BMAT Section 3 Writing Task Past Sample Papers
Bio Medical Admissions Test
Writing task
30 min
SECTION 3
YOU MUST ANSWER ONLY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1 ‘You can resist an invading army; you cannot resist an idea whose time has come.’
(Victor Hugo)
Explain the reasoning behind this statement. Argue that, on the contrary, any idea can be
suppressed with sufficient force. What do you think gives power to an idea?
2 Science is not a follower of fashion nor of other social or cultural trends.
Explain what you think the statement means. Argue to the contrary. To what extent do you
agree with the statement?
3 The option of taking strike action should not be available to doctors as they have a
special duty of care to their patients.
Explain what is meant by this statement. Argue that it should be possible for doctors to go on
strike as other workers do. To what extent should doctors’ duty of care to patients affect the
conditions of their employment?
4 If we truly care about the welfare of animals, we must recognise them as fellow
members of our communities with their own political rights and status.
Explain the thinking behind this statement. Argue that it is not necessary to confer political
rights or status upon animals in order to ensure their welfare. To what extent is it possible to
incorporate the interests of animals into political institutions?