OET Exam Preparation Tips: Reading Sub-Test

Making the most out of your OET exam preparation is vital to achieving test success. And, one of the sure-fire ways to maximize your training period is by setting aside ample time for each of the four OET sub-tests. Read on to get useful tips to enhance your studies for the OET reading sub-test.

OET Reading Sub-Test

Before we jump into OET reading tips, let’s delve into the sub-test first.

The OET reading exam is designed to test your ability to skim, scan, source, and consolidate information from different texts in a short period of time. Examinees are given 60 minutes to read the given texts and complete their corresponding tasks. The passages tackle subjects about healthcare that are common in all healthcare professions.

The OET reading test is divided into two parts: summary completion and multiple-choice questions. In the former, you have to read 3–4 passages and synthesize their contents to fill in the blanks of a summary paragraph. In the latter, you have to read two texts and answer the questions that follow it. Visit the OET official website’s page about the reading sub-test to find out more.

Do you want to make sure your test preparations are tailored to the high-stakes exam? Consider enrolling in an OET review center.

Tips to Ace the OET Reading Sub-Test

Enhance your OET exam preparation. Integrate the following tips into your review to boost your chances of getting a Grade B and above in the OET reading sub-test.

Tips for OET Reading Part A | Summary Completion

·         Establish the topic. This should be the first thing you do upon receiving the materials. Doing so will help you avoid wasting time trying to figure out what the texts are collectively talking about. You can find the main topic of the texts right after the instructions.

·         Practice determining various text formats. The passages in Part A may come in the form of a statistics, a Q and A, a case study, a research abstract, or a simple statement of definition. Identifying which is which when you first go through the texts can help you fill out the blanks in the summary later. For instance, if the summary references to a case study, then you know that the answer you are looking for can be found in that particular text. 

·         Make sure the words you add to the summary fits with its context and grammar. Most of the time, the exact word in the text will not fit in well in the gap of the summary. This does not mean that it is incorrect. You can change the word to go well with the grammar and meaning. 

Tips for OET Reading Part B | Multiple-Choice Questions

·         Expand your knowledge about general health-interest topics. Read a lot of health articles from journals, magazines, and online medical websites during your review. This will familiarize you with their linguistic structure, increase your reading speed, and improve your ability to comprehend and retain information.

·         Jot down important information as you read. This will help you grasp the gist of the texts better and save time from going back to the passages later to recheck information.

·         Not sure which is the correct answer? Use the process of elimination. Remove or cross out the answers that you know are definitely wrong. This will significantly help you narrow down your choices. and consequently, decrease your chances of making a mistake.

Take a step closer to your dream of working abroad! Apply these tips to improve your performance in the OET reading sub-test. Enroll in an OET reviewcenter to learn other effective strategies for the high-stakes exam.