a rule, against 9 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
What per-person figure is required before comparing the two groups? Situation: A reading list mixing textbooks and opinion videos. The essay question asks for evidence of prevalence; the student cites two videos. The same label covers 4 events in one table and 20 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Totals are not comparable when the groups differ in size. Divide by headcount. The claim in play is that the videos answer the question. prevalence needs a source that counts, not an opinion video The extra figure (The same label covers 4 events in one table and 20 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
The two percentages cover different time windows. What must you do first? Situation: An online forum thread about a guaranteed degree. A post says payment guarantees a pass; the official page says awards depend on assessed work. An appendix lists 9 exceptions that the summary of 31 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Put both rates on the same period, or refuse the comparison. The claim in play is that payment guarantees the degree. the official rule contradicts the forum The extra figure (An appendix lists 9 exceptions that the summary of 31 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
Which part-whole mistake is being made? Situation: A statistics worksheet using a convenience sample. Friends of the student, n=11, all from one class, are used to claim a national pattern. A side count of 14 used a different definition from 42.
Review answer guidance
A percentage of a subset is not the same as a percentage of the whole. The claim in play is that the nation follows this pattern. n=11 from one class cannot carry a national claim The extra figure (A side count of 14 used a different definition from 42) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
What is the conditional rate, not the overall rate? Situation: A tutor comment asking the student to check a citation. The cited page does not contain the quoted sentence; a similar sentence appears two pages later in a different argument. The working copy is dated 19 days later than a 16-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Restrict the denominator to the group named in the question. The claim in play is that the citation is close enough. the quote is not on the cited page and supports a different argument The extra figure (The working copy is dated 19 days later than a 16-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
What expected value follows from the stated chances and amounts? Situation: A lab partner's shared spreadsheet. Units are missing on a column of 0.03 values that might be metres or kilometres. 5 of 27 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Multiply each amount by its probability and add. Do not pick the most vivid outcome. The claim in play is that the calculation can proceed. 0.03 km is not 0.03 m; the unit is required The extra figure (5 of 27 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
Why might the mean mislead relative to the median here? Situation: A UCAS-style activity list. 200 hours of volunteering are claimed; the diary shows 12 Saturday mornings of 3 hours. A second observer recorded 10 where the first sheet shows 38.
Review answer guidance
A single extreme value pulls the mean. Report both, or use the median when the tail matters. The claim in play is that 200 hours is supported. 12 × 3 is 36 hours The extra figure (A second observer recorded 10 where the first sheet shows 38) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
The figure is an index, not a count. What does a one-point change mean? Situation: A source that is a press release about a study. The press release says a 'breakthrough'; the abstract says a pilot with 14 people and no control group. The window used for 15 days is not the window used for 12 days.
Review answer guidance
Read the index definition. A point on an index is not a person, a pound or a percent unless the documentation says so. The claim in play is that the breakthrough is established. a 14-person uncontrolled pilot is not a breakthrough The extra figure (The window used for 15 days is not the window used for 12 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
Where did rounding create a false exactness? Situation: A timed exam instruction. Section A is 20 marks in 20 minutes; the student spends 35 minutes there and has 10 minutes for 40 marks of Section B. A note in the margin says 20 cases were excluded without a rule, against 23 kept.
Review answer guidance
Keep the uncertainty that rounding removed. Do not treat a rounded input as a precise fact. The claim in play is that effort on A maximises the score. time has to track marks, not comfort The extra figure (A note in the margin says 20 cases were excluded without a rule, against 23 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
Which unit conversion is required before the comparison is valid? Situation: A referencing guide versus a copied citation generator. The generator invented a year of 2024 for a 2019 book. The same label covers 6 events in one table and 34 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Convert to one unit. Mixing hours with minutes, or local currency with another, is not a comparison. The claim in play is that the generator is authoritative. the book year is 2019; generated metadata still needs a check The extra figure (The same label covers 6 events in one table and 34 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
How does double-counting affect the total? Situation: A bursary statement about household income. Income is stated as last month's pay annualised; the form asks for the last tax year. An appendix lists 11 exceptions that the summary of 45 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
If categories overlap, adding them inflates the whole. Use a unique-count. The claim in play is that last month is a fair substitute. the form specified a period; substituting another period is a different claim The extra figure (An appendix lists 11 exceptions that the summary of 45 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
Why is the percentage unstable at this sample size? Situation: A peer-review of a draft paragraph. The paragraph asserts that 'research shows' without a source; the peer ticks 'evidence present' because a URL appears in the bibliography, unused. A side count of 16 used a different definition from 19.
Review answer guidance
A few observations swinging the other way would reverse a large-looking percentage. The claim in play is that the paragraph is evidenced. an unused bibliography line does not support the sentence The extra figure (A side count of 16 used a different definition from 19) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
A total is reported without a denominator. What must you obtain? Situation: A calculator policy on a specimen paper. The front page says no calculator; a later question asks for 17.5 percent of 240. The working copy is dated 21 days later than a 30-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Ask for the eligible population and period. Rank rates, not raw totals. The claim in play is that the later question implies a calculator is allowed. the front-page rule still binds; 17.5 percent of 240 is 42 by hand The extra figure (The working copy is dated 21 days later than a 30-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
Two points are not a trend. What extra series is required? Situation: A language-test score report. Overall 6.5; writing 5.5 against a course requirement of 6.0 in each skill. 7 of 41 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Ask for the values before and after the highlighted pair, and for any other change in that window. The claim in play is that the overall score meets the course rule. the rule is each skill, and writing is 5.5 The extra figure (7 of 41 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
The share rose while the total fell. What does that mean? Situation: A fieldwork photo used as evidence of a method. The photo is from a different site than the write-up names. A second observer recorded 12 where the first sheet shows 15.
Review answer guidance
A larger share of a smaller whole can be fewer people. Report both the share and the count. The claim in play is that the photo illustrates the method used. the site does not match the named location The extra figure (A second observer recorded 12 where the first sheet shows 15) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
The gap is reported in percentage points. How is that different from percent? Situation: A conditional offer. Offer is ABB including Mathematics; predicted AAB with B in Mathematics. The window used for 17 days is not the window used for 26 days.
Review answer guidance
Percentage points are a subtraction of two rates. Percent of a rate is a different number. The claim in play is that the prediction meets the offer. Mathematics is B, and the offer requires Mathematics in the ABB set — the subject constraint is the issue to check The extra figure (The window used for 17 days is not the window used for 26 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
How should you normalise before ranking the two sites? Situation: A plagiarism panel example. Three identical sentences, no quotation marks, a URL in the bibliography. A note in the margin says 22 cases were excluded without a rule, against 37 kept.
Review answer guidance
Use the same definition, the same hours, and the same eligible group. The claim in play is that the bibliography entry is acknowledgement enough. identical sentences still need quotation or paraphrase with a citation at the point of use The extra figure (A note in the margin says 22 cases were excluded without a rule, against 37 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
What range of rates is consistent with the missing data? Situation: A sample size in a psychology summary. A headline says 'students prefer X'; the study used 16 volunteers paid to try X. The same label covers 8 events in one table and 11 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Compute the rate if all missing cases are successes, and if all are failures. Report that interval. The claim in play is that students prefer X. paid volunteers for X are not 'students' as a class The extra figure (The same label covers 8 events in one table and 11 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
At what point do the two options cost the same? Situation: A graph in a geography draft. The y-axis starts at 80; the bars look like a doubling from 82 to 90. An appendix lists 13 exceptions that the summary of 22 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Set the two cost expressions equal and solve. That break-even is the decision boundary given these figures. The claim in play is that the values doubled. 82 to 90 is 8 points, not a doubling The extra figure (An appendix lists 13 exceptions that the summary of 22 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
After the stated adjustment, what residual difference remains? Situation: An interview invitation. The email says 'optional portfolio' and later 'portfolios will be used to rank candidates'. A side count of 18 used a different definition from 33.
Review answer guidance
Subtract the explained portion. Do not treat the remainder as noise without saying so. The claim in play is that the portfolio is optional in effect. if it is used to rank, it is not optional for competitive chances The extra figure (A side count of 18 used a different definition from 33) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · foundational
What happens to the headline figure if the extreme observation is set aside? Situation: A module choice form. Two modules clash on the timetable; both are listed as required in different documents. The working copy is dated 4 days later than a 44-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
Recompute without it. If the story depends on one point, say so. The claim in play is that both can be taken. a timetable clash plus two 'required' labels is a constraint to raise, not to ignore The extra figure (The working copy is dated 4 days later than a 44-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · moderate
What share of the eligible group is actually in the dataset? Situation: A lab safety induction. The student missed the session and signed the form 'because everyone else did'. 9 of 18 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Coverage is counted over the group the claim names, not over the files you happened to receive. The claim in play is that the signature shows the induction was completed. the signature is false if the session was missed The extra figure (9 of 18 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Quantitative Data Literacy · challenging
How many significant figures are justified? Situation: A predicted-grade appeal note. The note says the mock was sat with a migraine and should be ignored; no medical note is attached. A second observer recorded 14 where the first sheet shows 29.
Review answer guidance
Match the output precision to the roughest input. Extra decimals are not extra knowledge. The claim in play is that the mock can be set aside. the migraine is an assertion without the evidence the process asked for The extra figure (A second observer recorded 14 where the first sheet shows 29) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · foundational
Rewrite the key message for a reader who has two minutes. Situation: A school-leaver comparing two course handbook claims. Course A cites '90 percent in work after six months' from 40 respondents of 200 graduates; course B reports 70 percent from a full cohort of 180. The window used for 19 days is not the window used for 40 days.
Review answer guidance
Lead with the decision, then the evidence, then the unknown. Cut decoration. The claim in play is that course A has better outcomes. 40 of 200 is a selected slice, not the cohort The extra figure (The window used for 19 days is not the window used for 40 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · moderate
What must change so the same facts work for this audience? Situation: An admissions essay that cites a newspaper column. The column says the course 'has no academic value' and the essay treats that as proof. A note in the margin says 5 cases were excluded without a rule, against 14 kept.
Review answer guidance
Name what the reader must do, by when, and which detail they do not need. The claim in play is that the course has no academic value. an opinion column can raise a question; it does not prove the claim The extra figure (A note in the margin says 5 cases were excluded without a rule, against 14 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · challenging
Which synthesis is faithful to both sources? Situation: A library database search with mixed source types. The first page shows a textbook chapter, a blog, and a peer-reviewed paper with n=12. The same label covers 10 events in one table and 25 in the other.
Review answer guidance
Keep agreements, flag conflicts, and do not average two incompatible claims into one smooth sentence. The claim in play is that the first page is sufficient evidence. source type and sample size still need judging The extra figure (The same label covers 10 events in one table and 25 in the other) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · foundational
Which sentence should open the note, given the decision that is needed? Situation: A campus open-day survey of 80 visitors. 72 said they would apply; the survey was handed out at the free lunch queue. An appendix lists 15 exceptions that the summary of 36 does not mention.
Review answer guidance
Open with the request or the recommendation. Context follows; it does not lead. The claim in play is that 90 percent of visitors will apply. the lunch queue is a convenience sample of people already on site The extra figure (An appendix lists 15 exceptions that the summary of 36 does not mention) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · moderate
Which ambiguity would most likely cause the wrong action? Situation: A chemistry practical write-up copied from a blog. The method section matches a public blog word for word; the student changed the title. A side count of 20 used a different definition from 10.
Review answer guidance
Find the word that could mean two things to two readers, and replace it with a specific noun and a time. The claim in play is that changing the title makes it the student's method. the method text is still copied The extra figure (A side count of 20 used a different definition from 10) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · challenging
Which recommendation is actually backed by the stated evidence? Situation: A personal statement claiming all students succeed. The statement says every student on the programme progresses; the handbook lists a 12 percent withdrawal rate. The working copy is dated 6 days later than a 21-page cited copy.
Review answer guidance
A recommendation needs a stated option, a reason from the facts, and a named unknown. The claim in play is that all students succeed. the handbook figure contradicts the universal claim The extra figure (The working copy is dated 6 days later than a 21-page cited copy) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · foundational
The tone may be read as blame. What change preserves the facts? Situation: A scholarship form asking for predicted grades. Predicted AAB; mock results BBB; the form has no field for mocks. 11 of 32 rows were added after the first total was announced.
Review answer guidance
Describe the behaviour and the impact, not the person. Keep a specific request. The claim in play is that only the prediction should be sent. the mock is relevant uncertainty even if the form does not ask The extra figure (11 of 32 rows were added after the first total was announced) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · moderate
Which structure best reports this to a mixed audience? Situation: A group project charter for first-year seminars. Four names, one deadline, no owner for the data table. A second observer recorded 16 where the first sheet shows 43.
Review answer guidance
Recommendation, evidence, limits. Put technical detail after the decision. The claim in play is that the group is organised. an unowned table is a missing decision right The extra figure (A second observer recorded 16 where the first sheet shows 43) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · challenging
A summary omits who is affected. What must the next sentence add? Situation: A reading list mixing textbooks and opinion videos. The essay question asks for evidence of prevalence; the student cites two videos. The window used for 21 days is not the window used for 17 days.
Review answer guidance
Name the audience, the action asked of them, and the deadline or uncertainty. The claim in play is that the videos answer the question. prevalence needs a source that counts, not an opinion video The extra figure (The window used for 21 days is not the window used for 17 days) is part of what you must not ignore.
Communication · foundational
Which subject line would let the right person act without opening every paragraph? Situation: An online forum thread about a guaranteed degree. A post says payment guarantees a pass; the official page says awards depend on assessed work. A note in the margin says 7 cases were excluded without a rule, against 28 kept.
Review answer guidance
Put the decision and the date in the subject. Curiosity is not a professional purpose. The claim in play is that payment guarantees the degree. the official rule contradicts the forum The extra figure (A note in the margin says 7 cases were excluded without a rule, against 28 kept) is part of what you must not ignore.