In a healthcare setting, you may need to quickly find relevant information when dealing with a patient or client. Part A simulates this by putting you under timed pressure as you first locate the information and then read it more carefully.

In this guide, we’ll cover the format of OET Reading Part A and review the skills you’re being tested on. There’s a sample task, plus test tips and preparation recommendations.

Test format:
The four Part A texts are extracts from reference materials that you would encounter when caring for patients. They include medication tables and dosage charts, instructions, treatment pathways and options, descriptions of presenting factors, symptoms and diagnostic tools, and at least one may contain information in a visual format – a table, flowchart or diagram, for instance.

There are 20 questions and three question types: Matching, Short Answer and Sentence Completion.

As this part is testing expeditious reading, Part A is strictly timed and you must complete all 20 question items within 15 minutes.

OET Reading Part A at a glance:

Four texts on a single healthcare topic
20 questions:
Matching
Short Answer
Sentence Completion
15 minutes

Skills:
Reading Part A is structured to mirror your professional practice. It tests your ability to read expeditiously, to locate information and then accurately record specific information.

For OET on paper, you have a separate Question Paper and Text Booklet. The instructions on the Question Paper instruct you to write your answers on the spaces provided and remind you about the 15-minute time limit.

For OET on computer, your screen will be split so that your texts are on the left and your questions are on the right.

Skimming is a valuable skill for tackling reading comprehension tasks, especially when time is limited. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to focus on when skimming:

Key Elements to Focus On

1.⁠ ⁠Titles: Understand the main topic and purpose of the text.
2.⁠ ⁠Introductory sentences: Get an idea of the text’s tone, scope, and main argument.
3.⁠ ⁠Headings and sub-headings: Identify the text’s structure, key points, and transitions.
4.⁠ ⁠Bullet points: Quickly grasp lists of information, key points, or summaries.
5.⁠ ⁠Labels on visuals: Understand the purpose and content of images, diagrams, or charts.

Skimming Techniques

1.⁠ ⁠Scan the text: Move your eyes quickly over the text to get a sense of its layout and content.
2.⁠ ⁠Focus on key words: Identify important terms, names, and concepts that help you understand the text’s main ideas.
3.⁠ ⁠Look for transitions: Pay attention to words and phrases that connect ideas, such as “however,” “in addition,” or “meanwhile.”
4.⁠ ⁠Identify the author’s tone: Get a sense of the author’s attitude, perspective, or emotional tone.

By incorporating these skimming techniques into your reading routine, you’ll be able to quickly grasp the main ideas and key points of a text, making it easier to tackle reading comprehension tasks.

To answer the matching questions in OET Reading, follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the Question
Read the question carefully to understand what information you need to find.

Step 2: Search the Texts
Scan Texts A, B, C, and D to find the relevant information.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Text
Once you find the information, note the text it comes from (A, B, C, or D).

Step 4: Write the Answer
Write the corresponding letter (A, B, C, or D) as your answer.

Step 5: Repeat for Remaining Questions
Repeat the process for questions 2-7.

Key Points:

•⁠ ⁠Each question has only one correct answer (A, B, C, or D).
•⁠ ⁠The same text (A, B, C, or D) can be the answer to multiple questions.
•⁠ ⁠For computer-based OET, select the answer with a left mouse click.

For short answer questions in OET Reading, follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the Question
Read the question carefully to understand what information you need to find.

Step 2: Search the Texts
Scan Texts A, B, C, and D to find the relevant information.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Answer
Once you find the information, note the word or short phrase that answers the question.

Step 4: Write the Answer
Write the correct word or short phrase as your answer.

Key Points:

1.⁠ ⁠Answer format: Use a word or short phrase (not a full sentence).
2.⁠ ⁠Answer content: Include words, numbers, or both.
3.⁠ ⁠Text reference: Answer must come from one of the provided texts (A, B, C, or D). For sentence completion questions in OET Reading:

Step-by-Step Approach

1.⁠ ⁠Read the sentence: Understand the context and the missing information.
2.⁠ ⁠Locate the correct text: Identify which text (A, B, C, or D) contains the relevant information.
3.⁠ ⁠Read carefully: Scan the relevant text to find the exact answer to fill the gap.
4.⁠ ⁠Fill the gap: Write the correct word or phrase to complete the sentence.

Key Points

1.⁠ ⁠Exact wording: Use the exact words or phrases from the text to fill the gap.
2.⁠ ⁠Contextual understanding: Understand the context of the sentence and the text to ensure accurate completion.
3.⁠ ⁠Attention to detail: Read carefully to avoid errors or omissions.

Subject: 

1. 5 Essential Tips to Succeed in OET Reading Part A
2. Understanding OET Listening Part A: Format and Skills
3. Mastering OET Reading Part B: Workplace Texts and Multiple-Choice Questions
4. OET Reading Part B: Understanding Workplace Texts
5. Effective Test-Taking Strategies for OET Reading Part B
6. Test Tips for OET Reading Part B
7. Preparation Recommendations for OET Reading Part B
8. OET Reading Part C: Understanding Healthcare Research and Developments
9. Mastering OET Reading Part C: 4 Essential Test Tips
10. Developing Endurance for OET Reading Part C