Last-minute Tips for Tomorrow’s OET Exam

Here are some last-minute tips for tomorrow’s OET exam candidates:

General Exam Strategy:

Trust your preparation: You’ve put in the work. Believe in your abilities and the practice you’ve done.
Stay calm and focused: Anxiety can hinder performance. Take deep breaths and try to remain calm throughout each sub-test.
Manage your time wisely: Keep an eye on the clock for each section. Don’t spend too long on a single question. If you’re stuck, make your best guess and move on.
Read instructions carefully: Ensure you understand what is being asked in each part of every sub-test before you begin.
Answer all questions: There are no penalties for incorrect answers, so attempt every question.

Listening Sub-test:

Focus on keywords: Listen for words and phrases that relate to the questions you’ve previewed.
Don’t get stuck on one answer: If you miss something, don’t dwell on it. Focus on the conversation as it continues.
Pay attention to intonation and emphasis: Speakers’ tone can provide clues to their meaning and opinions.
For Part B, identify the main point: What is the speaker primarily trying to convey in each short extract?
For Part C, listen for the speaker’s attitude and purpose: Why are they saying what they are saying?

Reading Sub-test:

Skim passages first: Get a general understanding of the topic and structure before tackling the questions.
Focus on the question: Understand exactly what the question is asking before scanning the text for the answer.
Don’t bring outside knowledge: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the texts.
Be aware of distractors: The options may contain words or phrases from the text but not answer the specific question.
For Part C, understand the authors’ viewpoints and arguments: How do they support their claims?

Writing Sub-test:

Focus on the reader and the purpose: Keep your intended recipient and the reason for writing clearly in mind throughout.
Use a clear and professional tone: Maintain a formal and respectful style.
Organize your letter logically: Follow a standard letter format with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Address all the points in the prompt: Ensure you have covered every aspect of the task.
Use precise and concise language: Avoid jargon where possible and be direct in your communication.
Proofread carefully: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors before submitting.

Speaking Sub-test:

Be clear and audible: Speak at a comfortable pace and volume.
Organize your thoughts: Take a moment to structure your response before you start speaking.
Elaborate on your points: Don’t just give one-word answers. Provide reasons and explanations.
Maintain a natural flow of conversation: Engage with the interlocutor and respond appropriately.
Ask clarifying questions if needed: If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask for clarification.
Be polite and professional: Maintain a respectful and courteous manner.

Final Reminders:

Good luck with your OET exam tomorrow! Remember to stay confident and do your best.