OET Practice Questions — All Questions

The patient ___ waiting in the reception area since nine o'clock this morning. Which choice is correct?

• a.is
• b.has been✓
• c.was
• 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.that
• b.what
• c.why✓
• d.which

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.wash✓
• b.washes
• c.washed
• d.washing

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.would feel
• b.felt
• c.had felt
• d.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.who
• b.which✓
• c.where
• d.whose

The relative pronoun refers to a thing (the letter), so 'which' is correct. 'Who' refers to people and 'where' to places.