OET Practice Questions — All 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.