Explore
Programs
Mbbs 21 Aug, 2024
Share
OET Listening - The Occupational English exam (OET) is a language competency exam for healthcare workers that evaluates their ability to communicate effectively in English in the healthcare sector.
The OET Listening subtest is a difficult section of the OET exam. Some of our pupils find it tough since it entails 'keeping up' with multiple things at once. For example, how do you listen to audio recordings, think about the questions, stay up with the conversation, and write or click on the answers? Please continue reading for tips and ideas on how to improve your OET listening skills.
Mastering the OET Listening Tips and Tricks requires a combination of active participation, smart anticipation, and thorough preparation. By following this expert advice, you will position yourself for success not only on the test but also in your pursuit of foreign healthcare possibilities. Remember that a well-honed listening skill set is a key tool while providing patient-centred care and effectively engaging with the global healthcare community.
The Listening subtest is one of the OET's four components, and it examines the test-taker's ability to interpret and respond to spoken English in a healthcare environment. In this post, we will go over how to pass the OET Listening subtest, including methods and self-study advice for each of the three sections.
The Occupational English (OET) hearing exam is an important language evaluation designed exclusively for healthcare workers. It not only provides global recognition, but it also gives non-native medical practitioners the confidence and ability to communicate successfully in English. This exam is especially important for healthcare professionals planning to relocate to nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is frequently required for immigration and regulatory purposes. In this article, we examine some professional OET listening tips and methods that will help you improve your OET Listening Test score, assuring your success in this important component of the exam.
The OET Listening sub-test is approximately 40 minutes long. It is divided into three sections, each having ten audio recordings and 42 available marks. You are given time to read the questions before listening to the audio and answering them. The recordings are only played once, and you respond to the questions while listening.
Part A: Consultation Extracts (2 recordings of 5 minutes each; 24 marks)
Part A consists of two excerpts that are played consecutively. Both recordings are of a patient speaking with a healthcare provider. You are supposed to identify certain bits of information and, essentially, fill in the gaps on the response sheet, which is meant to resemble notes.
Part A of the OET Listening subtest lasts 15 minutes and involves the exam taker to take notes on a consultation between a healthcare practitioner and a patient. Here are some techniques and self-study recommendations to help you perform better in Part A.
Use the pre-listening time wisely: you have 30 seconds to read the notes and underline keywords before the audio begins. Use this time to become acquainted with the context, identify subheadings, and note any gaps in the notes.
Improve your vocabulary with transcripts: Use the transcripts to find synonyms and paraphrases, locate signposting phrases, and learn how specific words are articulated in spoken English.
Listen to a range of real audio files: To strengthen your listening abilities, listen to various dialects and role plays involving patients and healthcare professionals.
Create a store of valuable vocabulary: Make a list of terms and phrases linked to the 12 professions that may come up in a consultation.
Part B: Short Workplace Extracts (6 recordings of one minute each; 6 marks)
In Part B, you will hear six brief clips. Part B requires you to identify the details, gist, viewpoint, or goal of a healthcare workplace scenario, such as team briefings, handovers, or health professional-patient exchanges. You will respond to a single multiple-choice question for each scenario.
Part B of the OET Listening subtest lasts 10 minutes and asks the test taker to answer six multiple-choice questions about six separate excerpts, which might be monologues or exchanges. Here are some ideas and self-study recommendations to help you perform better in Part B.
Prior to listening to the audio, read each question and underline the keywords.
Listen to the audio without a transcript first. Train your ears to pick up spoken English, then use the transcript to double-check your answers.
Analyse the transcripts. Use the transcripts to understand why the other answers are incorrect, to identify signposting and connecting phrases, and to expand your topic vocabulary.
Listen to online training videos. Listen to videos of healthcare specialists addressing various subjects and take notes.
Part C: Presentation Extracts (2 recordings, 5 minutes each, 12 marks)
In Part C, you will hear two lengthier excerpts from talks or interviews on several general healthcare themes. You must identify gist, attitude, and viewpoint. You will be asked six multiple-choice questions for each recording.
Part C of the OET Listening subtest takes around 15 minutes and asks the test taker to answer six multiple-choice questions based on two lengthier audios, which might be presentations or interviews. Here are some techniques and self-study recommendations to help you perform better in Part C.
Use the 90-second pre-listening time efficiently. Read the questions and alternatives, take note of the interview style, underline keywords, and keep in mind that the questions frequently focus on ideas and opinions rather than facts.
Transcripts might help you improve your vocabulary. Review your responses, locate links to the questions and alternatives, and enhance your ability to interpret rapid speech.
Analyse the transcripts: Look for language that expresses attitude and opinion, or that indicates the speaker's point of view, and make a note of words in your notebook.
Try listening to a range of longer talks: Listen to talks or presentations and make notes on the general framework, then listen again and take more detailed notes, noting any expressions the speaker uses to organise their speech and communicate their perspective.
As you can see, Part A's structure differs from Parts B and C, which are quite similar.
Take a few seconds to read the relevant questions before starting the audio clip. This proactive method prepares your memory to recall important phrases and relevant information while you listen to the audio. You obtain a strategic edge in effectively finding answers during the listening exercise by being familiar with the questions ahead of time.
For example, if a question asks you to identify a symptom, knowing what to listen for assists you to recognise and remember that information quickly.
Effective listening necessitates your whole focus. Actively listen to the audio, paying attention to subtleties, intonations, and context signals. This increased attention allows you to acquire critical details and effectively interpret complicated medical language.
For example, in a conversation between a doctor and a patient, recognising the patient's suffering through tone and word choice might help determine a possible diagnosis.
In the case of distorted or unclear audio, tell the invigilator right once. By swiftly fixing technological issues, you may provide a fair testing environment and avoid undue stress during the exam.
For example, if the audio quality deteriorates and a medical phrase becomes indistinct, alert the invigilator so that you do not lose out on important information.
The audio material reflects the sequence of the questions. Being aware of this sequencing allows you to predict when certain information will arrive, which streamlines your search for suitable solutions.
For example, knowing that a question regarding a patient's treatment plan comes after a question about the patient's symptoms allows you to predict the conversation's topic.
Abbreviations abound in healthcare, therefore familiarising yourself with them is crucial. Familiarity with medical acronyms helps you to quickly take notes throughout the test, saving time and increasing overall efficiency.
Recognising "BP" as "blood pressure" allows you to properly type crucial patient information with little delay.
Distractions can disrupt your listening process, causing you to overlook important information. Create a comfortable setting for listening and deliberately concentrate your attention completely to the audio.
If a patient mentions symptoms, your predictive skills may allow you to anticipate the doctor's recommended diagnostic tests.
During the listening activity, practise taking concise notes. Create an organised system of acronyms, symbols, and keywords that allow you to collect important facts while remaining focused on the ongoing conversation.
Abbreviating "SOB" for "shortness of breath" helps you to quickly and precisely record crucial patient information.
After the audio session, take a few moments to go over your notes and revisit any difficult questions. This guarantees that you haven't missed any important facts and allows you to fine-tune your responses before final submission.
For example, revisiting a question concerning prescription medicine allows you to cross-reference your notes and confirm your answer.
To summarise, passing the OET Listening subtest involves a mix of successful techniques as well as the development of effective listening abilities. This may be accomplished through a range of strategies, including optimising pre-listening time, employing transcripts during self-study, and listening to a variety of real audios to boost vocabulary and understanding.
Building stamina is also important for performing well on the OET exam. By implementing these activities into your study regimen, you will improve your listening abilities and raise your chances of passing the exam. Remember that mastering any talent requires time and work, but with dedication and perseverance, you may reach your objectives.
Q.1. What is the minimum OET Listening score required to receive a grade B?
The OET does not give a specific mark for obtaining a grade B, but in general, test takers must correctly answer at least 30 out of 42 items to receive a grade B.
Q.2. What can I do to enhance my OET listening?
Use this time to become acquainted with the context, identify subheadings, and note any gaps in the notes. Improve your vocabulary with transcripts: Use the transcripts to find synonyms and paraphrases, locate signposting phrases, and learn how specific words are articulated in spoken English.
Q.3. What happens if you write more than 200 words on OET?
Writing more than the suggested word count can be detrimental in two ways: You may incorporate extraneous information, making it difficult for the reader to comprehend the main themes. Rushing to complete on time may result in more grammatical and spelling errors.
Q.4. Can I merely retake the OET listening and reading portion?
That is, if you received the required score in only three of the four sub-tests (listening, reading, speaking, and writing) but fell short in one, you can retake the OET test, and if you pass that sub-test the second time, you can combine the two OET test results and apply for registration.
Q.5. How many accurate answers does it need to get b on the OET listening?
According to the OET website, a B grade needs 30 out of 42 questions. To calculate the corresponding OET score and grade in the reading and listening modules, select a number from a selection of 42.
Q.6. Do spelling errors affect OET listening?
While the Listening subtest is more flexible than the Reading subtest, spelling errors may result in a loss of marks. Accurate spelling displays knowledge of sounds and their production in speech.
