Are you getting ready for the OET exam but having trouble with the Reading section? You're not alone!

Many candidates find the reading part one of the most challenging sections. However, with the right strategies, you can quickly improve your score and pass the OET Reading test with confidence.

This article will give you seven practical tips to help you reach your target score.

Contents

• Know How the Test Works

• Use Your Time Wisely

• Learn Skimming & Scanning

• Understand Vocabulary in Context

• Take Notes & Highlight Key Information

• Practice with Real-Life Material

• Make Reading a Habit

Know How the Test Works

Before attempting the OET Reading test, it’s important to understand its structure.

The test includes 40 questions spread across three parts, and you have 60 minutes to complete all of them.

The question types include:

• Multiple-choice

• Matching

• Sentence completion

• True/False/Not Given

Knowing the test format helps you save time and approach each question more effectively.

Use Your Time Wisely

Time management is crucial. With only 60 minutes for 40 questions, you get barely 90 seconds per question.

A useful approach is to allocate time for each section. For example:

• Part A: 15 minutes

• Part B: 20 minutes

• Part C: 25 minutes

This prevents spending too much time on one part and rushing through the rest.

Master Skimming and Scanning

Skimming and scanning are essential skills for OET Reading.

Skimming means reading quickly to understand the main idea of the text.
Scanning means searching for specific information like dates, names, or keywords.

Using these techniques helps you save time and find answers faster.

Understand Vocabulary in Context

The OET Reading test includes many academic and medical terms. Instead of memorizing every word, learn to identify meanings through context.

Look at the sentences before and after a difficult word. Context clues often reveal whether the word is about treatment, symptoms, procedures, or research.

This improves your comprehension and saves valuable time.

Take Notes & Highlight Key Information

Taking brief notes or highlighting important details helps you stay focused while reading.

You can:

• Underline key phrases

• Circle important dates and figures

• Write small summaries beside paragraphs

These quick notes will help you locate answers more easily.

Practice with Real-Life Material

Use real academic and healthcare-related texts to practice.

You can find them in:

• Medical journals

• Educational blogs

• Health articles

• OET practice tests

Practicing with authentic material improves your reading speed, vocabulary, and overall confidence.

Make Reading a Habit

Building a strong reading habit is the best long-term strategy.

Read daily:

• Articles

• Books

• Research papers

• News reports

You can also join reading groups or clubs to discuss and improve your understanding.

Regular reading naturally strengthens your comprehension and vocabulary.

Conclusion

To succeed in the OET Reading test, you need consistent practice, patience, and effective strategies.

By understanding the test format, managing time properly, skimming and scanning, learning vocabulary in context, taking helpful notes, practicing with real material, and developing a reading habit, you can significantly improve your score.

Stay calm during the test, avoid spending too long on one question, and trust your preparation!

FAQs About the OET Reading Test

Q1. Can I bring a dictionary to the OET reading test?
No, you cannot bring a dictionary to the test.

Q2. Should I read the questions before reading the passage?
Yes, this helps you understand what information to look for.

Q3. Can I skip a question and return to it later?
Yes, but manage your time carefully.

Q4. How many parts are there in the OET Reading test?
The test has three parts.

Q5. Can I use short forms in my notes?
Yes, as long as you can understand them later.