Strategies for each part of OET Reading

Many OET aspirants find reading challenging. They think it is only because they do not have the habit of reading that they find it really difficult to solve reading tasks? But is that right? Well, to an extend. Along with developing the habit of reading, using the right strategies can make a world of difference in your reading scores.

Read on to unlock those strategies that will help you get that perfect grade A.

If you are an OET aspirant, I’m not saying you have to be a bookworm, but you really need to have a habit of reading. Regular reading helps you to go through paragraphs quickly and efficiently. If you are accustomed to reading, you would automatically be a lot relaxed than someone who doesn’t read much. Keeping this very generic advice aside, let's move ahead with the strategies that you need to master, to complete OET reading tasks like a professional.

As you know there are three parts for the reading test in OET. Each of these parts requires you to have a specific reading skill. We are about to take a look at those.

Part A is something that you would have to finish off quick and, to do that you need to develop your skimming and scanning skills while managing to get it done in that specific time frame. You have 15 minutes to complete your Part A of reading and this means you need to top-up your gear and SKIM through the texts. SKIMMING is when you quickly read through the text, focusing on the headings, sub-headings or the points given in bullet forms so that you get an overall idea of the text. Part A requires you to match information picked from the different parts of the text given, to the four sections, Text A, Text B, Text C and Text D. Other than the matching tasks, you will also require to complete a gap fill and short answer question types. While the matching questions will require you to use the SKIMMING skills, the gap fill and short answer questions will require you to build on your ability  to SCAN through the short texts to locate the answers.

Once you are done with 15 minutes, the invigilators will collect your question booklet and answer sheet. You will have a short gap before you start your Part B and Part C of reading. This is an important break as you need to help your brain slow done, from the quick-mode of part A, to the much slower and composed mode of Part B and C. The most important thing you need to remember is to slow down after part A. If you go on with the same speed on part B and C, there are high chances of you making a lot of mistakes.

Part B is more like “read for the gist" also the main points of each short sentence. Part C is all about opinions and ideas provided, which requires more time compared to both part A and B. Both these parts will require you to read intensively, the different parts of the text. 

In order to tackle the reading test, it’s important for you to use different skills. Pace it up when needed and slow down when required. Otherwise you will end up losing marks just like that. Developing a habit of reading gives you opportunity to develop a vast and interesting vocabulary in your writing as well as talking in general. Also it helps you to have a strong sense towards grammar and western culture. 

Practice these skills and flaunt your reading abilities!