MDCAT English MCQs with Answers

Why English Matters in MDCAT

The English section might seem secondary to the heavy sciences having only 18 MCQs to solve, but it plays a pivotal role in your MDCAT score even a single MCQ makes a significant difference in such highly competitive exams. The MDCAT English is not just about knowing the language—it's about mastering the art of quick, accurate answers under pressure. English MCQs can be tricky, often designed to test your understanding of subtle nuances, advanced vocabulary, and complex grammar rules. Strong English skills can significantly enhance your overall performance by helping you understand complex questions more clearly, manage time better, and avoid mistakes. Moreover, the ability to think critically in English is not only essential for the qualification of the MDCAT test but it also important for every future doctor throughout his/her life, as much of the medical literature and communication is in English.

If you are looking for English MCQs for MDCAT - this article will tell you about what types of questions to expect and provide you with free MDCAT English Practice MCQs.

Types of MDCAT English MCQs

These are the type of MDCAT English MCQs that you will typically face in the exam: 

1. Vocabulary (Synonyms and Antonyms)
2. Grammar and Sentence Structure
3. Sentence Completion
4. Reading Comprehension
5. Punctuation and Usage

Each type demands a different skill set, so let’s break down how to excel in each category.

Below you will find English MDCAT MCQs with answers:

1. Vocabulary: Synonyms and Antonyms

Key Strategy: Build a Strong Vocabulary Base

Vocabulary questions often test your knowledge of words that are less common in everyday conversation but frequently appear in academic texts. To master these:

• Daily Word Lists: Start each day by learning 5-10 new words. Use apps like Maqsad.
• Contextual Learning: Don’t just memorize definitions—learn words in context by reading articles, novels, and essays. This helps you understand nuances and different usages.
• Synonyms and Antonyms Drills: Regularly practice identifying synonyms and antonyms. Create pairs or groups of related words to better understand their relationships.

Example Question:

Choose the synonym for the word “abate.”

a) Increase

b) Lessen

c) Intensify

d) Prolong

Answer: b) Lessen

Explanation: "Abate" means to reduce in intensity or amount, making "lessen" is the correct synonym. Understanding subtle differences between similar words can make all the difference in these questions.

2. Grammar and Sentence Structure

Key Strategy: Master the Rules

Grammar questions test your understanding of the structure of the English language. These can include identifying grammatical errors, correcting sentences, or choosing the sentence that best follows standard grammar rules.

• Study the Basics: Focus on areas that are commonly tested, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronouns, prepositions, articles and conjunctions.
• Practice Editing: Regularly practice by editing paragraphs or sentences. This helps you identify and correct common mistakes, sharpening your grammar skills for the exam.
• Understand Sentence Dynamics: Pay attention to how sentences are constructed, especially the types of sentences like complex or compound and compound complex sentences, as these are often tested.

Example Question:

Identify the sentence with the correct grammar:

a) Each of the players have their own strengths.

b) Each of the players has their own strengths.

c) Each of the players have his own strengths.

d) Each of the players has his own strengths.

Answer: b) Each of the players has their own strengths.

Explanation: "Each" is singular, so it requires the singular verb "has." The pronoun "their" is correct here because it’s inclusive of all genders, making the sentence both grammatically correct and modern or one may also use “he /she” for more clarity.

3. Sentence Completion

Key Strategy: Understand Context and Syntax

Sentence completion questions require you to fill in the blanks with the most appropriate word or phrase. These questions test both your vocabulary and your understanding of sentence structure.

• Look for Clues: The surrounding words and the overall meaning of the sentence can provide strong clues about what the missing word should be.
• Predict Before You Choose: Try to predict the missing word before looking at the options. This helps prevent confusion from tricky answer choices.
• Practice Different Sentence Types: Work on sentences with varying structures and lengths. This will prepare you for the range of questions you might face.

Example Question:

The patient’s recovery was __________ by the doctor’s early diagnosis.

a) Hindered

b) Prolonged

c) Facilitated

d) Complicated

Answer: c) Facilitated

Explanation: The context of the sentence suggests that the early diagnosis helped the patient recover, making "facilitated" the best choice.

4. Reading Comprehension

Key Strategy: Develop Analytical Reading Skills

Reading comprehension questions require you to read a passage and then answer questions about it. These questions test your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze written text.

• Active Reading: As you read, summarize paragraphs in your mind. This helps you grasp the main ideas and details without having to re-read the passage.
• Focus on the Main Idea: Questions often revolve around the main idea or theme of the passage, so be sure to identify this early.
• Practice Inference: Learn to make inferences based on the information given. This skill is crucial for answering questions that are not directly stated in the text.

Example Question:

Read the passage below and answer the following question:

Passage: The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is accelerating, driven by both environmental concerns and technological advancements. However, this shift poses challenges for industries heavily reliant on traditional energy.

Question: What is the primary reason for the shift to renewable energy, according to the passage?

a) Economic benefits

b) Technological advancements

c) Environmental concerns

d) Industrial challenges

Answer: c) Environmental concerns

Explanation: The passage mentions that the shift is driven by environmental concerns and technological advancements. However, "environmental concerns" is the primary motivator, as it is the first reason mentioned.

5. Punctuation and Usage

Key Strategy: Master the Nuances

Punctuation and usage questions require a keen eye for detail. Misplaced commas, incorrect use of apostrophes, and incorrect punctuation can entirely change the meaning of a sentence.

• Learn the Rules: Understand the rules for commas, semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and quotation marks. Pay special attention to common traps like the Oxford comma or semi-colons.
• Practice with Real Sentences: Work on sentences where punctuation is crucial to the meaning. Editing exercises can help you spot errors and apply the correct punctuation marks.

Example Question:

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

a) The committee’s decision, however was not final.

b) The committee’s decision however, was not final.

c) The committee’s decision, however, was not final.

d) The committees decision however was not final.

Answer: c) The committee’s decision, however, was not final.

Explanation: The word "however" is set off by commas because it is an interruptive phrase. Additionally, "committee's" correctly uses the possessive form.

Here Are Few Practice Questions for You

1. I think she is the………………… girl in the whole class.
   1. intelligent
   2. most intelligent
   3. more intelligent
   4. better intelligent
2. The plural form of the word 'Sheep' is:
   1. sheeps
   2. sheep
   3. sheepes
   4. ships
3. Nasreen, an interior decorator, designs_______.
   1. furnitures
   2. the furniture
   3. furniture
   4. some furnitures
4. Which option is suitable for the underlined part of the sentence?

The child felt tired when he had finished reading pages after pages of his history book.

1. page after pages
2. pages after page
3. page after page
4. none of these
5. The doctor prescribed him to take two spoonsful of iron syrup thrice a day.
   1. spoonfuls
   2. spoonfulls
   3. spoonful
   4. none of these
6. They wanted to stay in a five stars hotel but were short of money.
   1. five stars'
   2. five star's
   3. five-star
   4. fives star
7. The commander-in-chief's voice was not audible when he tried to make a call.
   1. commander's-in-chief
   2. commander-in-chief
   3. commander-in's-chief
   4. none of these
8. Sara is the girl whom everyone says can speak multiple languages.
   1. who
   2. that
   3. which
   4. none
9. The oxen and the farmer who were working in the fields have unearthed a treasure chest.
   1. whom
   2. that
   3. which
   4. none
10. Jack, you and I were punished for bunking the class.
    1. I, Jack and you
    2. I, you and Jack
    3. You, I and Jack
    4. none
11. Besides me, everyone agreed with the teacher.
    1. Beside me
    2. Besides I
    3. Beside I
    4. None
12. We visited the water park and enjoyed a lot.
    1. enjoyed ourself
    2. enjoyed ourselves
    3. enjoyed myself
    4. none
13. The two friends fought with one another on a petty issue.
    1. every other
    2. each other
    3. one other
    4. none
14. One should not forget his promise, come hell or high water.
    1. ones
    2. their
    3. one's
    4. none
15. The students in our school are ________ in other schools.
    1. smarter
    2. smarter than
    3. smarter than those
    4. more smarter than
16. They could save money if they bought ________ furniture.
    1. economical
    2. economic
    3. economize
    4. economics
17. You need to write your mobile number, while home address is ________.
    1. option
    2. options
    3. optional
    4. optionals
18. The soldier wore a ……………. coat.
    1. more heavy.
    2. most heavy
    3. heavy
    4. none of these

MDCAT English MCQs - Answer key

See how interesting it is! Mastering the English section of the MDCAT requires more than just a basic understanding of the language. By expanding your vocabulary, refining your grammar skills, practicing comprehension, and mastering your sentence completion techniques, you can tackle even the trickiest MCQs with confidence.

Good luck!

You can also watch this MDCAT English Video Lecture for Vocabulary.