Meaning and argument
The main point, what follows from the text, why the author says what they say, and how to apply rules. Meaning and argument is tested in the Reading comprehension section of the Bocconi Test, which has 11 of the 50 questions (75 minutes in total, 2027/28 format). This guide covers it in 5 lessons, each with the rule that solves it and a diagram.
Main idea and best title
The main idea is the topic plus what the author says about it, and it covers every paragraph. Reject titles that are too broad, too narrow (one detail) or contradicted.
Inference
An inference is not written but must be true if the text is true. Choose the smallest step that needs no outside knowledge; plausible options that go further are wrong.
Author’s purpose and attitude
“Why does the author mention X?” asks for the job of X: an example, evidence, a contrast, a problem. Attitude shows in word choice and is usually moderate; reported views are not the author’s own.
Argument structure
Sentences play roles: claim, reasons, evidence, objection, concession. The claim is the sentence the others support; signal words such as “therefore” and “however” reveal each role.
Applying rules and definitions
Turn a passage of rules into a numbered checklist and test each case against every condition and exception. Mind “at most”, “more than”, “only” and “unless”; a defined term means what the passage says.
What is the Bocconi Test format?
Online Bocconi Test for admission in academic year 2027/28, as published by Università Bocconi.
- Questions / time
- 50 / 75 minutes
- Distribution
- 24 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 9 critical thinking
- Scoring
- +1 correct · 0 blank · −0.2 wrong
- Question languages
- English · Italian
- Three-option questions
- Some critical thinking questions have three options; a wrong answer there costs −0.33
- Minimum score
- Below 17 points the test is not considered for selection
- AI degree
- Mathematical and Computing Sciences for Artificial Intelligence also needs at least 11 of 24 points in mathematics
- Law test
- A separate test, 50 questions / 75 minutes: 5 mathematics · 11 reading · 6 numerical reasoning · 18 logic and critical thinking · 10 verbal reasoning; same scoring
Source: Università Bocconi, Online Bocconi Test page (checked October 7, 2026)
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