The OAT at a Glance
Reading Comprehension
On the Reading Comprehension section of the OAT, you'll have 50 minutes to do three passages, each of which has 13-14 questions for a total of 40 questions. This section tests your ability to find the main idea; process information; and read and understand dense passages.
Allow yourself approximately 17-20 minutes per passage. It may seem like a lot of time, but it goes by very quickly. Do the easiest passages first. Within a section, if you're deciding which passage to do based on time alone, do the one with the most questions. That way you maximize your reading efficiency. However keep in mind that some passages are longer than others. On average, give yourself about 7 to 8 minutes to read and then 9 to 10 minutes for the questions.
Sample OAT Reading Comprehension Question
Read this OAT Reading Comprehension Passage and then answer the following question.
Removal of the otic ganglion in rats
- caused an immediate increase in growth rate
- caused an immediate decrease in growth rate
- caused a delayed decrease in growth rate
- caused a delayed increase in growth rate
- had no effect on growth rate
Answer & Explanation:
The answer is E.
In contrast, denervation of the otic ganglion had no effect on growth rate. Butcher and Taylor surmised that this was due to the presence of sensory fibers in the inferior alveolar nerve that were not present in the autonomic nerves.
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