8 Key OET Reading Part C Question Types
The OET reading part C questions test your ability to understand the inferences, opinions, attitudes, and purpose of the writer and other people quoted in the texts, as well as the complex language used in the texts. You may have to “read between the lines” to find the implied meaning of some statements.
Here is the catch
You are tested for:
– Understand inferences, opinions, attitudes, and the writer’s purpose
– Analyze complex language used in texts
– Interpret implied meanings by “reading between the lines”
8 Common Question Types in OET Reading Part C:
1. Direct Questions:
Definition & Explanation:
Direct questions ask about specific points or opinions stated explicitly in the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What point is made about the effectiveness of PPE kits in the passage?
A) They completely eliminate the risk of infection when used correctly.
B) Their effectiveness depends on both quality and proper usage.
C) PPE kits are designed mainly for patient protection rather than healthcare workers.
D) Most healthcare workers find PPE easy to use.
Answer: B – Their effectiveness depends on both quality and proper usage.
Rationale: The passage states, “The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing,” making B the best answer.
2. Sentence Completion Questions:
Definition & Explanation:
Sentence completion questions test your ability to understand the purpose of certain information or quotes within the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
By stating that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination, the writer suggests that…
A) PPE is often faulty and unreliable.
B) Training in PPE usage is crucial for healthcare workers.
C) PPE kits should only be used in high-risk situations.
D) Hospitals should reduce their reliance on PPE.
Answer: B – Training in PPE usage is crucial for healthcare workers.
Rationale: The passage implies that incorrect PPE usage increases contamination risk, highlighting the need for proper training.
3. Reference Questions:
Definition & Explanation:
Reference questions test your ability to identify what pronouns or reference words refer to within the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What does “these kits” refer to in the second sentence?
A) Face shields
B) PPE kits
C) Infections
D) Outbreaks
Answer: B – PPE kits.
Rationale: “These kits” refers to “PPE kits” in the first sentence.
4. Vocabulary in Context:
Definition & Explanation:
These questions assess your understanding of words or phrases in the given context.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What does the term “donning and doffing” in the passage most closely mean?
A) Cleaning and disinfecting PPE
B) Storing PPE properly
C) Putting on and taking off PPE
D) Manufacturing PPE
Answer: C – Putting on and taking off PPE.
Rationale: “Donning” means putting on, and “doffing” means taking off, making C the correct answer.
5. Main Idea:
Definition & Explanation:
Main idea questions ask about the central theme or overall message of the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What is the main idea of the passage?
A) PPE kits are essential but must be used correctly for maximum effectiveness.
B) PPE kits are uncomfortable for healthcare workers.
C) PPE kits should be replaced with alternative protective measures.
D) Most healthcare workers misuse PPE kits.
Answer: A – PPE kits are essential but must be used correctly for maximum effectiveness.
Rationale: The passage discusses both the necessity of PPE and the importance of using it correctly, making A the best choice.
6. Purpose:
Definition & Explanation:
Purpose questions ask why the author includes specific details or mentions particular information in the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What is the author’s purpose in mentioning the improper use of PPE?
A) To emphasize that PPE kits are unnecessary in most situations.
B) To highlight the importance of proper training in PPE usage.
C) To show that PPE kits are more dangerous than beneficial.
D) To suggest that hospitals should stop using PPE altogether.
Answer: B – To highlight the importance of proper training in PPE usage.
Rationale: The passage warns that incorrect PPE usage can increase contamination risks, implying that training is crucial.
7. Opinions and Attitudes:
Definition & Explanation:
These questions ask you to identify the writer’s or a quoted individual’s viewpoint on the topic.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What is the writer’s attitude towards PPE usage?
A) Supportive but acknowledges challenges.
B) Strongly against its use.
C) Indifferent towards PPE.
D) Critical healthcare workers who use PPE.
Answer: A – Supportive but acknowledges challenges.
Rationale: The passage emphasizes PPE’s importance while also mentioning its challenges, indicating a balanced perspective.
8. Cause-and-Effect:
Definition & Explanation:
Cause-and-effect questions test your understanding of relationships between ideas or events in the passage.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What is one reason why PPE might not always be effective?
A) It is not made of high-quality materials.
B) Healthcare workers do not always use it correctly.
C) PPE is only designed for extreme medical cases.
D) Some hospitals do not provide PPE to their staff.
Answer: B – Healthcare workers do not always use it correctly.
Rationale: The passage states that improper use can increase contamination risks, making B the best choice.
9. Inferring Meaning
Definition & Explanation:
Inference questions require you to draw logical conclusions based on the passage, even if not explicitly stated.
Passage:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits are essential in healthcare settings to prevent the transmission of infections, particularly during outbreaks. These kits typically include gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, forming a barrier between healthcare workers and infectious agents. The effectiveness of PPE depends not only on its quality but also on the correct procedures for donning and doffing. However, studies have shown that improper use of PPE can increase the risk of contamination rather than prevent it. Despite being crucial for safety, some healthcare workers find PPE uncomfortable and restrictive, impacting their efficiency and communication with patients.
Question:
What can be inferred about the future of PPE use in healthcare?
A) Continuous training will be necessary to ensure proper usage.
B) PPE will soon be replaced by more advanced protective measures.
C) Most healthcare workers will refuse to wear PPE due to discomfort.
D) PPE kits will become obsolete as infections decrease.
Answer: A – Continuous training will be necessary to ensure proper usage.
Rationale: Since the passage highlights that improper use increases contamination risks, it can be inferred that ongoing training is essential.
Additional Tips:
- Read carefully and pay close attention to details.
- Use critical thinking skills to analyze information and answer questions.
- Base your answers solely on the information presented in the text, avoiding assumptions or irrelevant details.