1Formulas and methods
Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Method
- Read the question first so you know what you are looking for.
- Skim the passage for its topic and main point; the first or last sentence often states it.
- Go back to the exact lines that answer the question.
- For inferences, choose the option the clues most strongly support, not one that goes further.
- For labels and tables, apply every rule that fits the case and do the small calculation carefully.
English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Method
- Find the subject and the verb of the sentence before choosing a form.
- Strip away phrases (of the …, along with …) and extra people (you and …) to test agreement and pronoun case.
- Check each clause: can it stand alone? Join independent clauses with a comma + conjunction or a semicolon.
- Check modifiers and lists: the describing phrase next to its word, items in the same form.
- For word choice and register, pick the precise, formal and concise option.
Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Method
- Read the whole sentence and look for a context clue: a definition, a contrast, an example or a cause and effect.
- Split an unfamiliar word into prefix, root and suffix and translate each part.
- Read a medical term from the suffix back to the start (hepat-itis: inflammation of the liver).
- Put each option into the sentence and check that the meaning still fits.
- Choose the meaning used in this sentence, even if the word has another everyday meaning.
2Practice problems
1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Medium
“Dear residents, the lift (elevator) in Block A will be out of service from Monday to Wednesday. We apologise for the inconvenience. Residents who need help with heavy items may call the caretaker.” What is the main purpose of the message?
- ATo announce that Block A is closing for good
- BTo introduce a new caretaker
- CTo ask residents to repair the lift themselves
- DTo inform residents about the lift and offer help
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Hard
“Medication A works within 15 minutes but lasts only 2 hours. Medication B takes an hour to work but lasts 12 hours.” A patient needs steady relief through the night. Which medication suits this need better, and why?
- AA, because it lasts all through the night.
- BB, because its effect lasts much longer.
- CA, because it starts to work faster.
- DB, because it starts to work more quickly.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Medium
Choose the correct word: “It was a ___ decision, made in seconds.”
- Aquickest of
- Bquick
- Cquickness
- Dquickly
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Hard
Which sentence is in the active voice?
- AThe new schedule was approved by the committee.
- BThe new schedule has been approved.
- CThe new schedule is being approved by the committee.
- DThe committee approved the new schedule.
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Medium
Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “Nurses must stay vigilant for signs of bleeding after surgery.”
- AWatchful and alert
- BRelaxed and calm
- CGentle and kind
- DUnsure and hesitant
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Hard
Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “The bleeding was profuse.”
- AHidden
- BStopped
- CAbundant and heavy
- DSlight
3Solutions
1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: D · To inform residents about the lift and offer help
Why this is the answer
The message tells residents the lift will be out of service and offers the caretaker’s help with heavy items.
D · To inform residents about the lift and offer help
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: B · B, because its effect lasts much longer.
Why this is the answer
Lasting relief overnight depends on how long a drug works. B lasts 12 hours, while A lasts only 2 hours. B does not work faster.
B · B, because its effect lasts much longer.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: B · quick
Why this is the answer
An adjective describes a noun, so “quick decision” is correct. “Quickly” is an adverb and describes verbs.
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: D · The committee approved the new schedule.
Why this is the answer
“The committee approved …” has the doer as the subject. The other three use a form of “be” + past participle, the passive voice.
D · The committee approved the new schedule.
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: A · Watchful and alert
Why this is the answer
Vigilant means carefully watching for possible danger or problems.
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: C · Abundant and heavy
Why this is the answer
Profuse means plentiful or in large amounts.