OET READING QUICK GUIDE FOR Part C - AOR (Attitude - Opinion - Reference)

1. Opinion-Based Question Example

Text:

"Advancements in telemedicine have revolutionized patient care, making it more accessible and convenient for people in remote areas. However, many healthcare professionals argue that telemedicine cannot replace the interpersonal connection and trust built during face-to-face consultations. It is widely believed that telemedicine should serve as a supplementary tool rather than a primary mode of care."

Question: What is the writer’s opinion about telemedicine?

a) It is ineffective in providing proper care.

b) It should replace traditional consultations entirely.

c) It is a valuable tool but has limitations.

d) It is suitable only for remote areas.

Answer:

c) It is a valuable tool but has limitations.

• The text acknowledges telemedicine's benefits ("accessible and convenient") but highlights its shortcomings ("cannot replace the interpersonal connection") and concludes that it should be "supplementary."

2. Attitude-Based Question Example

Text:

"While some experts praise the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare for improving diagnostic accuracy, others remain skeptical about its ethical implications. The lack of clear guidelines on how AI should be integrated raises concerns among professionals, leading to caution rather than outright rejection."

Question: What is the writer’s attitude toward AI in healthcare?

a) Strongly supportive.

b) Completely opposed.

c) Balanced but cautious.

d) Indifferent to the issue.

Answer:

c) Balanced but cautious.

• The writer presents both positive ("improving diagnostic accuracy") and negative views ("ethical implications") and uses phrases like "caution rather than outright rejection" to indicate a measured perspective.

3. Reference-Based Question Example

Text:

"The new vaccine program targets rural communities, where healthcare access is often limited. By providing free immunizations, it aims to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases. Such efforts are crucial in addressing the disparities between urban and rural health outcomes."

Question: What does "such efforts" refer to?

a) The healthcare access in rural communities.

b) The disparities between urban and rural health outcomes.

c) The new vaccine program providing free immunizations.

d) The limited availability of healthcare services.

Answer:

c) The new vaccine program providing free immunizations.

• The phrase "such efforts" refers to the specific action mentioned earlier: "providing free immunizations."

4. Combined Attitude and Opinion Question Example

Text:

"Nutritional education is a cornerstone of preventive healthcare. Many studies highlight its potential to lower the prevalence of chronic illnesses. However, critics argue that the effectiveness of such programs depends largely on individuals’ willingness to adopt healthier lifestyles, which remains a significant challenge."

Question: What is the writer’s attitude toward nutritional education?

a) Completely supportive but critical of individuals.

b) Optimistic but acknowledges limitations.

c) Strongly opposed to its use in healthcare.

d) Neutral and objective.

Answer:

b) Optimistic but acknowledges limitations.

• The writer recognizes its importance ("cornerstone of preventive healthcare") but also points out challenges ("depends on individuals’ willingness").

5. Reference-Based Question Example

Text:

"The introduction of robotic surgery has sparked debates in the medical community. While some hail it as a breakthrough in precision medicine, others worry about its high costs and the steep learning curve for surgeons. Despite these drawbacks, its growing adoption suggests a shift toward more technology-driven healthcare."

Question: What does "these drawbacks" refer to?

a) The high costs and learning curve associated with robotic surgery.

b) The debates in the medical community about robotic surgery.

c) The shift toward technology-driven healthcare.

d) The benefits of precision medicine.

Answer:

a) The high costs and learning curve associated with robotic surgery.

• The phrase "these drawbacks" directly follows and refers to "high costs and the steep learning curve."

6. Opinion and Reference-Based Combined Question

Text:

"In recent years, the emphasis on holistic care has transformed the way healthcare professionals approach patient management. This concept, which integrates physical, emotional, and social aspects of care, has been lauded for its comprehensive approach. Yet, some critics argue that it is resource-intensive and not feasible in underfunded systems."

Question 1: What is the writer’s opinion about holistic care?

a) It is an unnecessary trend in modern healthcare.

b) It has merits but may not always be practical.

c) It should replace all existing forms of care.

d) It is limited to well-funded systems.

Answer 1:b) It has merits but may not always be practical.

• The writer appreciates its benefits ("lauded for its comprehensive approach") but acknowledges challenges ("resource-intensive and not feasible in underfunded systems").

Question 2: What does "this concept" refer to?

a) Holistic care.

b) Patient management.

c) Emotional aspects of care.

d) Resource-intensive systems.

Answer 2:a) Holistic care.

• The phrase "this concept" refers to "holistic care" as described earlier in the text.

Tips for Practicing These Questions

1. Underline Key Phrases: When reading, highlight opinion indicators (e.g., "important," "not feasible," "concerns about") and references (e.g., "this," "these," "such efforts").

2. Think Critically: For attitude questions, focus on the tone—does the author feel positive, negative, or neutral about the topic?

3. Context is Key: Always read the sentence before and after the reference to determine what it points to.

4. Avoid Extremes: In attitude/opinion questions, options that seem overly absolute ("completely supportive," "totally opposed") are often incorrect unless strongly supported by the text.

DO NOT COPY!