Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests - EPSO Sample Exams

01 Verbal Reasoning - Vol. 01
Sample Tests - EU EPSO Tests Series
Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Preface
EU / EPSO TESTS
To assist you in preparing for the EPSO
exams Training4EU Team provides you
with a series of sample tests with exam-
ples of verbal, numerical, abstract, situa-
tional judgment, accuracy & precision,
and prioritizing & organizing questions.
1. Verbal Reasoning: Using a short para-
graph of text on virtually any topic, this
test requires to choose from 4 or 5 an-
swer options the one that fully matches
the statements in the original text.
There is always only one correct an-
swer because other options may con-
tain insufficient information or false
statements. There are 20 verbal reason-
ing questions in a competition, and the
allocated time is 35 minutes.
2.Numerical Reasoning: In the form of
multiple-choice this test requires data
interpretation and mathematical calcula-
tions. Using information presented
through tables and graphs, you will be
required to draw conclusions and calcu-
late changes within these data sets. Ba-
sic mathematical skills such as percent-
ages, arithmetic operations, and ratios
must be reviewed prior to taking the
test. There are 10 numerical reasoning
questions in a competition, and the allo-
cated time is 20 minutes.
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-
iCopyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

tween the presented images. There are
10 abstract reasoning questions in a
competition, and the allocated time is 10
minutes.
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 con-
duct 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: This
test requires candidates to check a table
with various information about sched-
ules, timetables, agendas, vehicle ca-
pacities and other practical information
and find the best solution to a practical
organisation or logistics problem. There
are organizing and prioritizing 20 ques-
tions in a competition, and the allocated
time is 24 minutes (AST level only).
6. Accuracy and Precision Test: This
test requires candidates to identify,
based on a table and various icons, mis-
takes, errors, typos or other ‘inaccura-
cies’ in a control line under a heavy
time-pressure. There are 40 accuracy
and precision questions in a competi-
tion, and the allocated time is 6 minutes
(AST only).
iiCopyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Sample Tests
Sample tests can give you an idea of the
type of questions and level of difficulty
you will face during the competitions.
Time Limits: Contrary to the actual
EPSO tests where they have to be com-
pleted within an allowed time, the pro-
vided sample tests have no limit for an-
swering 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:
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 learn-
ing
About Training4EU
Training 4EU Team provides Coaching
and Training Services on potential candi-
dates who would like to become tomor-
row’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. Pre-
selection Tests and Assessment Centre.
Our Team consists of a group of profes-
sionals with extensive experience on
EPSO Competitions that can prepare
you in an effective and timely profession-
ally manner.
iii

iv
Training4EU Publications
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© 2013 Training4EU Publication Team
Training4EU is independent from the European Union institutions.
The sample tests have been extracted from the EPSO official web site.
v

Success Tips -
Failure Mistakes1
Practice
makes perfect

Success Tips
1. Prepare well
2. Know the test format
3. Be focused
4. Read the statements carefully and make sure you can distinguish
between absolute and relative statements
5. Budget your time – Allow maximum one minute and thirty five sec-
onds per question
6. Avoid stupid mistakes – Make sure to avoid stupid mistakes that
could cost you precious points
7. Revise if time allows it
8. Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect
7Copyright © 2013 Training4EU Team

Failure Mistakes
1. Not preparing for the format of the test
2. Advance fear of the test
3. Worrying about the past
4. Obsession with test score
5. Obsession with accuracy
6. Using poor question solving strategy
7. Not reading the entire statement
8. Marking the wrong answer
9. Insufficient preparation

Assistant level !!
Verbal Reasoning tests2 Practice
makes perfect

There are 45 000 road deaths per year in Europe, a number which gov-
ernments 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 par-
ticular those living in urban areas, are the most vulnerable. Many cities
and towns across Europe are already working hard on promoting alter-
native means of transport: they are providing good, efficient public trans-
port, 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 en-
hance people's quality of life.
A. Reduce the number of children living in urban areas
B.
Encourage people to purchase environmentally friendly
vehicles
C. Limit the use of public transport because it is too noisy
D. Focus exclusively on improving air quality
[#1] What is one solution put forward by some of Europe's cities
and towns?

Ochratoxin is a mycotoxin which has been shown to have carcinogenic
and other toxic properties. It occurs naturally and can contaminate agri-
cultural products in the field and after harvest. Maximum permitted lev-
els are established in EU legislation for significant dietary sources, to
reduce human exposure as much as possible. It has been shown that
cereals and cereal products are the main dietary sources of ochratoxin
for the EU 'population. Wine, coffee and beer are also significant
sources while dried grapes and grape juice are important sources for
vulnerable consumers like children. There are already EU rules in
place for cereals and dried grapes. The Commission is continuing to re-
view other foodstuffs to set maximum levels where needed.
A. It is only found in cereals.
B. Wine, beer and coffee transmit the substance in vast amounts.
C. It can only be transmitted via liquid foodstuffs.
D.
It is transmitted by cereals and cereal products and also by
other sources.
[#2] Which statement about ochratoxin is correct?

Ochratoxin is a mycotoxin which has been shown to have carcinogenic
and other toxic properties. It occurs naturally and can contaminate agri-
cultural products in the field and after harvest. Maximum permitted lev-
els are established in EU legislation for significant dietary sources, to re-
duce human exposure as much as possible. It has been shown that ce-
reals and cereal products are the main dietary sources of ochratoxin for
the EU 'population. Wine, coffee and beer are also significant sources
while dried grapes and grape juice are important sources for vulner-
able consumers like children. There are already EU rules in place for ce-
reals and dried grapes. The Commission is continuing to review other
foodstuffs to set maximum levels where needed.
A. Ochratoxin is a natural product which is only toxic in food.
B.
Children must on no account come into contact with
ochratoxin.
C.
Children are at risk as they have less defence against certain
substances.
D.
The Commission has managed to eliminate ochratoxin from
cereals and dried grapes.
[#3] Which of the following statements is correct?

The European Commission welcomes the adoption of amendments to
the Energy Tax Directive authorising the new Member States temporar-
ily to apply excise duty exemptions or lower rates of duty than the EU-
wide minimum rates normally required on all energy products and elec-
tricity. The transitional arrangements are strictly limited in time and
none will last longer than 2012; they are proportionate to the actual prob-
lems that they are designed to address. The main justification provided
by the accession countries is the likelihood that price rises resulting
from an increase in excise duties with effect from 1 May 2004, the date
on which the accession countries will have to apply the Energy Tax Di-
rective, could have an adverse effect on their economies and could in
particular constitute a heavy burden for SMEs and for poorer house-
holds.
A.
According to the accession countries there is no link between
the increase in excise duties and prices.
B.
From 2012 onwards no transitional arrangements will be
authorised and all will have to be closed.
C.
All Member States have the right to exempt, for example,
excise duties applied to coal.
D.
The date of application of the Energy Tax Directive has not yet
been published.
[#4] Which of the following statements is correct?

The European Commission has decided to send Denmark an official re-
quest for information on the latter's law of 26 March 2003 prohibiting
gambling offered by service providers registered in other Member
States and activities aimed at facilitating participation in or advertising
such gambling. Danish law limits the provision of services relating to
sports betting in particular. The Commission intends to examine the
compatibility of the prohibition with the provisions of the EC Treaty relat-
ing to the free movement of services and freedom of establishment.
Given the information at its disposal the Commission fears that the Dan-
ish legislation imposes restrictions on freedom of establishment and on
the cross-border provision of services which would be disproportionate
to the common interest objectives recognised by the European Court of
Justice (such as consumer protection or the maintenance of law and or-
der).
A.
It prohibits any inducement to gambling offered by service
providers from other Member States.
B.
It prohibits Danes from participating in gambling outside
Denmark.
C.
It authorises gambling provided it is not linked to sporting
events.
D.
It permits participation in gambling only if this is linked to
sporting events.
[#5] What is one of the elements of the Danish law of 26 March
2003?

Answers
1- B Encourage people to purchase en-
vironmentally friendly vehicles
2-D It is transmitted by cereals and ce-
real products and also by other
sources.
3-C Children are at risk as they have
less defense against certain sub-
stances.
4-B From 2012 onwards no transi-
tional arrangements will be author-
ised and all will have to be closed.
5-A It prohibits any inducement to
gambling offered by service providers
from other Member States.
15

Administrator level
Verbal Reasoning tests3
Practice
makes perfect

The new face of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
at the Commission will be the Estonian Maive Rute, appointed spokes-
woman on 13 June 2005. She will defend the interests of a sector repre-
senting 25 million businesses and 75 million jobs. "Supporting the [...]
SMEs, boosting their energy and creativity are the key to achieving
more growth and jobs in the EU," Mrs Rute said. The Commission's
main concern is: how can we help SMEs to employ more people? Com-
munity 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 contrib-
ute to this positive impetus.
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.
[#1] What does the Commission want to do?

The new face of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
at the Commission will be the Estonian Maive Rute, appointed spokes-
woman on 13 June 2005. She will defend the interests of a sector repre-
senting 25 million businesses and 75 million jobs. "Supporting the [...]
SMEs, boosting their energy and creativity are the key to achieving
more growth and jobs in the EU," Mrs Rute said. The Commission's
main concern is: how can we help SMEs to employ more people? Com-
munity 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 contrib-
ute to this positive impetus.
A. On average, SMEs directly or indirectly employ three people.
B. SMEs are growing faster than other sectors.
C.
The SME sector accounts for 1/3 of total employment in
Europe.
D.
SMEs are subject to a high level of tax pressure and
administrative constraints.
[#2] What can we deduce from the text?

The Commission has decided to extend for one last time the period of
grace for the introduction of the digital tachograph until 31 December
2005. Although the final date for the introduction of the digital tacho-
graph had been extended until 5 August 2005, an extra period of grace
is needed. This decision is justified by the delays encountered by tacho-
graph manufacturers in obtaining type approval for their equipment. It
should also allow the Member States to take all the legislative, technical
and administrative measures needed. Finally, the aim of the morato-
rium was to ensure that Member States do not impose penalties on
drivers of foreign vehicles entering their respective territories without a
digital tachograph. Since then, most Member States have adopted the
necessary legal frameworks and application arrangements. The tacho-
graph must be legally recognised and accepted by all Member States
from 5 August 2005 onwards.
A.
The moratorium has been extended for a second time until 5
August 2005.
B.
The Member States will have to have recognised the digital
tachograph in their legislation by 5 August 2005.
C.
Only foreign vehicles are covered by the moratorium up to 31
December 2005.
D.
Installation of the digital tachograph in vehicles has been
postponed to 31 December 2005.
[#3] What exactly is being proposed?

Xplora is a new gateway to science education in Europe. Its aim is to
stimulate science education to attract more young people. Teachers will
find a wealth of information and resources for primary and secondary
education. The section "Megalab" presents experiments and practical, in-
novative science projects. Studying the stars or plants, conducting ex-
periments on wind energy or hydrogen cells, ... Thanks to Xplora, pupils
can now take part in experiments that would not be feasible at school!
Xplora also provides teachers, and experts from all comers of Europe
with a forum where they can talk to each other on-line, find tools for set-
ting up on-line communities and instructions on free software for sci-
ence teaching.
A. Facilitating access to scientific information.
B. Promoting interaction between experts and teachers.
C. Enabling experiments to be conducted outside school.
D. Replacing the classical methods of science learning.
[#4] Which of the following objectives is not being pursued by
Xplora?

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 Commission
concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective
competition in the common market. The Commission found that the
proposed concentration did not raise any competition problems. How-
ever, it will continue to monitor the competitive dynamics of the Italian
electricity markets, where prices are among the highest in Europe. Edi-
son is the second-largest electricity producer in Italy. However, its posi-
tion 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.
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.
[#5] Which of the following is a consequence of the acquisition of
Edison?

Answers
1-C Increase the employment rate in
SMEs.
2-A On average, SMEs directly or indi-
rectly employ three people.
3-B The Member States will have to
have recognised the digital tacho-
graph in their legislation by 5 August
2005.
4-D Replacing the classical methods
of science learning.
5-B Edison will continue to produce
electricity, but under foreign control.

23
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