OET Listening Test: 5 Smart Strategies for success in exam

OET Listening Test: Enhancing Your Skills for Multiple-Choice Questions

The Listening sub-test in the OET is crucial for healthcare professionals aiming to practice in an English-speaking environment. In Listening Parts B and C, you’ll encounter multiple-choice questions that require focused listening and strategic answering. This guide will walk you through these sections, providing practical strategies to help you confidently approach and succeed in answering multiple-choice questions on test day.

Understanding OET Listening Test Parts B and C

Listening Part B presents six short audio clips based on healthcare workplace scenarios, each followed by a three-option multiple-choice question. Listening Part C consists of two longer audios, such as interviews or presentations, each with six multiple-choice questions.

• If taking the OET on paper, use a 2B pencil to fill in the circles for your answers.
• If taking OET on a computer or at home, you can select your answer with a left-click and eliminate options with a right-click. Right-clicking allows you to strike out incorrect choices, making it easier to focus on potential answers.

The Simplicity and Challenge of Multiple-Choice Questions

Multiple-choice questions in the listening test offer answer choices, but the challenge is identifying the correct one based on specific information in the audio. With focused practice and applying the right strategies, you can build confidence and accuracy in selecting the best answer.

Effective Strategies for Answering OET Listening Test Multiple-Choice Questions

Strategy 1: Familiarise Yourself with Different Question Types

Each question is designed to direct you towards relevant details in the audio:

• Short Answer Questions in the listening test prompt you to identify key information, such as “What is being described in this section of the guidelines?”
• Sentence Completion Questions may appear indirect but can be reframed to clarify the prompt. For example, “If vaccines have been stored incorrectly…” can be interpreted as “What is the result of incorrect storage of vaccines?”

By reframing questions in your mind, you’ll understand them more effectively and focus on the answer.

Strategy 2: Focus on the Question, Not Just the Words in the Audio

In both Listening Parts B and C, each answer option may contain vocabulary or phrases that are mentioned in the audio. However, it’s important to select the answer that best matches the question—not just what you hear in passing.

Strategy 3: Listen for Meaning, Not Just Matching Vocabulary

In Listening Test Parts B and C, you’ll often need to comprehend more than individual sentences. Understanding the main point is crucial, as the presence of specific words doesn’t guarantee an answer is correct.

Strategy 4: Staying Focused and Maintain Concentration

Concentration is essential in the OET Listening test. Here’s how to prepare for effective focus:

Before Test Day

1. Build Stamina: Practice listening to extended audio, like podcasts or YouTube videos. Start small—one minute at a time—and gradually extend the listening duration.
2. Engage in Active Listening: Take notes, visualise the speakers, imagine follow-up questions, and picture yourself in the conversation to stay engaged.
3. Practice Summarising: Pause after listening to a few minutes of audio, then write a one-sentence summary. This technique helps you retain the overall meaning and reduces the chance of getting distracted by minor details.

On Test Day

1. Predict and Anticipate Content: Before the audio plays, read the questions and use context clues to prepare for what you’ll hear. This will help you listen actively and focus on critical points.
2. Listen for Signal Words: Phrases like “However,” “Firstly,” “On the other hand,” and “For example” often indicate shifts or highlights in information. Being alert to these words will help you keep up with the flow of ideas.
3. Breathe Between Sections: Taking a few deep breaths between sections can help you stay alert, release any lingering doubts, and prepare for the next set of questions.

Strategy 5: Keep Moving Forward

Every question in the Listening section is independent, meaning the answer to one question doesn’t depend on another. If you miss a question, don’t dwell on it. Instead, make an educated guess and move on to the next. Remember, you won’t lose marks for incorrect answers, so choosing something is always better than leaving it blank.

Conclusion

Mastering multiple-choice questions in OET listening requires targeted preparation, concentration, and strategic thinking. Apply these techniques, practice regularly, and use your listening skills actively. When test day arrives, you’ll be equipped to stay calm, confident, and ready to achieve your best results.

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