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
Hand sanitiser is useful when soap and water are not available. Still, washing with soap and water is better when hands are visibly dirty, because sanitiser does not remove dirt and grease well. What can you infer from the passage?
- AHand sanitiser removes dirt better than soap.
- BSoap and water are only needed in hospitals and clinics, not at home.
- CSoap and water are the better choice for greasy hands.
- DHand sanitiser should never be used.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Hard
The author writes: “A famous actor says she uses Glow cream every day, so it must be good for your skin.” Why is this weak evidence?
- AFame is not expertise in skin care.
- BActors never use skin cream.
- CThe actor did not say how often she used it.
- DSkin cream can only be sold by doctors.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Medium
Which time is written correctly in American style?
- A7.30 a.m.
- B7;30 a.m.
- C7,30 a.m.
- D7:30 a.m.
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Hard
What is the function of the underlined clause? “The nurse who trained me retired last year.”
- AAn adjective clause describing “nurse”
- BA noun clause acting as the object
- CAn independent clause
- DAn adverb clause showing reason
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Medium
Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “The disease had an insidious onset.”
- AGradual and hard to notice
- BEasy to treat
- CSudden, dramatic and very noticeable
- DPainful from the start
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Hard
Which word is the opposite of intrinsic?
- AInnate
- BExtrinsic
- CInternal
- DEssential
3Solutions
1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: C · Soap and water are the better choice for greasy hands.
Why this is the answer
If sanitiser does not remove dirt and grease well, soap and water are better for dirty or greasy hands. The passage does not say sanitiser should never be used.
C · Soap and water are the better choice for greasy hands.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: A · Fame is not expertise in skin care.
Why this is the answer
Being famous does not make someone an expert on skin care, and she may be paid to promote it. This is an appeal to a celebrity, not real evidence.
A · Fame is not expertise in skin care.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: D · 7:30 a.m.
Why this is the answer
In American style, a colon separates the hour from the minutes: 7:30 a.m. British style often uses a full stop instead (7.30 a.m.), so D would be accepted there.
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: A · An adjective clause describing “nurse”
Why this is the answer
A clause starting with who, which or that that describes a noun is an adjective (relative) clause. Here it identifies which nurse retired.
A · An adjective clause describing “nurse”
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: A · Gradual and hard to notice
Why this is the answer
Insidious means developing slowly and subtly, so it is noticed only when it is well advanced.
A · Gradual and hard to notice
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: B · Extrinsic
Why this is the answer
Intrinsic means coming from within, and extrinsic means coming from outside.