The OET is the Occupational English Test, designed to assess the English language proficiency of candidates who wish to work in an English speaking country. The exam consists of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Table of Contents
DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF EACH SESSION
The Occupational English Test or OET exam syllabus covers four sections. They are Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. This test mainly aims at health care professionals. Each section of this test has different time limits and each section evaluates different skills also.
BREAKDOWN OF EXAM PATTERN
The first section i.e., the listening section has 3 parts with 42 questions.
The reading section also has 3 parts with 42 questions.
A letter has to be written for the writing section. A candidate has to select from 12 different healthcare areas.
Two role plays are there in the speaking session. Here the candidates interact with an interlocutor who plays the role of a patient.
It is said that writing is the most difficult task. So one has to practice it constantly to master the art of writing for the OET exam.
TASKS IN THE OET – OVERVIEW OF THE OET EXAM
Basically the OET test is a communication based test. All aspects of communication are being tested in this.
OET LISTENING
It has three subparts, i.e, Part A, Part B and Part C. Part A of the listening test evaluates one’s ability to identify specific information in a health consultation and requires one to complete the notes. Part B on the other hand assesses a candidate on their capability to recognize the gist or general idea of a short extract given. Part C tests your ability to understand and follow an interview or presentation of that sort. Some audio extracts containing general medical topics are given for listening tasks for the candidates.
Tips to keep in mind
The three parts of the listening sub tests are patterned after real life situations. So a candidate may find it easier to follow the audio extracts.
The total length of the sub test includes time to read instructions, preview the questions, listen to the audio and write your answers.
The most important thing is that each recording can be heard only once.
OET READING
Just like that in listening, the reading session also has three sub parts. The syllabus for Part A tests one’s ability to skim and scan for required information. A collection of short texts relating to one health related subject is given. Answer to twenty questions.
Questions are in the form of fill in the blanks and short answers. Part B contains medical information based on extracts from a manual. There are six texts in this part. Each text will have a multiple choice question for a total of six questions. A candidate has 45 minutes total for both Part B and Part C combined. Two longer texts for Part C from any area of general medical interest. Each text has eight multiple choice questions.
TIPS FOR READING
Practice makethe a man perfect. Read, re read and repeat. Read all the instructions given properly. Medical knowledge is necessary but English comprehension is checked. Read the questions first.
OET WRITING
In writing sub- test, one formal letter based on a typical workplace situation is given. The most common type of letter you will be asked to write will be a referral letter. The OET writing case notes will provide you with background information relevant to your task. While reading a candidate must get details about the information that could be added in the letter. 40 minutes will be given to write the letter. Marks will be awarded based on content, clarity and presentation of the matter.
WRITING TIPS
Use the reading time fruitfully. Organize the case notes in a structured manner. The introductory sentence of the referral letter should refer to a medical issue. Refer to the patient to a specialist concerned.
OET SPEAKING
First you will chat informally with the interlocutor and it will give you a role play card which is specific to the OET profession. Three months will be there to review the role card and later five minutes for your role play. A candidate’s linguistic and clinical communication pattern will be checked.
OET SPEAKING TIPS
Use positive language in your speaking. Negative body language elicits only negative responses. Listen and respond to the queries correctly. Your speaking skill can sooth the patients.