OET Practice Questions — All Questions
22 questions
The patient ___ waiting in the reception area since nine o'clock this morning. Which choice is correct?
- a.was
- b.is
- c.has been✓
- d.will be
'Since nine o'clock' with an action continuing up to now calls for the present perfect continuous: 'has been waiting'. The simple present or past cannot pair with 'since' this way.
Could you please explain ___ the medication should be taken with food? Which choice is correct?
- a.which
- b.why✓
- c.what
- d.that
The sentence asks for a reason, so 'why' introduces the indirect question. 'That' would not signal a reason, and 'what' or 'which' ask about things, not causes.
The nurse suggested that the visitor ___ their hands before entering the ward. Which choice is correct?
- a.washed
- b.washing
- c.washes
- d.wash✓
After 'suggested that', English uses the base form in the subjunctive: 'wash'. The verb does not take the -s ending even with a singular subject.
If you ___ any discomfort, please let a member of staff know right away. Which choice is correct?
- a.had felt
- b.feel✓
- c.felt
- d.would feel
This is a first conditional about a real possibility, so the 'if' clause uses the present simple: 'feel'. The result clause is an instruction with 'please let'.
The appointment letter, ___ was sent last week, includes directions to the clinic. Which choice is correct?
- a.whose
- b.where
- c.who
- d.which✓
The relative pronoun refers to a thing (the letter), so 'which' is correct. 'Who' refers to people and 'where' to places.
In everyday communication with patients, the plain-English word for 'hypertension' is ___. Which fits best?
- a.low blood sugar
- b.high blood pressure✓
- c.rapid heartbeat
- d.high temperature
'Hypertension' means high blood pressure; using the plain-English term helps patients understand. The other options describe different conditions.
When explaining a schedule to a patient, 'twice daily' means the dose is taken ___. Which fits best?
- a.twice a week
- b.every two days
- c.two times each day✓
- d.two hours apart only
'Twice daily' means two times in one day. Communicating this clearly in plain words prevents dosing confusion; the other options change the frequency.
A patient says they feel 'nauseous.' In plain English you might confirm this means they feel ___. Which fits best?
- a.dizzy when standing
- b.like they might be sick to their stomach✓
- c.short of breath
- d.very tired
'Nauseous' describes the feeling of wanting to vomit, or being sick to one's stomach. Restating it plainly checks understanding; the other options name different symptoms.
To reassure an anxious patient, a professional might use the ___ phrase 'This is a very common procedure.' Which word describes that tone?
- a.urgent
- b.formal
- c.dismissive
- d.reassuring✓
Telling a worried patient that a procedure is common is 'reassuring' because it calms their concern. 'Dismissive' would wrongly suggest ignoring their feelings.
When a colleague asks you to 'follow up' with a patient, they want you to ___. Which fits best?
- a.ignore the request
- b.cancel the appointment
- c.discharge the patient immediately
- d.check back with the patient later✓
To 'follow up' is to check back or make later contact about something. The phrase is common in workplace handovers; the other options do not match its meaning.
The physiotherapist gave clear ___ on how to use the crutches safely. Which choice is correct?
- a.instructive
- b.instruct
- c.instructed
- d.instructions✓
A noun is needed after the adjective 'clear': 'instructions'. 'Instruct' is the verb and 'instructive' the adjective.
Staff must communicate ___ so that patients fully understand their care. Which choice is correct?
- a.clarity
- b.clearly✓
- c.clearness
- d.clear
The blank modifies the verb 'communicate', so an adverb is required: 'clearly'. 'Clear' is the adjective and 'clarity' the noun.
The consent form asks the patient to confirm their ___ to the treatment plan. Which choice is correct?
- a.agree
- b.agreeably
- c.agreement✓
- d.agreeable
After the possessive 'their', a noun is needed: 'agreement'. 'Agree' is the verb and 'agreeable' the adjective.
It is important to ___ the patient's questions before the procedure begins. Which choice is correct?
- a.address✓
- b.addressable
- c.address itself
- d.addressment
After 'to', the base verb form is needed: 'address'. 'Addressable' is an adjective and 'addressment' is not a standard word.
Please take the tablets ___ meals to reduce stomach upset. Which choice is correct?
- a.on
- b.with✓
- c.of
- d.at
The collocation is 'take medication with meals'. The other prepositions are not used in this fixed healthcare phrase.
The results were normal; ___, the doctor recommended a follow-up in six months. Which choice is correct?
- a.because
- b.therefore
- c.however✓
- d.for instance
'However' signals a contrast between normal results and the recommendation to return anyway. 'Therefore' would wrongly imply the follow-up was a direct consequence.
Contact the clinic ___ your symptoms get worse over the weekend. Which choice is correct?
- a.so
- b.if✓
- c.despite
- d.unless
'If' introduces the condition under which the patient should call. 'Unless' would reverse the meaning, telling them to call only when symptoms do not worsen.
The ward round is scheduled ___ 8 a.m. every day. Which choice is correct?
- a.since
- b.in
- c.at✓
- d.on
A clock time takes the preposition 'at': 'at 8 a.m.'. 'On' is used with days and 'in' with months or years.
Which sentence communicates the instruction in correct, patient-friendly English?
- a.You must to finish the whole course of tablets.
- b.You must finish the whole course of tablets.✓
- c.You must to finishing the whole course of tablets.
- d.You must finishing the whole course of tablets.
The modal 'must' is followed directly by the base verb with no 'to': 'must finish'. Adding 'to' or an -ing form is incorrect after a modal.
Which sentence corrects the error in 'The patient explained me his concerns clearly'?
- a.The patient explained his concerns to me clearly.✓
- b.The patient explained me clearly his concerns.
- c.The patient explained his concerns me clearly.
- d.The patient explained to his concerns me clearly.
'Explain' takes 'to' before the listener: 'explained his concerns to me'. You cannot say 'explain me'; the preposition 'to' is required.
Which sentence uses the workplace phrase correctly?
- a.I will inform the family about of the visiting hours.
- b.I will inform the family about the visiting hours.✓
- c.I will informing the family about the visiting hours.
- d.I will inform to the family about the visiting hours.
'Inform' is followed directly by the person, with no 'to': 'inform the family'. The information then follows 'about'.
Which sentence is free of usage errors?
- a.There is fewer appointments available this week.
- b.There is less appointments available this week.
- c.There are less appointments available this week.
- d.There are fewer appointments available this week.✓
'Appointments' is countable and plural, so it takes 'fewer' and the plural verb 'are': 'There are fewer appointments available.' 'Less' is for uncountable nouns.