UPCAT REVIEWER GUIDE

A. Language Proficiency
A1. English Grammar (Rules + Error Identification)
Subject–Verb Agreement
Singular vs plural subjects (including tricky nouns like news, mathematics, politics)
Compound subjects with and; with or/nor (closest subject rule)
Intervening phrases (“The list of items is…”)
Indefinite pronouns (each, everyone, none, either/neither, many, few)
Collective nouns (team, jury, staff) and context-based agreement
Titles, amounts, time, distance as a single unit (“Five minutes is…”)
Inverted sentences (“There are…”, “Here is…”)
Relative clauses (“One of the students who are…”)

Verb Tense, Aspect, and Consistency

Simple tenses (past/present/future) and timeline signals
Perfect tenses (has/have/had + past participle)
Progressive tenses (be + -ing) and correct auxiliary verbs
Tense consistency within a paragraph or narrative
Sequence of tenses (reported speech, past events vs earlier past)
Irregular verbs (choose/chose/chosen; write/wrote/written)
Correct use of subjunctive (if I were; demands that he be)

Pronouns
Pronoun–antecedent agreement (number and gender where applicable)
Clear reference (avoid ambiguous this/that/it/they)
Pronoun case (I/me, he/him, who/whom)
Reflexive pronouns (myself, themselves) correct use
Relative pronouns (who/which/that; whose; where/when)
Pronoun consistency (avoid shifting from one/you to he/they)

Modifiers & Word Order

Misplaced modifiers (place next to what they modify)
Dangling modifiers (add the doer)
Adjective vs adverb (good vs well; real vs really)
Double negatives and unintended meaning
Placement of only, just, almost (meaning changes)
Parallelism & Comparisons
Parallel structure in lists and paired ideas
Parallelism with either/or, neither/nor, not only/but also
Logical comparisons (compare like with like)
Fewer vs less; between vs among
Comparative/superlative forms (better/best; more/most)

Sentence Structure & Common Errors

Independent vs dependent clauses
Fragments and how to fix them
Run-ons and comma splices (repair options: period, semicolon, conjunction,
subordination)
Faulty coordination/subordination
Consistency in voice (active/passive) and perspective

A2. Punctuation & Mechanics

Comma rules: introductory phrases, nonessential clauses, lists, conjunctions (FANBOYS)
Semicolons: joining related independent clauses; complex lists
Colons: introducing lists/explanations; after complete clauses
Apostrophes: possessives vs contractions; plural vs possessive
Quotation marks: titles of short works; direct speech; punctuation inside/outside
Hyphenation: compound modifiers (well-known author) and clarity
Capitalization: proper nouns, titles, first word after colon in formal contexts (as needed)
Spelling: common confusables (their/there/they’re; affect/effect; then/than)
Numbers in text: consistency (when to spell out vs use numerals)

A3. Diction, Style, and Sentence Improvement

Conciseness: remove redundancy and wordy phrases
Clarity: avoid vague pronouns and unclear references
Formal tone: avoid slang when the context is academic
Word choice: precise verbs and nouns; avoid inflated language
Active vs passive voice: choose the clearer construction
Consistency: point of view and tone across sentences
Transitions: however, therefore, moreover, despite, consequently
Revision questions: best rewrite, best placement, most effective sentence

A4. English Vocabulary (High Yield)

Context and Meaning
Context clues (definition, example, contrast, cause-effect)
Connotation vs denotation
Multiple-meaning words (bank, charge, current)
Collocations (make a decision, conduct research, raise awareness)
Idioms used in academic contexts (rule out literal misreads)
Word Parts
Common roots (bio, geo, chrono, phil, graph, demo, cred, dict)
Common prefixes (un, re, inter, anti, pre, post, trans, sub)
Common suffixes (-tion, -ment, -able, -ive, -ology, -phobia)

A5. Filipino / Komunikasyon

Wastong Gamit ng Salita at Gramatika
Pangngalan, panghalip, pandiwa, pang-uri, pang-abay, pang-ukol, pangatnig, pantukoy
Aspekto ng pandiwa (perpektibo, imperpektibo, kontemplatibo) at tamang gamit
Pokús ng pandiwa (tagaganap, layon, ganapan, tagatanggap, sanhi) - konsepto at pagkilala
Panlapi (unlapi, gitlapi, hulapi, kabilaan) at salitang-ugat
Pagbuo ng pangungusap (payak, tambalan, hugnayan, langkapan)
Simuno at panaguri; pangungusap na walang simuno
Wastong gamit ng ng at nang
Wastong gamit ng may at mayroon
Wastong gamit ng rin at din; raw at daw
Wastong baybay at bantas (tuldok, kuwit, kudlit, gitling, panipi)
Pagkilala sa mali sa pangungusap (grammar/error identification)
Talasalitaan at Panitikan (High Yield)
Kahulugan ng salita batay sa konteksto
Idyoma at sawikain (kahulugan at gamit)
Tayutay: pagtutulad, pagwawangis, pagmamalabis, pagbibigay-katauhan, ironya
Uri ng teksto: naratibo, deskriptibo, argumentatibo, impormatibo

B. Reading Comprehension
B1. Question Types to Master
Main idea / central thesis
Best summary of the passage
Supporting detail (explicit)
Inference (implied meaning; most likely; suggests)
Author’s purpose (inform, persuade, criticize, explain)
Tone and attitude (neutral, critical, hopeful, ironic)
Argument structure (claim–evidence–reasoning)
Assumptions (unstated but necessary)
Cause–effect relationships
Compare–contrast relationships
Problem–solution structure
Meaning of a word/phrase in context
Best title / best concluding statement
EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST supported items (trap questions)
B2. Skills & Techniques
Skim for structure: topic sentences, transitions, paragraph roles
Scan for details: names, dates, numbers, definitions
Mark shift words (however, although, nevertheless, on the other hand)
Distinguish fact vs opinion vs interpretation
Spot the author’s evidence and evaluate relevance
Resolve reference questions (what do this/they/such refer to?)
Handle paired text + graph/table items (read axes/labels first)
Avoid extreme-choice traps (always/never) unless clearly supported

B3. Passage Types to Practice

Science/tech explanations (processes, experiments)
Social science texts (history, economics, sociology)
Editorials and opinion columns
Narrative nonfiction and biography
Argumentative essays and policy pieces
Filipino passages (sanaysay, talumpati, balita)

C. Mathematics
C1. Number Sense & Arithmetic
Integers: operations, order of operations, absolute value
Fractions: simplify; mixed improper; operations
Decimals: place value and operations
Percent: percent of; percent change; discounts/markups; simple interest basics
Ratios and proportions; scaling
Rates and unit rates (including speed)
LCM/GCF and prime factorization
Divisibility rules (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Exponents laws (product, quotient, power, negative exponents)
Roots/radicals (simplifying; operations basics)
Scientific notation (×10^n) and magnitude comparisons
Estimation and mental math; reasonableness checks

C2. Algebra Core

Expressions and Equations
Translating words expressions/equations (keywords and sentence structure)
Simplifying expressions (combine like terms; distributive property)
Linear equations (one variable) including fractions/decimals
Linear inequalities; solution sets; interval notation awareness
Absolute value equations/inequalities (basic cases)
Systems of linear equations (substitution and elimination)
 Systems of inequalities (graph interpretation basics)
Polynomials and Factoring
Operations on polynomials (add/subtract/multiply)
Factoring GCF
Factoring trinomials (x^2 + bx + c)
Difference of squares
Perfect square trinomials (recognize patterns)
Factoring by grouping (basic)
Quadratics and Functions
Solving quadratic equations by factoring
Quadratic formula (recognize and apply)
Graph basics of y = ax^2 + bx + c (vertex/intercepts concept)
Function notation f(x); evaluating and substituting
Linear functions: slope-intercept form y = mx + b
Domain and range (basic interpretation from graphs)
Rational, Exponential, and Logarithmic (Basic)
Rational expressions: simplify; restrictions; basic operations
Exponential growth/decay basics (conceptual; simple problems)
Logarithms basics (understanding log as exponent; simple evaluation, if included)
Sequences and Variation
Arithmetic sequences (common difference)
Geometric sequences (common ratio)
Direct variation and inverse variation (recognition and solving)

C3. Geometry & Measurement

Lines and Angles
Complementary and supplementary angles
Vertical angles
Angles formed by parallel lines (corresponding, alternate interior/exterior)
Triangles
Triangle angle sum and exterior angle
Types of triangles (isosceles/equilateral/right)
Pythagorean theorem and applications
Special right triangles (30-60-90 and 45-45-90) (basic)
Triangle similarity and proportionality
Polygons and Quadrilaterals
Properties of parallelogram/rectangle/square/rhombus/trapezoid
Interior/exterior angles of polygons
Perimeter and area of common figures
Circles
 Radius/diameter/chord; central angles
Circumference and area
Arc length and sector area (basic, if included)
Coordinate Geometry
Slope (positive/negative/zero/undefined)
Distance formula and midpoint formula
Equation of a line (y = mx + b) and intercepts
Graph interpretation: increasing/decreasing; intercept meaning
Solid Geometry
Volume: rectangular prism, cylinder, triangular prism
Surface area: prism and cylinder (basic)
Cone/pyramid/sphere (conceptual formulas awareness)

C4. Statistics, Probability, and Data

Mean, median, mode; range
Weighted average (basic)
Reading and interpreting bar/line/pie graphs and tables
Probability of simple events; complements
Counting principle; simple permutations/combinations recognition
Venn diagrams (2-set and basic 3-set problems)

C5. Common Word Problems

Rate–time–distance
Work problems (combined work)
Mixtures (concentration idea)
Age problems
Percent applications (discount, tax, profit)
Ratio sharing/partition
Motion (upstream/downstream concept) (basic)
Set problems (Venn) and basic logic

D. Science
D0. Scientific Thinking & Skills
Scientific method (hypothesis, procedure, conclusion)
Variables: independent, dependent, controlled
Control group vs experimental group
Reading graphs (trend, slope idea) and tables
Basic measurement and unit conversion (metric)
Interpreting experimental results and drawing conclusions
Identifying sources of error and improving an experiment (basic)
D1. Biology
Cells and Life Processes
Cell theory; prokaryote vs eukaryote
Organelles and functions (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosome, membrane, chloroplast)
Cell transport: diffusion, osmosis, active transport (concept)
Photosynthesis vs cellular respiration (inputs/outputs concept)
Cell division: mitosis vs meiosis (basic purpose)
Genetics and Evolution
DNA/genes/chromosomes; genotype vs phenotype
Dominant/recessive; Punnett squares (monohybrid)
Mutations (basic) and variation
Natural selection and adaptation (basic mechanism)
Evidence for evolution (simple examples)
Human Biology
Digestive, respiratory, circulatory systems (major functions)
Nervous and endocrine systems (control and response)
Immune system basics; pathogens vs immunity concept
Excretory system and homeostasis
Reproductive system (basic concepts)
Basic health concepts (nutrition, disease transmission, prevention)
Ecology
Food chains/webs; trophic levels; energy pyramid
Cycles: water, carbon, nitrogen (conceptual)
Population vs community vs ecosystem
Biodiversity and conservation
Human impacts: pollution, habitat loss, climate change (basic)

D2. Chemistry
Matter and Structure
Element/compound/mixture; homogeneous vs heterogeneous
Physical vs chemical properties; physical vs chemical change
States of matter and phase changes
Atomic structure (protons, neutrons, electrons); isotopes concept
Periodic table: groups/periods; metals/nonmetals/metalloids
Bonding and Reactions
Ions and charges; valence concept
Ionic vs covalent bonding (concept)
Balancing chemical equations (basic)
Types of reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single/double replacement) (basic recognition)
Conservation of mass
Acids, Bases, and Solutions
pH concept; acids vs bases; indicators
Neutralization (acid + base salt + water) concept
Solutions: solute/solvent; concentration idea
Solubility factors (basic)
Simple gas laws awareness (pressure-volume-temperature relationships) (basic)

D3. Physics
Motion and Forces
Speed vs velocity; acceleration
Distance-time and velocity-time graphs (basic interpretation)
Newton’s laws; inertia; F = ma concept
Friction and normal force concept
Momentum and impulse (basic)
Energy and Power
Work, power, energy relationships (conceptual)
Potential vs kinetic energy
Conservation of energy (basic)
Simple machines (lever, pulley) concept
Waves, Light, and Sound
Wave parts: wavelength, frequency, amplitude
Speed of waves relationship (concept)
Sound: pitch vs loudness; reflection/echo
Light: reflection, refraction; mirrors/lenses basics (concept)
Electricity and Magnetism
Charge, current, voltage, resistance (basic meanings)
Ohm’s law concept (V = IR) (basic use)
Series vs parallel circuits (conceptual differences)
Magnets: poles; magnetic fields; electromagnet concept (basic)

D4. Earth and Space Science

Earth layers (crust, mantle, core) and density concept
Plate tectonics: boundaries and effects (earthquakes/volcanoes)
Rocks and minerals; rock cycle; soil basics
Weather vs climate; factors affecting climate
Water cycle and common weather phenomena
Astronomy: solar system, seasons (tilt), moon phases, eclipses
Natural hazards: typhoons, floods, landslides; preparedness basics
E. Logic, Reasoning, and Test Strategy
E1. Reasoning Skills
Number patterns and sequences
Basic logic operators (and/or/not) and truth awareness
If–then statements; contrapositive awareness
Syllogisms (some/all/none) and valid conclusions
Strengthen/weaken an argument (basic)

E2. Test-Taking Checklist

Underline EXCEPT/NOT/LEAST questions before answering
Use elimination: aim to remove at least 2 options quickly
Time budgeting: don’t get stuck; skip-hard-return strategy
Estimate in Math/Science to check reasonableness
Avoid extreme-choice traps unless the passage/formula supports it
Practice bubbling discipline (if using answer sheet)
Weekly full mock + deep review of mistakes
Test-day essentials: sleep, snacks/water, pencils, and calm routine

F. Create a Quick Formula & Concepts Checklist (Math) Ex:

Percent: part = rate × whole; percent change = (change/original) × 100
Distance: d = r × t
Triangle area: A = 1/2 b h
Circle area: A = π r^2; circumference: C = 2π r
Pythagorean theorem: a^2 + b^2 = c^2
Slope: m = (y2 y1) / (x2 x1)
Mean: average = sum / n
Ohm’s law (basic): V = I R