The OET Reading sub-test checks how well healthcare professionals can read and understand medical texts. It measures your ability to extract information, understand meaning, and interpret complex healthcare material. To perform well, you need strong vocabulary, strategic reading skills, good time management, and regular practice with authentic materials.

This guide explains the format, strategies, tips, and expert techniques to help you score high in the OET Reading sub-test.

Understanding the OET Reading Sub-Test

The OET Reading question paper is divided into three parts:

• Part A – Expeditious Reading

• Part B – Careful Reading

• Part C – Detailed Reading & Inference

???? Overview of the Three Parts

Most regulatory bodies require Grade B (350–440) to pass the Reading sub-test.

Part A: Expeditious Reading (15 Minutes)

Part A contains four short texts related to the same health topic.
You must answer 20 questions, including:

• Matching

• Sentence completion

• Short-answer questions

Skills Needed

• Quick skimming

• Fast scanning

• Locating exact words/phrases

• Combining information from multiple texts

Part B: Careful Reading (45 Minutes Shared with Part C)

Part B includes six short texts (100–150 words each). These may include:

• Emails

• Procedures

• Guidelines

• Policy notes

• Workplace memos

Each text has one multiple-choice question (MCQ) with three options.

Skills Needed

• Identify the main idea

• Understand specific details

• Determine purpose or attitude

• Avoid distractors

Part C: Detailed Reading

Part C contains two long texts (800–1000 words).
Each text has 8 MCQs with four answer choices.

Skills Tested

• Understanding long, complex arguments

• Interpreting tone, opinion, purpose

• Vocabulary in context

• Making inferences

Expert Tips for OET Reading Success

Below are expert strategies organized into small paragraphs and bullet points for clarity.

1. Understand the Test Format

Knowing the structure helps reduce anxiety and improve performance.

What to Do

• Study sample papers regularly

• Observe text types:

  • Patient leaflets

  • Research articles

  • Memos

  • Policies

• Practice all question types:

  • Gap-fill

  • Matching

  • MCQs

Why It Helps

Understanding patterns helps you anticipate questions and apply the right strategy.

2. Build a Strong Healthcare Vocabulary

A wide medical vocabulary makes reading easier and quicker.

How to Build Vocabulary

• Maintain a medical vocabulary journal

• Use flashcards/Quizlet

• Group vocabulary by topics:

  • Cardiology

  • Pediatrics

  • Surgery

  • Pharmacology

Example Entry

Why It Helps

Strong vocabulary boosts comprehension and accuracy—especially in Part A.

3. Master Skimming & Scanning

These are essential for Part A, where time is limited.

Skimming Tips

• Read headings and first/last sentences

• Identify the main idea quickly

Scanning Tips

• Look for:

  • Numbers

  • Dates

  • Drug names

  • Key symptoms

• Focus on keywords from the question

Why It Helps

You finish Part A quickly and accurately.

4. Effective Time Management

Time is one of the biggest challenges.

Recommended Timing

Tips

• Use timers when practicing

• Move on if stuck

• Return to difficult questions later

5. Understand Question Types and Strategies

Each part requires a different reading strategy.

Part A Strategies

• Use scanning

• Keep answers short and exact

Part B Strategies

• Read the question before the text

• Eliminate distractors

• Focus on purpose and attitude

Part C Strategies

• Read for overall meaning

• Use contextual clues for vocabulary

• Identify tone and writer intention

6. Practice Active Reading

Active reading improves comprehension and retention.

How to Do Active Reading

• Underline important information

• Circle unknown words

• Write short summaries

• Highlight keywords

Why It Helps

You understand long texts better—especially in Part C.

7. Improve Inference Skills

Part C often requires reading between the lines.

Practice Techniques

• Read opinion articles

• Identify tone:

  • Critical

  • Supportive

  • Neutral

• Ask: “What is the author TRYING to say?”

Why It Helps

Inference is key to scoring high in Part C.

8. Handling Unknown Words

Don’t panic if you don’t know a word.

Strategies

• Use surrounding words

• Identify if it’s positive/negative

• Look for synonyms/antonyms nearby

Example

“Smoking may exacerbate asthma symptoms.”
? Means “make worse.”

9. Use Real-Life Medical Texts for Practice

Authentic texts mirror OET difficulty.

Sources to Use

• WHO guidelines

• NHS leaflets

• CDC articles

Practice Activity

• Read an article

• Create 3–5 MCQs from it

10. Review Mistakes Regularly

Analyzing mistakes helps identify weak points.

How to Review

• Identify error category:

  • Misread question

  • Misinterpreted text

  • Time pressure

• Track repeating mistakes

• Correct them in the next practice session

11. Practice Under Exam Conditions

Simulating the real test builds confidence.

Test Simulation Tips

• Use a quiet space

• Strict timing

• No dictionary

• No breaks

12. Stay Calm During the Exam

Stress can lower accuracy.

What Helps

• Deep breathing

• Skip & return strategy

• Positive mindset

13. Use Official OET Resources

The most accurate practice materials come from OET.

Sources

• Official sample tests

• YouTube webinars

• OET Masterclass

14. Join Study Groups or OET Classes

Group learning provides different perspectives.

Benefits

• Peer practice

• Expert feedback

• Motivation

15. Follow a Consistent Study Plan

Regular practice ensures steady improvement.

Example Study Schedule

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Tips for Specific Healthcare Professions

Nurses

• Focus on protocols, discharge notes, patient care guidelines.

Doctors

• Read research summaries and clinical guidelines.

Pharmacists

• Learn dosage details, drug interactions, contraindications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paraphrasing in Part A (use exact words)

• Not checking distractors in MCQs

• Spending too long on one question

• Ignoring vocabulary building

• Relying only on general English practice

Key Points Summary

• Understand formats of Parts A, B, C

• Build strong medical vocabulary

• Use skimming and scanning effectively

• Practice with real medical texts

• Manage time carefully

• Learn from your mistakes

• Follow a consistent study plan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does the OET Reading sub-test include?

Three parts: A, B, and C.

2. How long is the Reading test?

• Part A: 15 minutes

• Parts B + C: 45 minutes

3. What score is considered a pass?

Grade B (350–440).

4. How do I build medical vocabulary?

Use flashcards, journals, and apps like Quizlet.

5. Best strategy for Part A?

Skimming + scanning.

6. How should I manage time?

Follow 15–20–25 rule for Parts A–C.

7. Are official OET materials necessary?

Yes, they provide accurate test-level practice.

8. What if I don't know a word?

Use context clues.

9. How to improve inference skills?

Read opinion-based medical articles.

10. Should I join OET classes or study groups?

Helpful for expert feedback and structured study.