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The OET Series: Part 4 - Listening Test

Updated: 6 days ago


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 final part 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 Listening Test: Overview.


The listening sub-test consists of three parts (A, B & C) where candidates listen to a number of audio recordings which commonly take place in the healthcare setting. These are not profession specific.


There are forty-two questions in total and these are either multi-choice questions (MCQS) or notes completion. The total test time is approximately 40 minutes and candidates will only hear each recording once.


Candidates are given a question paper which covers the instructions for each part and these are also repeated on the recordings. The instructions will inform the candidates about the length of pauses to allow them time read and understand the questions and prepare for what they're about to hear. This includes pauses to check their answers.


Each part of the listening sub-test involves a different clinical context therefore the style of the audio will be different. There will also be a range of voices and accents throughout.


Here is an outline:


Part A


  • The purpose of Part A is to identify and record specific information.

  • The task type is note completion.

  • Test-takers will listen to two healthcare professional & patient consultations

  • A set of incomplete medical notes is provided and candidates need to fill in the gaps with a correct word or short phrase.

  • There is a total of twenty-four questions (twelve per extract) .


Part B


  • Part B involves candidates demonstrating that they can understand detail or the gist of a conversation in the workplace.

  • Six audio recordings of realistic workplace communication such as, between colleagues, professionals & patients or different stakeholders.

  • One 3-option MCQ per audio.

  • Six questions in total (one per recording).


Part C


  • This last part of the listening test is focussed on understanding detailed arguments or point of views relating to workplace presentations or interviews.

  • Two different audio recordings with six 3-option MCQ per recording.

  • Twelve questions in total (six 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 listening 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 twelve questions and candidates score 1 mark for each correct answer.

  • This involves a candidate's ability to follow a patient consultation and complete the gaps in the notes from what they've heard.

  • Each audio recording is approximately 5 minutes in length and will involve two speakers.

  • The notes follow the order of the consultation and test-takers write or type their answers as they hear it.

  • Candidates are assessed on how well they understand what the patient is saying and relate it to the medical language used in the notes.

  • Specialist clinical knowledge is not needed to answer the questions

  • UK & US spellings are accepted.

  • The two audio recordings are independent of each other and will have different speakers for both.

  • Reading time will allocated before each recording is played and this will be heard only ONCE.


Part B


  • There are six MCQs and candidates score 1 mark for each correct answer.

  • This covers six short everyday conversations which are unrelated. Candidates need to demonstrate they understand detailed medical content and the main points about what is being discussed and if any action is required.

  • Each audio lasts approximately 1 minute and the context will be things such as patient handovers or ward round discussions.

  • There will be a wide-range of communication delivery styles and voices used throughout, which are realistic of the clinical environment.

  • A sentence will be given for each extract so candidates know the context of the recording. This will be both on the question paper and heard in the audio.

  • Each audio will be heard only ONCE.


Part C


  • There are twelve MCQs and each correct answer receives 1 mark.

  • This focuses on a candidates ability to listen to longer presentations or interviews on healthcare related topics which provide a range of differing viewpoints, including that of the main speaker.

  • There are two unrelated audio recording lasting approximately 5 minutes each.

  • The content can be different to Part A & B as it's not always directly related to the workplace. This can also include healthcare topics that would be relevant for continuing professional development (CPD) for a range of professionals such as doctors, nurses and therapists.

  • A series of 3-option MCQs follows in the order of the recording in which candidates need to demonstrate understanding of what is being said. The questions tend to focus on viewpoints and perspectives.

  • Different voices and accents will be heard for each of the two recordings.

  • Similar to Part B, a context question will be written and heard on the audio and candidates have allocated reading time.

  • Each audio recording is only heard ONCE.


Highly recommended OET resources which include sample questions to 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 the purpose of each of the three parts.

  • Practise with the different audio recordings to become familiar with the exam content, including the range of accents and dialects.

  • Tips for anticipating the different types of words (noun, verb, adjective, etc.) that might needed to for each answer to make listening easier.

  • 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.



Final post in this four part series


If you have any questions about the OET Exam, feel free to drop a comment below or email me at roisin@eflteachernurseuk.com



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1 Comment

Guest
Jun 09

Hi

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