OET Reading Part C assesses your ability to understand longer healthcare-related texts, follow the writer’s ideas and interpret information in context. Among the different question types, reference questions require you to identify what a particular word or expression refers to within the passage.
Words such as it, this, that, they, these and such an approach may seem straightforward. However, identifying their exact references can be challenging, particularly when several nouns or ideas appear close together.
The key is to understand the relationship between the reference word and the information surrounding it, rather than automatically selecting the nearest noun.
In this guide, we will look at how reference questions work and explore a practical method to answer them accurately.
What Are Reference Questions in OET Reading Part C?
Reference questions test your ability to recognise how a writer connects different parts of a text.
Writers frequently use pronouns and other expressions to avoid repeating the same words or ideas. These expressions point to information mentioned elsewhere in the passage.
For example:
“OET is an English language test designed for healthcare professionals. It assesses their ability to communicate effectively in healthcare settings.”
Here, the word it refers to OET, not healthcare professionals.
Similarly, consider this example:
“Several nurses reported increased workloads following the introduction of the new system. This affected their ability to complete documentation on time.”
In this sentence, this refers to the increased workloads reported by the nurses, rather than simply the nurses themselves.
According to OET’s guidance on Reading Part C, reference questions may appear in the test, with the relevant reference expression clearly underlined in the text.
You can read the official guidance here: OET – Test Tips: Reading C Reference Words.
Understand the Format of Reading Part C
Before approaching reference questions, it helps to understand where they fit into the Reading sub-test.
Reading Part C consists of:
- Two longer healthcare-related texts.
- Approximately 800 words in each text.
- Eight multiple-choice questions for each text.
- Four answer options (A, B, C and D) for every question.
The questions generally follow the order of information in the passage. They assess your understanding of the writer’s ideas, opinions, arguments, details and language in context.
Reference questions are one of the question types you may encounter. They test whether you can follow connections between words, phrases and ideas across sentences.
A Practical Four-Step Method to Answer Reference Questions
Instead of guessing what an underlined word represents, follow these four steps.
Step 1: Locate the Underlined Word
Start by identifying the underlined word or expression mentioned in the question.
For example:
“Researchers examined the effects of prolonged hospital stays on older patients. They observed that extended admissions could increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections. This highlighted the importance of early discharge planning.”
Question: What does this refer to?
Once you locate the underlined word, focus on the sentence containing it and the surrounding information.
Step 2: Read the Surrounding Sentences
Do not restrict your attention to the sentence containing the reference word.
Read the sentence immediately before it and, when necessary, the sentence that follows.
This is important because the reference may connect to:
- A noun mentioned earlier.
- A group of people or objects.
- An action or event.
- A finding or observation.
- An entire statement or idea.
In the example above, the word this refers to the observation that extended hospital admissions could increase the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
The following sentence helps establish this connection.
Step 3: Identify the Actual Reference
Once you understand the surrounding information, determine what the underlined word represents.
Avoid selecting an answer simply because it is the closest noun.
For instance:
“The hospital introduced a new medication review procedure. Pharmacists were responsible for checking prescriptions before discharge. This helped identify potentially harmful drug interactions.”
Here, this refers to the medication review procedure or the process of checking prescriptions before discharge.
It does not refer to the hospital or the pharmacists as individuals.
Your objective is to identify the meaning that fits the context, not just a word that appears nearby.
Step 4: Replace the Underlined Word with Your Answer
This is an important final check.
Take the option you believe is correct and mentally replace the underlined word with it.
Read the sentence again. Does it retain its original meaning? Is the replacement grammatically and logically appropriate?
If it fits naturally, you have stronger grounds for selecting that option.
If the sentence becomes confusing or changes the original meaning, reconsider your choice.
Common Traps to Avoid in Reference Questions
Even when you understand the general meaning of a passage, certain mistakes can lead you to select the wrong option.
Here are some common traps to watch out for.
| Common trap | What to watch out for |
| Nearest-noun trap | The closest noun may not be the actual reference. |
| Singular and plural confusion | Check whether the reference represents one person or thing, or several. |
| Verb agreement | The replacement should fit the grammatical structure of the sentence. |
| Whole-idea reference | Words such as this may refer to an entire action, finding or statement. |
| Context mismatch | An option may be mentioned in the passage but may not be what the reference word represents. |
Let’s look at a few of these in more detail.
A. The nearest-noun trap
Consider:
“The researchers interviewed several nurses about their experiences with the new system. They also collected feedback from hospital managers. They identified several areas requiring improvement.”
The word they refers to the researchers, not the hospital managers.
Do not automatically select the noun closest to the reference word. Check which subject logically performs the action described in the sentence.
B. The whole-idea reference
Consider:
“The hospital introduced mandatory training for all newly recruited nurses. This required additional planning and coordination.”
Here, this refers to the introduction of mandatory training, rather than the nurses themselves.
Remember that a reference can represent an entire action or situation, not just an individual noun.
C. Singular and plural confusion
Pay attention to the grammatical form of the reference word.
- It generally refers to a singular noun or an identifiable idea.
- They generally refers to a plural noun or group.
- This and that can refer to an entire preceding statement or situation.
- These and those generally point to plural items or ideas.
Grammar can help you eliminate unsuitable options, but the final decision must also agree with the meaning of the passage.
Practise Identifying Reference Words
The best way to become comfortable with these questions is to apply the method to different sentence structures.
Try the following questions.
Question 1
“The hospital introduced an electronic system to maintain patient records. The system reduced paperwork and improved access to clinical information. It also helped minimise documentation errors.”
What does it refer to?
A. Patient records
B. Clinical information
C. The electronic system
D. Documentation errors
Question 2
“Several patients experienced difficulties following their discharge due to a lack of adequate instructions. This resulted in an increased number of follow-up enquiries.”
What does this refer to?
A. The patients’ discharge
B. The lack of adequate instructions
C. The follow-up enquiries
D. The difficulties experienced by the patients
Question 3
“Researchers compared two approaches to managing chronic pain: medication-based treatment and psychological interventions. The latter was found to improve patients’ coping abilities.”
What does the latter refer to?
A. Medication-based treatment
B. Chronic pain
C. Psychological interventions
D. Both approaches
Answers and explanations
- C – The electronic system. The sentence describes the benefits of the system, including reducing documentation errors.
- B – The lack of adequate instructions. The absence of adequate discharge instructions is the issue that led to increased follow-up enquiries.
- C – Psychological interventions. When two items are mentioned, the latter refers to the second one. In this example, psychological interventions are mentioned second.
Managing Your Time While Answering Reference Questions
Time management is important throughout Reading Part C. Avoid spending too long trying to identify one reference, particularly when you have other questions to complete.
Here are a few practical suggestions:
- Read the question carefully and locate the underlined expression.
- Concentrate on the relevant sentences instead of rereading the entire passage.
- Use grammatical clues and the overall meaning to eliminate unsuitable options.
- Apply the substitution method to confirm your answer.
- If you are still unsure, make your best choice, move on and return to the question if time permits.
OET provides guidance on managing time across Reading Parts B and C. You can refer to its Reading time management tips when planning your approach.
Final Thoughts
Reference questions in OET Reading Part C are not simply about recognising pronouns. They require you to understand how different sentences and ideas are connected within a passage.
The most effective approach is to locate the underlined expression, examine the surrounding context, identify the intended reference and check your answer through substitution.
Most importantly, do not choose an answer just because it is the nearest noun. Choose the option that preserves the meaning of the original passage.
With consistent practice and a careful reading approach, you can become more accurate and confident when answering reference questions in OET Reading Part C.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are reference questions in OET Reading Part C?
They ask what a highlighted word or phrase, such as it, this, that or they, refers to in the passage. They test whether you can follow how ideas connect across sentences.
2. How many questions are there in OET Reading Part C?
There are two texts of about 800 words each. Each text has eight four-option multiple-choice questions, so there are 16 in total.
3. How are reference questions marked in the text?
The word or phrase is underlined or bolded, with a paragraph reference, so you can find it quickly.
4. How do I know my answer is correct?
Replace the highlighted word with your chosen option and re-read the sentence. If the meaning stays the same and the grammar still works, the option is likely right.
5. Is the closest noun always the answer?
No. The nearest noun is a common trap. Ask who or what logically fits the sentence, and remember that words like this can refer to a whole action or idea.
6. Should I read the whole passage before answering?
Not necessarily. The questions follow the order of the text, so go to the relevant section, read it carefully and try to answer in your own words before looking at the options.
7. How much time should I spend on one reference question?
Only a short time. Parts B and C share 45 minutes, so if you are stuck, make your best choice, move on and return if time allows.
8. How can I get better at reference questions?
Read long healthcare texts regularly and, for each it, this or they, say what it refers to. Building vocabulary also helps you follow the writer’s ideas faster.
References
OET Reading Part C Guide: oet.com/post/reading-part-c-the-complete-guide
Identifying Reference Words in Reading Part C: oet.com/post/test-tips-reading-c-reference-words
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