OET Reading Part A – Full Model Exam (PCOS / Digital Health Study)
OET Reading Part A – Full Model Exam (PCOS / Digital Health Study)
Time allowed: 15 minutes
Texts A–D are on the following pages.
TEXT A — Clinical Overview of PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting 5–20% of women worldwide. It presents with a combination of reproductive, metabolic, and psychological symptoms, including irregular menstruation, acne, hirsutism, infertility, and emotional instability. Elevated cortisol levels are frequently observed in PCOS patients, contributing to abdominal fat accumulation, impaired metabolism, and cognitive difficulties. Increased testosterone and prolactin levels are also common; testosterone is associated with acne and male‑pattern hair loss, while prolactin contributes to reduced ovulation.
The chronic nature of PCOS symptoms often leads to persistent stress, which can escalate into depression and anxiety. Studies indicate that stress‑related hormonal changes may worsen metabolic outcomes, creating a cycle of physical and psychological burden for affected women.
TEXT B — Psychosocial Burden & Health System Gaps
Infertility is one of the most distressing consequences of PCOS. Reduced ovulation and elevated androgen levels contribute to infertility, which carries significant psychological, social, and cultural pressure in many communities. Women with PCOS often experience a “double disease burden”: the physical symptoms of PCOS combined with the emotional strain of infertility.
In Bangladesh, awareness of PCOS remains low. Many women receive medication‑only treatment, with minimal guidance on lifestyle modification or mental health support. Despite the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health, mental health symptoms often go undiagnosed. Limited access to structured, evidence‑based information contributes to poor disease management and reduced quality of life.
TEXT C — Study Design, Eligibility & Measurements
A prospective, hospital‑based randomized controlled trial was conducted in rural Bangladesh. Women aged 18 or older diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam criteria (oligo/anovulation, hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries) were recruited. Participants required smartphone access and literacy in Bengali. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, severe psychiatric illness, chronic diseases, or extremely severe DASS‑21 scores.
Baseline and endline measurements were collected over 6 months, including:
Randomization was performed using a computer‑generated sequence, with allocation concealed in sealed envelopes. Two trained research assistants conducted interviews, physical measurements, and data entry using the KOBO Toolbox.
TEXT D — Digital Health Intervention & Follow‑up
The intervention group received a smartphone‑based health education app containing 11 structured lessons, including two videos: one explaining PCOS through storytelling and another demonstrating simple home exercises. All content was delivered in Bengali and reviewed by clinicians, nutritionists, and researchers for accuracy and cultural suitability.
Participants received monthly follow‑up calls to encourage adherence. If a participant missed a scheduled call, research assistants provided additional reminders. A subgroup of 20 participants completed qualitative interviews exploring barriers, facilitators, and contextual factors influencing app engagement.
The study hypothesized that digital health education would reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and promote lifestyle changes that lower cortisol and testosterone levels, thereby improving overall well‑being.
SECTION 1 — Matching Questions (Which text contains…?)
Write A, B, C, or D.
Information about the cultural pressure associated with infertility.
Details of the monthly follow‑up procedures.
A table summarizing the study’s measurement tools.
The global prevalence of PCOS.
The criteria used to diagnose PCOS.
The description of the smartphone app lessons.
The link between cortisol and metabolism.
The lack of mental health support in Bangladesh.
SECTION 2 — Fill in the Blanks
Use words from the texts.
Elevated __________ contributes to abdominal fat accumulation and cognitive difficulties.
The study used the __________ tool to collect field data electronically.
Participants were followed for a total of __________ months.
The intervention app contained __________ lessons.
PCOS patients often receive treatment focused only on __________ rather than lifestyle changes.
The DASS‑21 tool measures depression, anxiety, and __________.
The Rotterdam criteria include hyperandrogenism, polycystic ovaries, and __________.
SECTION 3 — WH‑Type Short Answer Questions
Answer in 1–3 words.
What hormone is associated with male‑pattern hair loss?
What type of study design was used?
What language were the app lessons delivered in?
What psychological tool was used to measure stress?
Who conducted the physical examinations and interviews?
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