UCL CENTRE FOR LANGUAGES

& INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate for the Humanities

CRITICAL THINKING SAMPLE ENTRANCE TEST

EXAMPLES OF ANSWERS AND FURTHER GUIDANCE

**you should look at these answers AFTER you have tried the sample test online **

Instructions
 The test is comprised of one text followed by a number of questions.
 You should answer as many questions as possible. Marks are not deducted for incorrect answers.
 The test is in 1 hour.
 You must complete the test in blue or black INK (no pencil).
 You may use a dictionary to help you complete the test.
* You may not use the help of any other person or refer to any other book, manual or online resource to complete
the test.
Questions

1 (a) What is the theme of the passage? (1 mark)

Either one of the following will be accepted: nanotechnology - biotechnology - scientific
progress (1 mark) – but if you answer more generally “human nature” or “the improvement of
human nature” you will only get 0.5marks.

b) What is the main conclusion of the passage? (2 marks)

Any paraphrase of: “we may be able to give people superpowers”(“it is clear we will soon
witness the first real supermen”).

2. According to the author of the passage, why did nanotechnology develop in such an
“explosive” way? Explain in your own words. (2 marks)
Here you need to give a paraphrase of: “It initially benefitted of advances across medicine,
communications and robotics, and then proved to provide cost effective and rapidly functioning
components”. 1 mark for each argument provided.

3. Who in your view wrote this text? Give examples from the text to support your answer.
(2 marks)
There is no unique answer here: you can argue that it is a journalist or a scientist; or a
specialist or a non-specialist. The full mark will be given if you provide the relevant examples to
support your answer.

4. Explain the following phrases in the context of the passage: (1 mark each)
- “unprecedented scientific inventions” (line 12):
There are brand new ideas and possibilities in science that have not existed/been before.
- “increased accessibility to scientific progress” (line 12):
More people can now learn, use and benefit from the advancements, improvements made.
- “There are further technologies a head for replacing other organs” (lines 18–19)
There are more inventions that are being developed that will allow us to make artificial organs.

5. In the second paragraph, the author illustrates his argument with many examples.
5a) Find one example and explain how it supports the conclusion. (2 marks)
5b) What in your view is the best example used? Justify how this is the strongest
example to support the conclusion). (2 marks)
We are looking for precision in the answer. You need to take the necessary time to explain the
relationship between the example and the argument in favour of extension of human potential.

6. Paraphrase:
-“We might have to reconsider accepted ideas regarding human mortality”. (lines 12-13)
(2 marks)
We have to rethink/revisit/change our mind regarding what we consider true / traditional
understandings about mankind’s lifespan.
-“Tomorrow, they may turn out to become reality.” (line 27) (2 marks)
In the near future, the stories from the myths/the myths from antiquity could become real.

For the last 4 questions, there is no unique correct answer. You will get 1 mark for stating clearly your
position; 1.5 marks per argument or example you provide; and another 0.5 mark for the general quality
or sophistication of your demonstration. Examples need to be relevant and precise

7. The author assumes that transforming the human body would only have positive
consequences. Do you agree with this assumption? Explain why or why not using at
least two different arguments . (3 marks)
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8. In the passage the author refers to myths and legends about men and women with
superpowers and to superheroes of comic books and movies. Do you think science’s
role is to make science-fiction real? Explain your position in a well-developed
paragraph. (3 marks)
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9. Whilst many people believe that we should not alter the human body, scientists argue
that we can and should do this to save lives and cure diseases. Some even argue that
ultimately, if we wanted to, we should be able to decide whether or not we want to age,
grow old and die. What is your view on this matter? Explain your position using specific
examples. (3 marks)
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10. At the end of the passage, the author mentions that the question of our identity (“what
makes us who we are”, line 24) is raised by new scientific possibilities. Do you think
this is indeed the case or do you disagree with this statement? Explain why. (3 marks)
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END OF TEST