Are you struggling with OET Reading Part B? This section of the exam tests your ability to understand the main idea and details of workplace texts, such as hospital memos, guidelines, or policy documents. In this guide, we’ll break down the key strategies for answering Part B questions, using real exam-style examples.
Follow along, try the sample questions, and put your skills to the test!
In Reading Part B, you’ll read six short workplace texts, each followed by a multiple-choice question with three options. Your task is to identify the correct answer by understanding the meaning of the text.
The best approach? Read below…
Let’s start with Question 1, based on a memo from the hospital blood bank manager to all staff.
📌 Key strategy: Look at the question first.
💡 Question: According to the memo, what must all staff do?
➡️ Focus on the words: “must all staff do” – this tells us we need to find something that applies to everyone in the memo.
Finding the Answer
There are two approaches you can take:
1️⃣ Read the text first, then check the answer choices.
2️⃣ Look at the answer choices first, then read the text with those in mind.
Let’s apply this to our example:
✅ Correct answer: Option B – “Check if the pen is recording; if not, change the nib.”
💡 Why? The memo requests that everyone follows the guidelines, and the text specifically mentions checking the pen and replacing the nib if it isn’t working.
❌ Why not Option A? The text allows a tolerance of two degrees, meaning the temperature does not have to be exactly 4°C.
❌ Why not Option C? The text says to inform the responsible blood bank, not the manager.
💡 Tip: Look for synonyms in the text! In this case, “substituting a part of the pen” is the same as “changing the nib.”
Now, let’s move to Question 2.
💡 Strategy: Read the text carefully and focus on key details that connect to the answer choices.
✅ Correct answer: Option C – “The increase in portable studies is negatively affecting the department’s capacity.”
📌 Why? The text states that there is a trend towards requesting more portable studies, which has led to shortages in the department (meaning a negative impact on capacity).
❌ Why not Option A? The text discusses positioning, but it does not say that staff are unable to position patients correctly.
❌ Why not Option B? While cardiac arrest is mentioned, the text does not say that using a mobile unit causes it—only that it is an acceptable reason for using a mobile unit.
💡 Tip: If a detail is mentioned in the text but doesn’t directly answer the question, it’s likely a distractor. Always check that your answer is fully supported by the text!
Mastering OET Reading Part B requires clear, in-depth understanding of the question, text, and careful elimination of incorrect answers. Use these strategies to boost your confidence and accuracy.
📌 Want to see these strategies in action? Watch our expert video breakdown for more OET Reading B practice!
📌 Download your FREE OET Reading B Sample Questions and put your skills to the test!
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