OET Reading Part B (Questions 1-6)

1. What is the primary role of neurotransmitters in the nervous

system?
A. To degrade neural connections
B. To transmit signals across synapses
C. To insulate nerve fibers
D. To protect the central nervous system

Neurotransmitter Functions:
Neurotransmitters are critical chemical messengers that transmit signals
across synapses, facilitating communication between neurons and
ensuring proper functioning of the nervous system.

2. Which condition is characterized by the progressive

degeneration of motor neurons?
A. Multiple sclerosis
B. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
C. Parkinson's disease
D. Huntington's disease

Motor Neuron Degeneration:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease marked
by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle
weakness and atrophy.

3. What symptom is commonly associated with Parkinson's

disease?
A. Severe memory loss
B. Tremors at rest
C. Visual hallucinations
D. Numbness in extremities

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms:

One of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson's disease is tremors at rest,
often accompanied by rigidity and bradykinesia.

4. How does myelin sheath degeneration affect nerve

conduction?
 A. It enhances signal transmission speed
B. It has no effect on nerve impulses
C. It significantly impairs signal transmission
D. It leads to an increase in nerve fiber diameter

Impact of Myelin Degeneration:

The degeneration of the myelin sheath significantly impairs signal
transmission, causing slower nerve conduction and leading to various
neurological symptoms.

5. What does the term "neuroplasticity" refer to?

A. The rigidity of neural pathways
B. The brain's ability to reorganize itself
C. The permanence of brain damage
D. The decrease in cognitive function

Understanding Neuroplasticity:
Neuroplasticity describes the brain's ability to reorganize itself by
forming new neural connections throughout life, enabling adaptation
following injury or experience.

6. Which diagnostic tool is commonly used to assess brain

activity?
A. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
B. Electroencephalogram (EEG)
C. Computed tomography (CT)
D. Positron emission tomography (PET)

Assessing Brain Activity:

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is frequently utilized to assess brain
activity by measuring electrical impulses and detecting abnormalities in
brain function.

OET Reading Part C (Questions 7-22)

Text 1: Managing Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the

demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system. Patients with MS
often experience a range of symptoms, including fatigue, visual
disturbances, and motor coordination issues. The etiology of MS remains
incompletely understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of
genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) play a pivotal role in managing MS.

These therapies aim to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses while
slowing disease progression. Commonly prescribed DMTs include interferons,
glatiramer acetate, and newer agents such as monoclonal antibodies.

In addition to pharmacological interventions, lifestyle modifications, including

regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques, are
encouraged to enhance overall well-being. Patients are also advised to stay
informed about their condition and engage in shared decision-making with
their healthcare providers.

7. What is the primary characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS)?

A. Excessive production of neurotransmitters
B. Demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system
C. Complete loss of motor function
D. Isolation of the peripheral nervous system

8. Which of the following is a common symptom of MS?

A. Increased muscle strength
B. Visual disturbances
C. Hyperactivity
D. Enhanced cognitive function

9. What is the main purpose of disease-modifying therapies

(DMTs) in MS management?
A. To cure the disease completely
B. To reduce the frequency and severity of relapses
C. To eliminate all symptoms
D. To increase the risk of progression

10. Which of the following is NOT a commonly prescribed

DMT for MS?
 A. Interferons
B. Glatiramer acetate
C. Aspirin
D. Monoclonal antibodies

11. The phrase "demyelination of neurons" in the text

implies:
A. The protective covering of nerves is damaged.
B. Neurons are overactive.
C. There is an increase in myelin production.
D. Neurons are unaffected by environmental factors.

12. Why are lifestyle modifications recommended for MS

patients?
A. To completely cure the disease
B. To enhance overall well-being and manage symptoms
C. To avoid pharmacological treatments
D. To ensure dependency on medical staff

Text 2: The Implications of Stroke Recovery

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, resulting in brain
cell death. The recovery process can vary significantly among individuals,
influenced by the stroke's severity, location, and the timeliness of treatment.
Rehabilitation is a critical component of recovery, often involving physical,
occupational, and speech therapy.

Neurorehabilitation focuses on restoring lost functions and promoting

neuroplasticity. Techniques may include task-specific training, constraint-
induced movement therapy, and use of assistive devices to facilitate
independence. Support from family and caregivers is also vital in the
recovery journey, providing emotional and physical assistance.

Moreover, secondary prevention strategies, such as controlling blood

pressure and managing cholesterol levels, are essential in minimizing the
risk of subsequent strokes. Patients are encouraged to adopt a healthy
lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and
avoiding smoking.
13. What is a primary cause of stroke, as mentioned in the
text?
A. Increased blood flow to the brain
B. Disruption of blood flow to the brain
C. Enhanced neural connections
D. Hyperactivity of brain cells

14. What is the role of rehabilitation in stroke recovery?

A. To eliminate the need for further medical attention
B. To restore lost functions and promote neuroplasticity
C. To guarantee a full recovery for all patients
D. To focus solely on emotional support

15. Which technique is used in neurorehabilitation to

enhance recovery?
A. Task-specific training
B. Complete immobilization
C. Sole reliance on medication
D. Disregarding patient input

16. What is emphasized as vital for recovery support?

A. Isolation from family and friends
B. Support from family and caregivers
C. Complete dependence on medical professionals
D. Avoidance of all physical activity

17. What is one of the key strategies for secondary stroke

prevention?
A. Ignoring blood pressure levels
B. Regular physical activity and managing cholesterol levels
C. Complete rest and inactivity
D. Eliminating all forms of exercise
18. The phrase "neuroplasticity" in the text refers to:
A. The brain's ability to recover from injury
B. The permanent loss of brain functions
C. The rigidity of the brain's neural connections
D. The decrease in brain volume

19. The phrase "task-specific training" implies:

A. Training that is unrelated to daily activities
B. Exercises designed to improve specific functional tasks
C. A method that focuses only on strength training
D. General physical fitness without a targeted approach

20. The importance of emotional support during stroke

recovery is emphasized as:
A. Irrelevant to physical healing
B. Crucial for mental and physical recovery
C. Only necessary for elderly patients
D. Secondary to medical interventions

21. What is the main focus of the second text?

A. The causes of strokes
B. The recovery process and rehabilitation following a stroke
C. The economic impact of stroke care
D. The dietary needs of stroke patients

22. The phrase "minimizing the risk of subsequent strokes"

implies:
A. Eliminating all risks associated with strokes
B. Reducing the likelihood of experiencing additional strokes through
proactive measures
C. Ignoring previous stroke incidents
D. Increasing the chances of recurrence through neglect