EXAMINATION TIPS

 

🩺 How to Tackle Every Section of the OET Exam: Pro Tips for Healthcare Professionals

Whether you're a nurse, doctor, or allied health professional, preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET) requires strategy, practice, and confidence. Here are expert tips to help you succeed in each section—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—so you can ace the test and move closer to your career goals!

📚 Reading Sub-Test

Divided into Parts A, B, and C

• 🔍 Part A (Expedited Reading):

  • Practice scanning quickly for key facts.

  • Focus on identifying matching details, not interpreting meaning.

  • Time management is critical—aim for under 15 minutes.

• 📄 Part B (Short Workplace Extracts):

  • Read for gist and purpose—why was this written?

  • Identify subtle differences in tone or policy language.

• 🧠 Part C (Longer Opinion-Based Texts):

  • Don’t get trapped in word-for-word reading—skim first, then dive deeper.

  • Analyze arguments and viewpoints before choosing answers.

  • Pay attention to qualifiers like some, may, or often.

✍️ Writing Sub-Test

Letter format based on a real-life case note

• 🗃️ Always read case notes before planning your structure.

• ✂️ Include only relevant details—omit excessive clinical history unless necessary.

• 🧭 Follow the correct letter format: date, address, greeting, subject line, closing.

• 💡 Write as if you're actually communicating with a peer—clear, concise, and logical.

• 🧾 Proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation in the last 5 minutes.

🎧 Listening Sub-Test

Three parts with a mix of consultations and workplace recordings

• 🩺 Part A (Consultation Extracts):

  • Predict answers based on common medical interactions.

  • Listen for patient concerns, symptoms, and treatment advice.

• 🏥 Part B (Short Workplace Extracts):

  • Familiarize yourself with hospital protocols and everyday clinical conversations.

• 🗣️ Part C (Lecture/Presentation):

  • Focus on tone and speaker attitude—are they critical, informative, or persuasive?

  • Use note-taking symbols or abbreviations to jot key points fast.

🗣️ Speaking Sub-Test

Two role-plays tailored to your profession

• 🧍 Understand your professional role—are you advising, reassuring, explaining?

• 💬 Structure your conversation: opening → empathy → clarification → closing.

• 🤝 Use active listening phrases like “I understand your concern” or “Let me clarify that for you.”

• 💭 Practice with real prompts and simulate speaking with a colleague or patient.

• 😌 Take a breath before answering—confidence matters more than accent.

🎯 Final Prep Tips

• 📅 Create a weekly study schedule—rotate focus between skill areas.

• 🤝 Join OET support groups or online platforms for peer practice.

• 🧲 Use official materials + sample tests to get familiar with the format.

• 🍀 Believe in your experience as a healthcare professional—it’s your greatest asset.