OET Listening: A complete Guide
If you are aspiring to work abroad as a healthcare professional, then OET is your best choice for the English proficiency test here. Just like any other English proficiency test, there would be four modules for OET too- Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
If you’re preparing for the Occupational English Test (OET), you’re likely aware that the Listening section can be one of the most challenging parts of the exam. This part evaluates your ability to understand spoken English in an English speaking environment. However, with the right strategies and preparation, you can confidently navigate this section. With good preparations and coaching you can master listening and achieve high marks.
Structure of OET Listening
The OET listening module is divided into three parts- Part A, Part B, and Part C.
In each part, you will be evaluated according to your listening skill in different contexts related to healthcare. This is to ensure that you can perform well in real medical scenarios.
Part A: Healthcare Consulting Simulation
The OET listening Part A format is as follows-
- Two audios between healthcare professional and patient
- 4-5 minutes each
- 12 questions
- Note completion
In Part A, you will listen to a simulated healthcare consultation between a healthcare professional and patient. You have to fill in missing information by listening to the 4.5-5 minutes audio. There would be 12 questions and answers in a single word or a phrase. This session is to evaluate the ability to pick up specific details from the audio such as treatment plans, symptoms, medical histories etc,. To ensure safe treatment you need to comprehend, understand and interpret the details from the conversation.
Some tips for Part A Listening-
- You should only write what you hear, that too in a word or small sentence. Do not add or change any words.
- Always make sure that your answer is grammatically correct and makes sense.
- Never stop or worry about any questions. If you miss something, move on and focus on the next question.
- Try to use the text around the questions to predict words and phrases you need.
Part B: Workplace Interactions
The OET listening Part B format is as follows-
- Six audio recordings of 45 seconds
- One or two speakers.
- Only 15 seconds to prepare
- Three-option multiple-choice question for each audio recording
The Listening Part B involves interactions in the workplace. You will listen to six audio recordings of 45 seconds each between one or two speakers. There would be three option multiple choice questions per video. This part is to assess your ability to interact, listen and understand the purpose, attitude, opinion and course of action of the speaker. This is crucial for working in a healthcare sector.
Some tips for Part B Listening-
- Read all the questions carefully and never confuse it with the similar things you heard in the recording.
- Be well prepared and never waste time reading the instructions in the question paper. Use that time to read the questions to be familiar with it.
- Listen to the context statement and imagine being in that situation. This will help you to expect what the dialogues would be.
- Not just focus on the word only, but on the meaning of the word. There would be similar words with different meanings.
- Expect paraphrased words. The question and recording have synonyms or paralleled expressions to confuse you.
Part C: Interviews and Presentations
The OET listening Part C format is as follows-
- Presentations or interviews for professional development
- Two audio recordings of 4-5 minutes each.
- 90 seconds of preparation
- Six three option multiple choice questions for each audio.
In Part C Listening, you will listen to two audio recordings either an interview or presentation in a healthcare setting including a professional. Each recording will be 4-5 minutes long and have to answer six multiple choice questions for each audio. This listening part is to assess your ability to understand extended presentations, interviews, case studies or projects.
Some tips for Part C Listening-
- Read your questions quickly to understand how your audio would be.
- Be aware of paraphrasing. Make sure you listen to the audio carefully to know the synonyms and similar phrases.
- Pay attention to the linking words as it can give important information regarding your answers.
- Do not stop listening when you hear something familiar. Keep listening because you might hear words from all options.
CONCLUSION
The OET listening can be challenging but cracking it is not impossible. With good practice, coaching, understanding of the formats and focusing on your weak areas will help you to score good marks in OET listening. Concentrate on all parts of the listening tests separately. Always stay calm and never rush. Time management is very important when it comes to these kinds of exams. Practice makes everything perfect, with it you can easily excel in Listening and achieve the required score to work in your dream destination.
At Tiju’s Academy, we offer comprehensive OET courses, both online and offline, tailored to help you excel in the Reading module and every aspect of the OET. Join us to boost your confidence and achieve the scores you need to advance your healthcare career.
