The OET Reading section evaluates how well healthcare professionals can understand English texts used in real medical settings. It consists of three parts—Part A, Part B, and Part C—and must be completed in 60 minutes. To score a Grade B or higher, you need 30 out of 42 marks.

The reading tasks focus on real-world healthcare material such as guidelines, workplace emails, patient leaflets, and medical articles. This test does not evaluate medical knowledge; instead, it checks your reading comprehension, time management, and familiarity with healthcare vocabulary.

1. Structure of the OET Reading Section

The Reading test includes three parts with different skills and formats.

Overview Table

Total Marks: 42 (20 + 6 + 16)

2. Detailed Breakdown of Each Part

Part A – Fast Reading

Part A tests your ability to find information quickly, similar to real-life tasks like checking guidelines or medication charts.

Key Features

• Four short texts on a single healthcare topic

• 20 questions

• Strict 15-minute limit

• Three question styles:

  • Matching

  • Short answer

  • Sentence completion

Skills Tested

• Skimming for main ideas

• Scanning for specific information

• Using exact wording from the text

Important Notes

• Answers must be copied exactly from the text

• Incorrect spelling = incorrect answer

• Use only abbreviations present in the text

Tips for Part A

• Read the questions first

• Underline keywords

• Do not read every word

• Manage time strictly—no extra checking time

Part B – Workplace Reading

Part B evaluates your ability to understand short workplace texts used in healthcare settings.

Key Features

• Six short texts (100–150 words each)

• One multiple-choice question per text

• Shared 45 minutes with Part C

Skills Tested

• Identifying purpose

• Understanding main ideas

• Recognising tone and attitude

• Interpreting small details

Tips for Part B

• Read the question before the text

• Spot important words

• Eliminate wrong options

• Pay attention to small words that change meaning

Part C – Understanding Long Texts

Part C tests deeper comprehension of longer, detailed healthcare texts.

Key Features

• Two long texts (~800 words each)

• 8 MCQs per text (4 options each)

• Shared 45 minutes with Part B

Skills Tested

• Inference

• Writer's opinion and attitude

• Understanding arguments

• Differentiating fact vs. opinion

Tips for Part C

• Look for signal words

  • “However,” “In contrast,” “Therefore”

• Focus on tone and attitude

• Pay attention to paraphrasing

• Use questions to locate the answer area

3. Scoring and Grades

OET Reading has a total of 42 marks.

Marks Distribution Table

Grade Boundaries

Most healthcare boards require Grade B (30+).

4. Preparation Strategies

General Preparation Tips

Build Skimming and Scanning Skills

• Skim headings and first/last sentences

• Scan quickly for numbers, names, or keywords

Expand Healthcare Vocabulary

• Read guidelines, hospital leaflets, clinical documents

• Record important words and meanings

Practice Different Text Types

• Patient leaflets

• Workplace emails

• Medical news articles

Use Timed Practice Tests

• Build speed

• Improve accuracy

• Understand exam format

Analyse Your Mistakes

• Identify repeated errors

• Fix spelling mistakes in Part A

• Learn paraphrasing patterns

Part-Wise Preparation Tips

Part A Strategies

• Read headings first

• Focus on keywords

• Copy answers exactly

• Keep responses short

• Move quickly—15 minutes only

Part B Strategies

• Read question + options first

• Identify main idea immediately

• Watch for distractors

• Focus on tone and purpose

Part C Strategies

• Follow the structure of the text

• Use signal words to track arguments

• Compare answer choices carefully

• Pay attention to writer attitude

• Divide time evenly

5. Key Points to Remember

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6. FAQs About OET Reading

Q1. How long is the OET Reading test?

60 minutes total

• Part A: 15 minutes

• Part B & C: 45 minutes

Q2. How many questions are there?

42 questions.

Q3. What score is required for Grade B?

At least 30 out of 42.

Q4. Do I need exact spelling?

Yes, especially in Part A.

Q5. Can I go back to Part A?

No. Once 15 minutes are over, Part A closes permanently.

Q6. Are texts academic or clinical?

They are real-world healthcare texts, not academic research.

Q7. Can I use abbreviations?

Only if the text uses them.

Q8. Does OET test medical knowledge?

No, only reading comprehension.

Q9. How do I prepare for Part C?

Practice:

• inference

• tone

• attitude

• paraphrasing

Q10. How can I improve time management?

Practice timed tests and avoid spending too long on difficult questions.