UCAT Strongest Argument Practice Questions
Practise identifying relevant and persuasive arguments for UCAT Decision Making.
Written and reviewed by Dr Akash Gandhi, NHS GP (GMC 7601216) and founder of TheUKCATPeople, teaching the UCAT since 2012. Last reviewed .
Frequently asked questions
What is the UCAT Argument Judge trainer?
Argument Judge is a free UCAT Decision Making trainer for strongest argument questions. Each question gives a proposal and four arguments that begin Yes or No, and you pick the strongest. After answering you see the exact aim of the question, a full explanation, the common trap and why each option is right or wrong. Drills are ten questions drawn at random from a bank of 120.
What makes an argument the strongest in the UCAT?
The strongest argument most directly addresses the exact aim in the question, is relevant to the proposal and is supported rather than assumed. It does not need to match your own view, and it can argue Yes or No. Weaker options are usually true but irrelevant, praise the goal rather than the policy, cover only a narrow group, overclaim, or rely on an assumption the question gives no reason to accept.
How are strongest argument questions marked in the UCAT?
Each strongest argument question is a single-answer question worth 1 mark, and wrong answers lose nothing, so always answer. The UCAT lists them as recognising assumptions, one of the Decision Making question types. Because the options are short and there is only one mark at stake, aim to finish them faster than the 63 second average, which banks time for logic puzzles and Venn questions.
How do I answer UCAT strongest argument questions quickly?
State the aim in a few words before reading the options, for example more organs available for transplant. Then test each option: does it explain how the proposal would or would not achieve that aim? Cross out options that praise the goal, add claims the question does not support, or answer a different question. Choose between the survivors on scope and directness. Argument Judge shows the exact aim after each question so you can check your reading.
Should I use my own opinion in UCAT strongest argument questions?
No. You are judging the quality of each argument, not picking the side you agree with. A strong argument for the side you oppose can still be the answer, and an emotive option can be weak if it does not address the aim. Judge each option only on how directly it addresses the aim and whether its reasoning is supported, which is exactly what the Argument Judge explanations break down.
How should I use the Argument Judge drills?
Read the free strongest argument guide linked on the start screen, then start a ten-question drill, answering by click or the number keys 1 to 4. Say the aim to yourself before each answer. Afterwards, check your accuracy by skill, such as scope, overclaim or unsupported assumption, to see which trap catches you most. Retry incorrect questions straight away; missed ones also come back for review a day later.