OET READING TIPS – PART B

OET Reading Part B Format

• Structure: Six independent workplace extracts (there’s no link between them).
• Word Count: Each extract is 100–140 words.
• Question Format: Each extract has one 3-option multiple-choice question.
• Time Allocation: 45 minutes for Reading Part B and Part C combined.

Skills Tested in Part B

OET Reading Part B tasks are designed to simulate real-world workplace contexts. These extracts are taken from typical workplace communications and assess an aspirant’s ability to:

1. Identify the Main Idea: Understand the overall message or purpose of the extract.
2. Determine the Purpose: Recognize why the text was written (e.g., informing staff about a policy update).
3. Extract Key Details: Pinpoint important pieces of information within the text.

Example:
An extract might be a policy update from a hospital manual:

“Healthcare professionals must use Level 3 PPE kits during aerosol-generating procedures to prevent contamination and ensure safety. The kits must be disposed of in designated biohazard bins immediately after use.”
Question:
What is the main purpose of this extract?
a) To inform about the disposal of PPE kits.
b) To explain when Level 3 PPE kits should be used.
c) To outline the risks of improper PPE usage.

Common OET Part B Question Formats

1. Complete Question:
   Example: What does this manual inform us about the procedure for handling patient discharge forms?
2. Incomplete Sentence:
   Example: The policy advises healthcare workers to…

Tips for Success

1. Understand the Question First:
   • Before reading the passage, ensure you fully understand what the question is asking.
   • Identify whether the question focuses on the main idea, purpose, or specific details.
     
2. Read the Passage Before the Options:
   • This helps you avoid bias toward incorrect answers.
   • Focus on the passage’s structure and message while keeping the question in mind.
3. Mark Key Information:
   • Highlight or underline parts of the passage that directly relate to the question.
   • Pay attention to key terms like “must,” “required,” or “prohibited,” which often indicate important details.
4. Don’t Overthink Vocabulary:
   • If you encounter unfamiliar words, use the context to infer their meaning instead of fixating on them.
5. Punctuation Matters:
   • Pay attention to commas, colons, and semicolons, as they often clarify meaning or separate key points.
6. Evaluate All Options Carefully:
   • Cross-check each option with the passage. The correct answer will align fully with the extract, not partially.
7. Stay Focused on the Question:
   • Avoid introducing external knowledge or assumptions while answering.
8. Be Wary of Misleading Quantifiers:
   • Words like “always,” “all”, “never,” or “only” in options should be matched with precision in the passage.

Example:
An extract might include a hospital’s infection control policy:

“All healthcare professionals must wash hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer for at least 20 seconds before and after any patient interaction. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention.”
Question:
According to the policy, what is emphasized as essential for infection control?
a) Use of gloves during patient interaction.
b) Hand hygiene.
c) Use of alcohol-based sanitizers only.

Pro Tips

1. Identify Topic and Conclusion Sentences:
   • These are often the best starting points to understand the passage’s main idea.
   • However, be flexible—topic sentences may appear in the middle of a paragraph.
2. Don’t Assume:
   • The first or last sentence isn’t always the main idea or conclusion. Carefully assess where the key points are located.

Misunderstood Concepts and Clarifications

• Strong Connectors Lead to the Answer:
  Myth: Every strong connector (e.g., “however,” “therefore”) indicates the answer.
  Fact: Strong connectors may highlight contrasts or conclusions, but the answer depends on relevance, not just connectors.
• Answers Are in the First and Last Sentences:
  Myth: Answers are always located in the first or last sentence.
  Fact: Answers can appear anywhere in the text. Don’t rely on position alone.
• Eliminate Options with Quantifiers:
  Myth: Options with quantifiers (e.g., “always,” “all,”, “only,” “never”) are automatically wrong.
  Fact: Quantifiers may be correct if explicitly supported by the passage.
  

By focusing on the purpose of the extract and applying these strategies, you can confidently navigate OET Reading Part B.

Go To

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

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

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