Top 5 Mistakes OET Takers Commit in the Listening Sub-Test

Do you want to get a high score in the OET listening sub-test? Don’t make any of the mistakes discussed below. There’s a huge chance that you’re committing some of them when you answer mock listening tests at the OET review center in Makati. Make sure your listening strategy is error-free.

1. Panicking over spellings

Compared with the other sub-tests of the OET exam, the listening sub-test is not that strict when it comes to spelling. OET evaluators will consider an incorrectly spelled word as long as they can work out its meaning based on how you spelled it. So, don’t waste your time worrying over your spellings.

Whenever you hear an unfamiliar word in the recording, spell it out phonetically.

If the examiner read what you wrote out loud and understand what you were trying to say, then you’ll be awarded a point.

2. Relying solely on memory

Take down notes while you listen to the audio recording. Don’t rely solely on your memory. Jot down keywords and phrases that’ll help you remember the discussion and come up with the right answers later. Develop your note-taking skills during your classes at the OET review center in Makati.

3. Beating around the bush

You won’t always be required to write down the exact words that you heard in the recording. You just have to provide the right answer. In items like these, go straight to the point. Write concise answers. Don’t bother making your responses appealing.

Just make sure there are no grammatical inconsistencies.

4. Using obscure abbreviations

You can use abbreviations in the listening sub-test. However, make sure you don’t overuse them. Stick to abbreviations that are commonly used in the healthcare industry (e.g., “BP” for blood pressure). Don’t use ones that are only used in a specific workplace. Otherwise, OET examiners won’t consider your answers.

5. Obsessing over a confusing or tricky question

Stuck on a question? Got a feeling that you know the answer, but you just can’t recall it? Leave it blank or provide the best answer you can come up with at the moment.

Then, move on to the next item. If you still have time after you accomplished the rest of the test, return to that question.

Don’t let any of these errors keep you from your OET grade goals. Make sure you’re not committing any of them when you answer the mock tests provided by your OET review center.

References:

"Listening Test | OET, English Language Test for Healthcare." OET—Occupational English Test. Accessed July 11, 2018. https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/test-information/listening/.

"OET Listening Test Tips for Nurses." Einstein College of Australia. Accessed July 11, 2018. https://www.einsteincollege.vic.edu.au/blog/oet-listening-test-tips-for-nurses.

"Spelling Accuracy Is Not Essential in All Parts of the OET." OET—Occupational English Test. September 01, 2017. Accessed July 11, 2018. https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/spelling-accuracy/.