OET READING PART A TIPS

OET READING TIPS PART A

How to Succeed in OET Reading Part A

If you’re preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), you know that Reading Part A can be a challenging section. This article is designed to provide you with clear strategies to tackle Reading Part A effectively and help you achieve the coveted 20/20 score.

Many OET aspirants struggle to secure the required 350 score in the reading module, even when they find correct answers. Why? Often, it’s because their responses are not formatted precisely as expected. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to approach Reading Part A correctly and avoid common pitfalls.

Why Focus on Reading Part A?

Reading Part A tests your ability to quickly locate and extract specific information from multiple texts. This skill mirrors real-life situations where healthcare professionals must find crucial details efficiently, such as checking patient notes or treatment guidelines during an emergency.

In Part A, accuracy and brevity are essential. Even minor errors, such as adding unnecessary information, can cost you points. Therefore, mastering this section is not only important for your OET score but also for developing skills critical to your healthcare practice.

Key Features of Reading Part A

Time Limit: You have only 15 minutes to complete the section.
Response Format: Answers must be a word or short phrase taken directly from the texts. Full sentences are not allowed.
Four Texts: You’ll skim and scan four short texts to locate information (Text A, B, C, or D).
Question Types:
- Matching questions (identify the correct text).
- Fill-in-the-blank questions (complete with words or phrases from the text).

Strategies for Success

1. Matching Questions

For matching questions, where you identify which text contains the answer:

Write only the corresponding letter (e.g., Text A, B, C, or D).
Example: If the question asks where to find “symptoms of infection,” and Text B lists them, your answer should be “B.” Adding multiple letters or unnecessary information will result in a wrong answer.

2. Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

For fill-in-the-blank questions, follow these essential rules:

Provide the exact wording from the text. Paraphrasing or summarizing is not allowed.
Keep your answer brief—one word or a short phrase.
Ensure your answer fits grammatically within the sentence.

Example with Context:

Question: “What is the cause of the patient’s condition?”
Text Information: “Smoking for 10 years resulted in the patient’s condition.”
Correct Answer: “Smoking.”
Incorrect Answer: “Smoking for 10 years.” (Exceeds what’s necessary.)

This question highlights the importance of selecting only the specific word or phrase needed to answer.

3. Handling Synonyms

Questions may use synonyms instead of words found in the text. Match these carefully.

Example with Context:
- Question: “What treatment is used for shrinkage?”
- Text Information: “The treatment for contraction is scarring.”
- Correct Answer: “Scarring.”
- Explanation: “Contraction” and “shrinkage” are synonyms, so you need to identify the term linked to the synonym in the text.

4. Numerical Answers

When dealing with numbers, write only the number or relevant units from the text. Both words and digits are acceptable, provided they match the source material.

Example with Context:
- Question: “How much fluid is required?”
- Text Information: “The required amount of fluid is 20 milliliters.”
- Correct Answer: “20 milliliters.”
- Explanation: Include the unit, such as “milliliters,”
- Question: “How much milliliters of fluid is required?”
- Text Information: “The required amount of fluid is 20 milliliters.”
- Correct Answer: “20“
- Explanation: Including surplus words, such as “milliliters,” adds unnecessary information.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Do Not Alter the Text:
Answers must match the text exactly. If you feel the need to change word forms or grammar to make your response fit, you haven’t located the correct answer.
- Example with Context:
  - Question: “What factor affects healing?”
  - Text Information: “Healing depends on thickness.”
  - Correct Answer: “Thickness.”
  - Incorrect Answer: “Thickness factor.” (Adds unnecessary words not present in the text.)
Avoid Repeating Question Phrases:
Do not repeat words already included in the question.
- Example with Context:
  - Question: “What process causes scarring?”
  - Text Information: “The contraction process causes scarring.”
  - Correct Answer: “The Contraction.”
  - Incorrect Answer: “The contraction process.” (Repeats unnecessary words from the text.)
Spelling and Legibility:
Answers with spelling errors or illegible handwriting will score zero. Use block capitals if you’re concerned about neatness.
Be Precise with Grammar:
Ensure the grammatical structure of your answer fits the sentence in the question.
- Example with Context:
  - Question: “What causes blisters?”
  - Text Information: “Blisters occur due to friction.”
  - Correct Answer: “Friction.“
  - Explanation: Avoid singular/plural mismatches (e.g., “frictions”).
Do Not Include Outside Knowledge:
Only use the information provided in the texts. Avoid adding personal interpretations or medical insights.
- Example with Context:
  - Question: “After how long does the medication take effect?”
  - Text Information: “It takes 72 hours for the medication to take effect.”
  - Correct Answer: “72 hours.“
  - Incorrect Answer: “72 hours to take effect.” (Adds redundant words.)

Final Thoughts

Succeeding in OET Reading Part A requires a combination of speed, accuracy, and attention to detail. By understanding the requirements, avoiding common errors, and practicing diligently, you’ll be better equipped to score full marks and excel in your OET. Good luck!

General Tips for Part A Success

Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the format and timing. Use official OET practice tests like Sample Test 3 available on the OET website.
Be Precise: Write only the key information needed to answer the question.
Follow Instructions: Always read the question carefully and adhere to its specific requirements.
Stick to the Text: If it’s not in the text, it shouldn’t be in your answer.
Check Your Work: Before submitting, ensure:
- The spelling is accurate.
- Answers are legible.
- You haven’t added unnecessary words or changed the text.
Focus on Brevity: Think of your answer as a quick response to a colleague’s question—short, clear, and specific.
Practice Under Timed Conditions: Use official practice materials to simulate test conditions.

Mastering Reading Part A is not just about finding the right answers—it’s about presenting them in the precise format expected. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to scoring 20/20 in this crucial section.

Good luck with your OET preparation!

Go to

OET READING TIPS
https://www.mihiraa.com/oet-reading-tips/

OET READING PART B TIPS
https://www.mihiraa.com/oet-reading-part-b-tips/

OET READING PART C TIPS
https://www.mihiraa.com/oet-reading-part-c-tips/