OET Listening: Format, Scoring System, & Samples

What Is OET Listening?

The OET (Occupational English Test) Listening subtest assesses a healthcare professional’s ability to understand spoken English in a medical context. It consists of three parts (A, B, and C) and approximately 42 questions. The test aims to evaluate comprehension of various accents and dialects, reflecting the global nature of healthcare. You can find more about the OET Listening test format in the next section.

OET Listening Test Format

The OET Listening subtest has three parts: A, B, and C. Each part evaluates a range of listening skills, such as comprehending specific details, general information, and understanding the speaker’s objective. Here’s a breakdown of the OET exam pattern to help you understand what to expect in each section of the OET Listening subtest: 

OET Listening Part A: Consultation Extracts

In OET Listening Part A, you will listen to two audio extracts of healthcare consultations and complete the healthcare professional's notes using the information you hear. Your task is to identify 12 key details missing from the case notes for each extract. Here are some pointers to help you understand this section better:

• You will hear a recording of a conversation between a healthcare professional and a patient.
• You will be given incomplete case notes and need to fill in the missing details based on the recording.
• The questions will target specific information, such as the patient’s chief complaints, symptoms, medical history, and personal history.
• This section requires you to listen actively and carefully to extract the necessary details.
• There are two separate extracts, each with its own set of 12 questions.

OET Listening Part B: Workplace Extracts

In OET Listening Part B, you will hear six short workplace audio extracts, each approximately one minute long. You will then answer a multiple-choice question for each extract, focusing on identifying specific details or understanding the overall gist or purpose of the conversation. Here are some pointers to help achieve a good OET result in this section:

• The audio extracts may include scenarios such as handover discussions, training sessions, staff briefings, or conversations between colleagues and patients.
• You will hear six separate audio extracts, each followed by a single multiple-choice question.
• Before each recording, you have 15 seconds to read the question and, after the recording, another five seconds to select your answer.

OET Listening Part C: Presentation Extracts

In OET Listening Part C, you will hear two recordings of interviews or presentations given by healthcare professionals. These recordings are similar to what you might encounter in professional development, such as workplace presentations, case studies, or discussions about research. Each recording is about 45 minutes long, and you will have 90 seconds to review the questions before the audio begins. Here are some pointers to understand this part better:

• The recordings are typically interviews or presentations from healthcare professionals.
• The content covers a range of topics relevant to healthcare, including workplace presentations, case studies, and research discussions.
• You will be presented with six multiple-choice questions for each recording, each with three answer options.

You now have a clear overview of the OET syllabus and the format of the listening section. Additionally, the table provided above includes important details such as OET listening time, audio specifics, question types, and other relevant information.

Scoring System for OET Listening Subtest

OET test takers frequently express concerns about their scores in the listening subtest and the marking criteria involved. Understanding how the test is scored can help you prepare more effectively and strategize for success. It is essential to comprehend the OET listening marking criteria to gain clarity on score distribution, the assessment process, and the requirements for achieving a Grade B or higher. The raw score is converted into a scaled grade (A to E). To understand this, refer to the OET score chart below:

To achieve a good score on the OET listening score out of 42, it is essential to understand the syllabus and format thoroughly.

OET Listening Sample Questions

Refer to the OET listening samples for effective practice: 

Part A – Consultation Extracts (GapFill Notes)

In this OET listening samples with audio, you will hear two consultations between a healthcare professional and a patient. Fill in the missing information.

Part B – Short Workplace Extracts (Multiple Choice)

You will hear six different workplace conversations, each lasting about 1 minute. 

Part C – Presentations/Interviews (Multiple Choice Detail & Attitude)

You hear extracts from presentations or interviews on health-related topics. 

Furthermore, you can refer to the types of questions listed in the above section to help you score well in the OET listening for nurses test.

Tips & Strategies for the OET Listening Subtest

Here are some OET listening tips to help you achieve higher marks: 

• Familiarize Yourself with the Questions: Before you start listening to the audio, review all the questions thoroughly. This will help you identify keywords and phrases that can guide your answers. 
• Listen Carefully: Paying close attention is crucial for scoring well. Focus on the audio and the keywords as you listen. 
• Follow the Sequence: The audio is structured in the same order as the questions, which helps prevent confusion when searching for answers. 
• Avoid Distractions: It’s easy to become distracted while listening. Interruptions can lead to missed answers or keywords, so ensure you are focused when listening to the audio. 
• Report Any Technical Issues: Technical glitches can occur. If you cannot hear the audio clearly, inform the invigilator immediately so the issue can be resolved.

Conclusion

In summary, the OET Listening subtest is a vital component of the exam that assesses your ability to understand healthcare-related conversations. By practicing with OET mock tests, you can enhance your medical vocabulary and improve your active listening skills, allowing you to confidently achieve a Grade B or higher.

FAQs

1. How Long Is the OET Listening Subtest?

The OET Listening subtest lasts approximately 40 minutes. It is divided into three parts and contains a total of 42 questions.

2. Are the Recordings in a British Accent Only?

No, the recordings are not exclusively in a British accent. While some may feature this accent, the recordings include a variety of accents and dialects from English speakers around the world.

3. Why Is OET Listening Considered Difficult?

The OET Listening subtest is regarded as challenging due to its focus on specific healthcare terminology, the use of diverse accents, and the need to maintain comprehension while answering questions. It requires careful attention to detail, such as accurate spelling and the ability to extract relevant information from dialogues and presentations.

4. What Is the Format of the OET Listening Test?

The Listening OET test is a 45-minute section that consists of 42 questions divided into three parts (A, B, and C). It assesses your ability to understand medical English in various scenarios, with a focus on note-taking and multiple-choice questions.

5. How Many Questions Are There in the OET Listening Test?

The Listening OET section contains a total of 42 questions, divided into three parts: A (24 questions), B (6 questions), and C (12 questions).