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The OET Series: Part 3 - Reading Test

Updated: Jun 10


One of my first blog posts was discussing the differences between the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) and the Occupational English Test (OET). If you're still undecided about which test to take then I recommend checking this out first see here.


However, if you have decided to go the OET route or you're just curious to find out more then you've come to the right place!


This is the third of a four part OET Series looking closer at the 4 sub-tests:


There is a wealth of information online about this topic but going from link to link can be both overwhelming and time consuming. This provides you with all the essentials on one page.



1. OET Reading Test: Overview.


The reading sub-test consists of three parts (A, B & C) about general areas of healthcare; not profession specific. The test involves: giving short answers, multi-choice questions (MCQ), matching exercises and sentence completion. There are forty-two questions in total and it takes place directly after the listening sub-test.


The total test time is 60 minutes: Part A - 15 minutes, Part B & C - 45 minutes.


Here is an outline:


Part A


  • This is carried out separately from parts B & C and has to be completed in the allocated 15 minutes.

  • Uses four pieces of informational text relevant to the healthcare environment.

  • Varied question styles which are: matching, short answers and sentence completion.

  • Candidates are given a text booklet containing the four texts and a question paper, this is taken back by examiners before Part B & C commences.

  • For each of the four texts they are split into three or fours sub-parts.

  • There is a total of twenty questions.


Part B


  • Part B & C test papers are given out together and it is up to the test-taker to decide how much time they spend on each part.

  • MCQs only, with a choice of three options.

  • Six short texts realistic of workplace communication, such as an instruction manual for a medical device.

  • One MCQ per extract.

  • Six questions in total (one per text).


Part C


  • Also MCQs only, this format has four options.

  • Two longer extracts from an article directly related to patient care or medicine, a published journal article for example.

  • There are eight MCQs for each of the two extracts.

  • Sixteen questions in total (eight per extract).



2. How is the test carried out?


There are 3 different types of tests available, depending on location, time-frame for completion and personal test preference:


  • Paper Test - has been available for over 30 years and has test centres located in 45 countries worldwide. The Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken in one sitting and candidates handwrite their answers. The Speaking part is face to face with an interlocutor.

  • Computer Test - on a computer at a test centre, but not all centres have this facility. Similar to the paper test the Writing, Reading and Listening are undertaken together and candidates type their answers. The Speaking element is carried out at another time live with an interlocutor via Zoom from your home.

  • OET@Home - this is the newest test type, available for candidates without access to a physical test centre in their country or other access issues. The whole test is conducted from your home at one sitting. Test-takers type their answers for the Writing, Reading and Listening and the Speaking part takes place live on Zoom with an interlocutor. Mechanisms are in place to ensure close monitoring and adherence to exam regulations.


To find out what is available for you click here. I recommend choosing the option that will be least stressful on exam day. A nearby test-centre will offer that in-person interaction whereas doing it remotely removes any travel stress on the day.


There's no right or wrong!



3. What is assessed?


Each of the three parts of the reading test focuses on different skills. Part A is about locating and recording specific information. Part B relates to understanding different details and the gist of the information. Part C is assessing candidates ability to understand arguments and different points of view.


We will look at each part in more detail.


Part A


  • There are twenty question of various types (matching, short answers or sentence completion) and candidates score 1 mark for each correct answer.

  • The types of texts are things like, investigation results and diagnoses, patient pathways or discharge advice. Documents that healthcare professionals are likely to encounter on a daily basis.

  • Candidates need to skim and scan the texts to find the answers and read certain parts more in-depth to identify specific details.

  • The first sub-set of questions is a simple matching exercise, which piece of text contains the information they're looking for.

  • The second and third sub-sets of questions require candidates to find certain pieces of information and answer more detailed questions in the form of short answers or sentence completion.

  • All answers to the questions are a single word, a number or a short phrase.

  • The questions don't follow the order of the extracts so candidates need to search back and forth for the information.


Part B


  • Candidates are given six short extracts (100-150 words each) and they need to answer one MCQ per extract. Six questions in total and they get 1 mark for each correct answer.

  • Each piece of text is unrelated but all of the content is about healthcare communication in teams, such as policies or work emails. Imagine documents that are circulated to all members of a multi-disciplinary team.

  • The focus of the questions are for candidates to demonstrate they can understand the main purpose of the text, what message the reader needs to take away from it or what action they need to take as a result of reading it.


Part C


  • This focuses on a candidates ability to read longer texts on healthcare related topics which provide a range of differing viewpoints, including that of the writer's.

  • There are two extracts, which are unrelated to each other and approximately 800 words in length.

  • Although the topics may be very specialised, such as a latest research article, test-takers are not expected to be knowledgeable in the subject area. The questions are written in such a way that correct answers don't require specialty expertise.

  • There are four MCQs per extract and they follow the order of the text. Each question focuses on a specific part of the text, most likely a paragraph.

  • One of the questions might involve candidates explaining the meaning of a complex word or phrase by using the surrounding text to gain understanding.


Highly recommended OET resources which include sample questions which help to put the above descriptions into context:




4. Effective Preparation


It is generally accepted that healthcare professionals work in high pressured environments and they often bring work home with them in terms of professional development. This leaves little free time to research all of the things required for exam preparation.


I can remove some of this burden by offering bespoke lessons to meet your individual learning needs, such as:


  • Providing an overview of the exam format and explain how the different parts of the reading test relates to the workplace.

  • Practise with the different text types to become familiar with the exam content.

  • Tips for using your time effectively during the exam to ensure you get the best score possible.

  • Do a practice mock test which will be helpful to identify any areas of weakness that need to be addressed before the actual exam.


This list gives an idea of some common themes and is not exhaustive.


Check out my OET Preparation class description here. I also offer discounts when booking 5 or 10 lesson packages, please contact me directly to discuss offers.



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