Verbal Reasoning Sample Tests - EU EPSO Volume 02

 

01 Verbal Reasoning - Vol. 02 Sample Tests - EU - EU EPSO Tests Series

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Preface

EU / EPSO TESTS

ing questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 35 minutes.

2.Numerical Reasoning:  Reasoning:  In the form of

To assist you in preparing for the EPSO exams Training4EU Team  provides you with a series of sample tests with examples of verbal, numerical, abstract, situational judgment, accuracy & precision, and prioritizing & organizing questions.

multiple-choice this test requires data interpretation and mathematical calculations. Using information presented through tables and graphs, you will be required to draw conclusions and calculate changes within these data sets. Basic mathematical skills such as percentages, arithmetic operations, and ratios

1. Verbal Reasoning: Using a short paragraph of text on virtually any topic, this test requires to choose from 4 or 5 answer options the one that fully matches the statements in the original text. There is always only one correct answer because other options may contain insufficient information or false

must be reviewed prior to taking the test. There are 10 numerical reasoning questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 20 minutes.

statements. There are 20 verbal reason-

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3. Abstract Reasoning: Using a series of images, this test requires candidates to identify which one should be next in the row, based on an inherent logic be-

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tween the presented images. There are 10 abstract reasoning questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 10

6. Accuracy and Precision Test: This test requires candidates to identify, based on a table and various icons, mis-

minutes.

takes, errors, typos or other ‘inaccuracies’ in a control line under a heavy time-pressure. There are 40 accuracy and precision questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 6 minutes (AST only).

4. Situational Judgement Test:  This test requires candidates to choose the most favorable and least favorable course of action in a given situation. Candidates are expected to have a basic understand-

ing of corporate culture and code of conduct to successfully pass the test. There are 20 situational judgement questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 30 minutes.

5. Organizing and Prioritizing Test:  Test: This test requires candidates to check a table with various information about schedules, timetables, agendas, vehicle capacities and other practical information and find the best solution to a practical organisation or logistics problem. There are organizing and prioritizing 20 questions in a competition, and the allocated time is 24 minutes (AST level only).

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Sample Tests Sample tests can give you an idea of the type of questions and level of difficulty  you will face during the competitions. competitions.  Time Limits:  Limits:  Contrary to the actual EPSO tests where they have to be completed within an allowed time, the pro vided sample tests have no limit for answering the questions. The purpose is

to get yourself familiarized with EPSO questions concept, and understand their reasoning within a stress-free pace.

Great features of these sample tests:

 About Training4EU Training 4EU Team provides Coaching and Training Services on potential candidates who would like to become tomorrow’s permanent EU Officials. With a mix of theory, exercises, and simulation tests we support you οn both stages of the EPSO exams, i.e. Preselection Tests and Assessment Centre. Our Team consists of a group of professionals with extensive experience on EPSO Competitions that can prepare  you in an effective and timely professionally manner.

No internet connection is required No expiration limit or date for the tests No personal data is extracted No account or registration needed  Yes, it helps you practice at your own pace, with helpful hints and solution tips. A great way to enhance your learning

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Training4EU is independent from the European Union institutions. The sample tests have been extracted from the EPSO official web site.

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Success Tips -

1

Failure Mistakes

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Practice makes perfect

 

 Verbal Reasoning Questions: Using a short paragraph of text on virtually any topic, candidates are required to choose from 4 answer options the one that fully matches the statements in the original text. There is always only one correct answer since other options may contain insufficient information or false statements. Generally, there are 20 verbal reasoning questions in a competition and the allocated time is 35 minutes. The below listed sample questions have been extracted by the official EPSO site.

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Success Tips 1.

Prepare we well

2.

Know th the te test fo format

3.

Be focused

4.

Read Rea d the the sta statem tement ents s care careful fully ly and and mak make e sure sure you can dis distin tingui guish sh between absolute and relative statements

5.

Budget you Budget yourr time time – Allow Allow max maxim imum um one min minute ute and thi thirty rty fiv five e secseconds per question

6.

Avoid stup Avoid stupid id mist mistake akes s – Mak Make e sure sure to to avoid avoid stu stupid pid mis mistak takes es that that could cost you precious points

7. Revise if time allow ows s it 8. Pr Prac acti tice ce,, prac practic tice, e, pra pract ctic ice. e. Pra Pract ctic ice e makes makes perf perfec ectt

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Failure Mistakes 1. No Nott pre prepa pari ring ng fo forr the the fo form rmat at of th the e tes testt 2.

Advance fe fear of of th the te test

3.

Worr rryying about the past

4.

Obses ess sion wi with te test sc score

5.

Obses ess sion with accuracy

6. Us Usin ing g poo poorr que quest stio ion n sol solvi ving ng st stra rate tegy gy 7. No Nott rea readi ding ng th the e ent entiire sta tate teme ment nt 8.

Mark rkiing th the wr wrong an answer 

9.

Insufficient pre preparation

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Assistant Level

2

Verbal Reasoning Reasoning tests

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Practice makes perfect

 

Commission proposal on cancer screening. The Commission proposal recommends screening programmes comprising:

- mammography tests for breast cancer in women from 50 to 69 years; -years; fecal and occult blood tests for colon cancer in men and women from 50 to 74 - Pap smear tests for uterine cervical cancer, with the first test taking place between 20 and 30 years. The proposal will be considered by the Health Ministers of the Member States of the European Union. Adopting the recommendation does not mean the Member States are compelled by law to implement such screening programmes but makes them a political priority. The recommendation could be extended to include other cancer screening tests where their value in systematic cancer-screening programmes is scientifically established.

[#1] What types of cancer does the Commission proposal involve?

 A.

Blood, breast and brain cancer 

B.

Breast, uterine cervical and lung cancer 

C.

Breast, colon and blood cancer 

D.

Breast, uterine cervical and colon cancer 

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European Union's comments on draft Unesco Convention. Negotiations have started on a draft Convention on protecting the diversity of cultural contents and artistic expressions. The aim is to recognise states' rights and specify their duties in terms of preserving and promoting cul-

tural diversity to The establish a framework to foster international eration in thisand area. European Union has already submitted coopcomments on the draft Convention, in particular underlining: - the all-important need for compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed by international law; the Convention must not weaken these rights and freedoms in the name of culture or tradition; - the importance of international cooperation, in particular vis-à-vis developing countries, in coping with cultural vulnerabilities.

[#2] What aspects do the European Union's comments focus on:

 A.

The importance of international cooperation and respect for human rights

B.

The fact that respect for culture and tradition is more important than respect for human rights

C.

The fact that international cooperation is of secondary importance

D.

None: the European Union has still to put forward its comments

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How to submit a complaint to the European Ombudsman. Write to the Ombudsman in any of the European Union languages, setting out clearly who you are, which institution or body of the European Union you are complaining against and the grounds for your complaint. A com-

plaint must made within two years of theYou dateneed on which learned the facts on be which your complaint is based. not beyou individually affected by the maladministration. You must have contacted the institution or body concerned already, for example by letter. The Ombudsman does not deal with matters that are currently before a court or that have already been settled by a court. The Ombudsman will examine your complaint and will inform you of the outcome of his investigation. A complaint can be made by writing a letter to the European Ombudsman or by using the form enclosed.

[#3] What time limit must be met when submitting a complaint to the Ombudsman?  A.

Complaints can be submitted to the Ombudsman at any time, without any time limit

B.

A minimum period of two years must elapse after the court has delivered its verdict

C.

The time limit to comply with is two years from the time the complainant became aware of the facts

D.

In serious cases, a complaint can be submitted even more than two years after the event

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 Animal welfare during transport.  A political agreement on a Regulation will considerably improve the provisions governing animal transport in Europe. This Regulation increases accountability by identifying clearly who is responsible for what and when, which will help enor-

mously ensuringIt that the rules enforced the animals’injourney. provides for are the properly introduction fromthroughout 2007 of new, more effective enforcement tools such as checks via a satellite navigation system. It also introduces much stricter rules for journeys of more than eight hours, in particular by substantially upgrading vehicle standards. The Regulation recognises that stress suffered by animals is mostly due to loading and unloading and therefore introduces rules to deal with situations before and after transport, for example at slaughterhouses or in ports.

[#4] What is one change the new Regulation makes?

 A.

From 2007, parties concerned may no longer use a satellite navigation system

B.

Journeys will henceforward be limited to eight hours

C.

Standards for transport vehicles will be more severe

D.

The Regulation lessens the accountability of those involved

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European Mobility Week. There are 45 000 road deaths per year in Europe, a number which governments all over Europe are trying hard to reduce. At the same time, 60 000 deaths are caused by air pollution. In both cases, children, in particular those living in urban areas, are the

most vulnerable. Many cities and towns across Europe they are already working hard on promoting alternative means of transport: are providing good, efficient public transport, they offer incentives to citizens that go for environmentally friendly cars, they try to give the city centre back to pedestrians, etc. Mobility Week is an event where they can present new initiatives and see what others are doing. It focuses on the benefits of sustainable modes of transport and policies that improve air quality, reduce noise and enhance people's quality of life.

[#5] What section of the population is most vulnerable to road deaths and pollution?  A.

Children living in cities and towns

B.

Motorists who frequently drive in urban areas

C.

The elderly because they are more sensitive to air pollution

D.

Travelers who use a highly polluting mode of transport

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Answers 1-D Breast, uterine cervical and colon cancer  2-A The importance of international cooperation and respect for human rights 3-C The time limit to comply with is two years from the time the complainant became aware of the facts 4-C Standards for transport vehicles will be more severe 5-A Children living in cities and towns

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Administrator Level

3

Verbal Reasoning Reasoning tests

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Practice makes perfect

 

The Commission authorises the acquisition of Edison by EDF and  AEM.The European Commission has authorised the proposed acquisition of the Italian electricity company Edison by the French company EDF and the Dutch company AEM. Following an examination, the Com-

mission would not effective concluded competitionthat in the the transaction common market. The significantly Commissionimpede found that the proposed concentration did not raise any competition problems. However, it will continue to monitor the competitive dynamics of the Italian electricity markets, where prices are among the highest in Europe. Edison is the second-largest electricity producer in Italy. However, its position on the Italian electricity markets is quite small compared to that of the more established operator ENEL, which still controls a large part of the generation capacity and, most of the time, is in a position to set the electricity price on the Italian Power Exchange.

[#1] What is the current situation on the energy market in Italy?

 A.

One electricity producer has a monopoly of electricity sales

B.

Italian prices are the highest in the European Union

C.

Italian electricity producers are too highly concentrated

D.

The price of electricity depends mainly on one producer 

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The Commission authorises the acquisition of Edison by EDF and  AEM. The European Commission has authorised the proposed acquisition of the Italian electricity company Edison by the French company EDF and the Dutch company AEM. Following an examination, the Com-

mission would not effective concluded competitionthat in the the transaction common market. The significantly Commissionimpede found that the proposed concentration did not raise any competition problems. However, it will continue to monitor the competitive dynamics of the Italian electricity markets, where prices are among the highest in Europe. Edison is the second-largest electricity producer in Italy. However, its position on the Italian electricity markets is quite small compared to that of the more established operator ENEL, which still controls a large part of the generation capacity and, most of the time, is in a position to set the electricity price on the Italian Power Exchange. [#2] Which of the following is a consequence of the acquisition of Edison?  A.

Energy prices in Italy will fall

B.

Edison will continue to produce electricity, but under foreign control

C.

ENEL will remain the only Italian electricity producer 

D.

ENEL will lose its monopoly on the market to EDF and AEM

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Commission action on air safety. The European Aviation Security Agency (EASA) was set up in September 2002 to promote a uniformly high level of safety and environmental protection in the field of civil aviation. The Community has powers in the areas of airworthiness and the

environmental compatibility aircraft products, parts and equipment. The EASA is putting in place of a surveillance system to monitor the application of Community legislation, evaluate its impact and make any useful suggestions in this area. The EASA is involved in the certification of certain products for bodies in third countries; the national administrations issue individual certificates and accreditation for most of the bodies on their national territory, on the basis of common rules under the control of the EASA.

[#3] Which is one of the EASA’s basic missions?

 A.

Monitoring the application of Community legislation in the field of air safety

B.

Ensuring the application of European air traffic legislation

C.

Coordinating the issuing of pilot licences in civil aviation

D.

Developing new navigation systems compatible with the safety standards

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New EU spokesperson for SMEs. The new face of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Commission will be the Estonian Maive Rute, appointed spokeswoman on 13 June 2005. She will defend the interests of a sector representing 25 million businesses and 75

million the […] SMEs, boosting and creativity arejobs. the “Supporting key to achieving more growth andtheir jobs energy in the EU,” Mrs Rute said. The Commission's main concern is: how can we help SMEs to employ more people? Community actions have been launched to promote the sector and simplify its administrative environment. The Entrepreneurship Action Plan and the European Charter for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises contribute to this positive impetus.

[#4] What does the Commission want to do?

 A.

Give financial assistance to the most creative SMEs

B.

Double the number of SMEs so as to develop employment in European countries

C.

Increase the employment rate in SMEs

D.

Promote the development of those SMEs employing the most persons

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Mining waste: MEPs stand firm.  After serious accidents in Romania and Spain, the European Union decided that a specific Directive was needed to regulate the management and storage of mining waste. Old installations, where the sites are now closed, represent a real danger.

Where work should be carried out within four years atnecessary, the waste rehabilitation producers’ expense. This point is particularly important for the new central European Member States, where many mining companies have long neglected safety standards. In future, every time a mining site starts up, a financial guarantee will have to be lodged and regularly adjusted to ensure that requirements are met during and after use of the site, for the rehabilitation, not just of the site itself, but also all the land directly affected.

[#5] What can we deduce from the text?

 A.

Spain has long neglected the safety standards for mining waste

B.

At present Europe does not have any rules on environmental management

C.

The risk of accidents is greater on some mining sites in central Europe

D.

The two-fold increase in the number of accidents over the last few years has prompted the European Union to legislate

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Answers 1-D The price of depends mainly onelectricity one producer  2-B Edison will continue to produce electricity, but under foreign control 3-A Monitoring the application of Community legislation in the field of air safety 4-C Increase the employment rate in SMEs 5-C The risk of accidents is greater on some mining sites in central Europe

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