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Occupational English Test Reading Tips for Nurses

by OccEnglish | Published: July 04, 2025

Introduction to Occupational English Test (OET) for Nurses

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a professional English language proficiency test required for nurses seeking registration or employment in English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The OET Reading section assesses a nurse's ability to read and comprehend healthcare-related texts. Scoring well in this section is crucial for overall test success. This article provides comprehensive OET Reading tips specifically tailored for nurses.

Why Is the OET Reading Section Challenging for Nurses?

  • Time Management: The 60-minute section requires reading three texts (A, B, and C) with increasing complexity.
  • Technical Vocabulary: Healthcare-specific terminology can be daunting.
  • Question Types: Varied question formats demand different reading strategies.

Understanding OET Reading Question Types

Text A: Healthcare Worker-Patient/Clinician Communication

  • Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Matching.
  • Tips:
    • Quickly Skim headings and bold text to understand context.
    • Identify Key Phrases in questions to focus your reading.
    • Eliminate Obviously Incorrect options to increase accuracy.

Text B: Healthcare Professional Communication

  • Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Completion.
  • Tips:
    • Understand the Purpose of the text (e.g., report, letter).
    • Scan for Dates, Names, and Figures for completion questions.
    • Use Process of Elimination for MCQs.

Text C: Healthcare-Related Research or Policy

  • Format: MCQs, Matching, and Summary Completion.
  • Tips:
    • Map the Question to the Text to find relevant paragraphs.
    • Focus on the Question's Keyword to locate the answer quickly.
    • For Summary Completion, read the summary first, then the text, to understand what to extract.

Effective Reading Strategies for OET Success

Active Reading

  • Engage with the Text: Ask yourself questions about the content.
  • Take Notes: Jot down key points, especially for Text C.

Time Management Strategy

  1. Text A: 15 minutes
  2. Text B: 20 minutes
  3. Text C: 25 minutes
  • Review Your Work: Allocate 10 minutes at the end to check unanswered questions.

Preparing for OET Reading: Study Tips

Familiarize Yourself with OET Format

  • Practice with Official Materials.
  • Join Online Forums for feedback aloof.

Improve Your Healthcare Vocabulary

  • Read Medical Journals regularly.
  • Keep a Vocabulary Notebook.

Simulate Test Conditions

  • Practice Under Time Pressure.
  • Assess Your Weaknesses and focus on improvement.

Conclusion

Mastering the OET Reading section requires a combination of understanding the test format, practicing effective reading strategies, and dedicating time to improving healthcare-related English proficiency. By following these tips, nurses can significantly enhance their chances of achieving the required scores.

Final Checklist for Success

  • Practice Consistently
  • Stay Calm and Focused During the Test
  • Review and Learn from Mistakes