Growth and development: language milestones: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Growth and development: language milestones

Sample item

A child coos, babbles with consonant sounds, says one or two meaningful words, and follows simple commands but does not join words. Which age is most likely?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. 12 months

Cooing begins around 2 months, babbling at 6 months, first words at 12 months and two-word phrases at 2 years. Single meaningful words without phrases fit 12 months.

Option by option

  • A. 4 years

    At 4 years the child speaks in full sentences.

  • B. 12 months (correct)

    Correct. First words are expected at about 12 months.

  • C. 2 months

    At 2 months the infant only coos.

  • D. 2 years

    At 2 years the child combines two words.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, 12 months. Cooing begins around 2 months, babbling at 6 months, first words at 12 months and two-word phrases at 2 years.

Why is "4 years" not the answer?

At 4 years the child speaks in full sentences.

Why is "2 months" not the answer?

At 2 months the infant only coos.

Why is "2 years" not the answer?

At 2 years the child combines two words.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Growth and development: language milestones in Pediatrics. Single meaningful words without phrases fit 12 months.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Growth and development: language milestones?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.