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
Unlike most fish, the salmon is born in fresh water, travels to the ocean to grow and then returns to the same river to lay its eggs. Which choice best summarises the passage?
- ASalmon are the only fish that lay eggs.
- BSalmon move between rivers and the ocean during their lives.
- CSalmon spend their whole lives in the ocean.
- DSalmon are born in the ocean and later die in fresh-water rivers.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)Hard
The author writes: “Some parents worry that letting children play outside unsupervised is dangerous. While some risks exist, outdoor play builds independence, problem-solving and physical health.” What is the author’s position?
- AParents worry too little about their children.
- BThe benefits of outdoor play outweigh its risks.
- CChildren should never play outside without adults.
- DOutdoor play has no risks for children at all.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Medium
Choose the correct form: “You must ___ your hands before entering.”
- Ato wash
- Bwashed
- Cwash
- Dwashing
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)Hard
In a quotation, what are square brackets [ ] used for?
- ATo mark the name of the speaker
- BTo show that the quote is a question
- CTo show words the writer added or changed in the quote
- DTo show words that were left out of the quote
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Medium
Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “Patient safety is paramount.”
- ADifficult to achieve
- BMost important
- CExpensive
- DOptional
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)Hard
Choose the meaning of the word in bold: “The sudden drop in blood pressure was transient.”
- APermanent
- BCaused by stress and lasting for many months
- CVery severe
- DLasting only a short time
3Solutions
1.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: B · Salmon move between rivers and the ocean during their lives.
Why this is the answer
The passage describes the salmon’s movement from river to ocean and back. The other choices contradict or go beyond the passage.
B · Salmon move between rivers and the ocean during their lives.
2.Reading comprehension (entrance exams)
Answer: B · The benefits of outdoor play outweigh its risks.
Why this is the answer
The author admits some risks but stresses several benefits, suggesting that the benefits outweigh the risks. The author does not deny that risks exist.
B · The benefits of outdoor play outweigh its risks.
3.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: C · wash
Why this is the answer
Modal verbs such as must, can, should and will are followed by the base form of the verb, without “to”.
4.English grammar & language usage (entrance exams)
Answer: C · To show words the writer added or changed in the quote
Why this is the answer
Square brackets enclose words the writer adds or changes for clarity, as in “She [the nurse] arrived early.” Omissions use an ellipsis.
C · To show words the writer added or changed in the quote
5.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: B · Most important
Why this is the answer
Paramount means more important than anything else.
6.Healthcare vocabulary (entrance exams)
Answer: D · Lasting only a short time
Why this is the answer
Transient means temporary or short-lived.
D · Lasting only a short time