BMAT Section 1

BMAT Section 1 is an hour-long section that consists of 35 multiple-choice questions. This section is designed to test aptitude skills with a focus on three main areas: problem-solving, understanding argument, and data analysis and inference.

Jump to sections:

• Understanding Argument
• Problem Solving
• Data Analysis and Inference
• How can I prepare for Section 1?
• More BMAT Section 1 tips

Get Section 1 strategies are our popular BMAT Course is now streaming live online!

BMAT Section 1: Understanding Argument 

The verbal questions are designed to assess your understanding of arguments. They ask you to identify conclusions, assumptions, and flaws in arguments presented in short passages of text, as well as identify which options might strengthen or weaken the argument. Understanding Argument consists of 10 marks in total. The marks are broken down as followed:

– Identify reasons, assumptions, and conclusions (2-4 marks)
– Detect flaws (2-4 marks)
– Draw conclusions (2-4 marks)

BMAT Section 1: Problem Solving

There are no pure mathematical questions in section 1, but instead, the questions are designed to test problem-solving abilities using basic mathematical skills. You are not allowed a calculator so the questions rely on you using mental arithmetic, pen and paper and problem-solving to get around the need for complex calculations! Problem Solving consists of 13 questions in total. Candidates will be required to solve problems using simple numerical and algebraic operations. Candidates will need to:

– Select relevant information (3-7 marks)
– Recognise analogous cases (3-7 marks)
– Determine and apply appropriate procedures (3-7 marks)

BMAT Section 1: Data Analysis and Inference

These tend to focus on 3-dimensional representation, such as deciding what 3-dimensional structures could be made from 2-dimensional plans and how to navigate objects through 3-dimensional puzzles. Data Analysis and Inference consist of 12 questions in total. Candidates will need to demonstrate the use of information skills (vocabulary, comprehension, basic descriptive statistics and graphical tools), data interpretation, analysis, and scientific inference and deduction to reach conclusion from information in different forms. These forms include:

– Textual (3-5 marks)
– Statistical (3-5 marks)
– Graphical (3-5 marks)

BMAT Preparation: How can I prepare for Section 1?

Watch Daniel’s top tips for BMAT Section 1 below!

More BMAT Section 1 tips:

• Prepare your mental maths: Many questions in Section 1 involve fractions, algebraic formula and graphs – and you’re not allowed a calculator. Practice on past GCSE maths papers and try to build your speed with calculations.
• Read newspaper articles:Section 1’s verbal reasoning questions are designed to test your critical thinking skills and evaluation of conclusions from texts. Read widely to boost your comprehension. What is the argument of the piece? Is it flawed? Practice until you can quickly identify unreliable or ambiguous information in data.
• Treat Section 1 like the UCAT Verbal Reasoning section: Using a methodical and tactical approach is key. Ensure you read the question and eliminate any obviously wrong answers. Look out for trick words which could be used to invert the meaning of some statements. Don’t make assumptions and conclusions that aren’t clearly stated in the passage. 
• Practice Past Papers: Use our BMAT Question Bank to become familiar with the types of questions likely to come up in Section 1. These will be particularly useful for questions on three-dimensional representation and puzzles. Once you complete a test, you can spend time flagging areas you found the most difficult and begin practicing those in more depth. You can also read our detailed guide on how to use BMAT past papers.

Master Section 1 questions with our BMAT Question Bank!

Learn More:

• Section 2: Scientific Knowledge
• Section 3: Writing Task
• BMAT August vs BMAT October
• BMAT Past Papers
• BMAT Book

Find out more about The Medic Portal and how we support students with their BMAT preparation on our About Us page>>