OET Reading Part A: skills and strategies

Tasnim

• December 15, 2024

1. Practice Skimming & Scanning

• Skimming is reading quickly to get the main idea.
• Scanning means searching for specific information.
• In Part A, these skills are essential since you only have 15 minutes to answer 20 questions.

 2. Familiarize Yourself with the Texts Layout

• Part A usually has four short texts (A, B, C, and D) related to a healthcare topic. Practice understanding the typical layout so you can quickly find relevant information.

 3. Don’t Read Every Word!

• Avoid reading the entire texts in detail. Instead, identify keywords in each question, and match them to information in the texts.

 4. Use Keywords to Locate Information

• Look for specific keywords in the question (like symptoms, treatment, dosage, etc.) and search for similar terms or synonyms in the texts.

 5. Answer Directly on the Answer Sheet

• Since time is short, write your answers directly on the answer sheet. This saves time and avoids the risk of forgetting to transfer answers later.

 6. Practice Under Timed Conditions

• Try practicing Part A under timed conditions to get used to the pressure. Aim to finish with a few minutes left for review.

 7. Don’t Guess – Use Logic!

• If you’re unsure, use process of elimination. Check each text and see which fits best rather than making a random guess.

 8. Review Your Answers Quickly if Time Allows

• If you finish early, use the extra time to double-check your answers, especially if you’re unsure about any.

The key to success in OET Reading Part A is efficiency! Practice regularly, refine your strategies, and you’ll see improvement. Good luck – you’ve got this!