OET Reading: Workplace Text Comprehension 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An email subject line reads 'URGENT: Pharmacy closure 13:00-14:00 today'. What is the main purpose of the message?
- To warn staff of a temporary pharmacy closure (Correct answer)
- To announce a permanent change of hours
- To request new pharmacy staff
- To advertise a new medication
Correct answer: To warn staff of a temporary pharmacy closure
The subject signals an urgent, time-limited closure that staff must be aware of.
Question 2: A handover note says: 'Mr Lee remains nil by mouth pending review.' What does this instruct staff to do?
- Give him nothing to eat or drink (Correct answer)
- Offer a light meal
- Encourage extra fluids
- Provide only water
Correct answer: Give him nothing to eat or drink
'Nil by mouth' means the patient must not consume any food or drink.
Question 3: A notice reads: 'Fire exits must remain unobstructed at all times.' Which situation breaches this rule?
- A trolley left parked across an exit (Correct answer)
- A clear, marked exit pathway
- An exit sign that is illuminated
- A closed but unlocked exit door
Correct answer: A trolley left parked across an exit
A trolley blocking the exit obstructs it, violating the requirement to keep it clear.
Question 4: A bulletin states: 'Annual leave requests submitted after the 15th will be processed the following month.' A request is submitted on the 18th. When is it processed?
- The following month (Correct answer)
- The same week
- Immediately
- It is rejected
Correct answer: The following month
Because the 18th is after the 15th, processing is deferred to the next month.
Question 5: A label reads: 'Store between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze.' At which temperature is the item correctly stored?
- 5°C (Correct answer)
- 0°C
- -2°C
- 10°C
Correct answer: 5°C
5°C falls within the required 2-8°C range and is above freezing.
Question 6: A memo notes: 'Agency staff are not authorised to administer controlled drugs without a permanent staff witness.' When may agency staff give controlled drugs?
- When a permanent staff member witnesses (Correct answer)
- At any time independently
- Only during night shifts
- Never under any circumstances
Correct answer: When a permanent staff member witnesses
The condition allows administration provided a permanent staff member acts as witness.
Question 7: A poster states: 'Report needlestick injuries to occupational health within one hour.' An injury occurs at 09:00. By when must it be reported?
- 10:00 (Correct answer)
- 12:00
- End of shift
- Next day
Correct answer: 10:00
One hour after 09:00 is 10:00, the reporting deadline.
OET Reading: Workplace Text Comprehension 3
An email subject line reads 'URGENT: Pharmacy closure 13:00-14:00 today'.
What is the main purpose of the message?