OET Reading

The reading sub-test has 2 parts and it takes 60 minutes to complete. The topics are of general healthcare interest and are available to the candidates in all the professions.

Reading sub test structure

Part A – This task has a summary of 15 minutes. Part A evaluates your ability to source information from several texts. You have to process the information in a proper manner and skim and scan material to get information fast.

You have to go through 3 to 4 short texts related to a single topic and finish a summary paragraph by filling in the missing words.

Part B consists of multiple choice questions and it is for 45 minutes.

Part B evaluates your ability to read and comprehend texts on health related topics same as those in academic or professional journals. You have to read two passages 600 to 800 words each.

You have to answer a set of multiple choice question which are 16 to 20 in total.

Reading part A tests your ability to skim and scan fast in various texts on a specified topic to recognize and process the information. Part A is timed and you have to finish all the items in just 15 minutes time.

In order to finish the task in a successful manner, you will require the ability to know the various text types. You have to distinguish ideas from supporting information and comprehend the presentation of numerical and textual data.

Reading part B evaluates your ability to know the longer passages of text at the word or phrase level.

To finish the task you require the ability to know the purpose of the text and know the relationships of the ideas. You have to know the level of the paragraph and the sentence.

The evaluators who mark the reading sub test are well trained and qualified.

The responses of the candidates are evaluated against a marking guide.