In this post, we will look at the OET's reading comprehension section - particularly Part C.

Part C of the OET is challenging for several reasons. Of those these are the most commonly cited by students who have tackled the test:

1. Vocabulary : Quite often, the long passages in the OET reading section contains extensive and often sophisticated vocabulary. Focusing too much on unfamiliar words hinders your ability to fully understand the text. But, it is important to understand that in the OET, understanding the meaning of complex vocabulary is not usually necessary.
2. Complex Sentence Structures: OET reading (also other English tests like IELTS) employ complex sentence structures. This is because understanding complex structures is a skill that is needed in language situations. This can be challenging for non-native speakers. If you want to know more about complex sentences, you can learn more about passive constructions, conditional sentences, and embedded clauses, which require a higher level of syntactic understanding.
3. Cultural References and Idioms: Since OET is a test aimed at medical professionals, it is only natural that it contain cultural references or idioms that are commonly used by native speakers of English. Idiomatic expression is one of the most challenging areas for a non-native speaker to tackle. Since idioms rarely have literal meanings, it can be difficult to grasp the implications of the text. Further, these elements have no direct translations and require a deep understanding of context that non-native speakers might not have.
4. Speed and Fluency: Unless one is used to reading regularly, most non-natives read English text more slowly than native speakers. This can be a significant disadvantage, especially since all tests are timed. Slow reading automatically means less time for deep thought. This also means that test takers are tense and try to speed up, which can impacting overall test performance.
5. Inference Skills: Part C of OET Reading comprehension presents test-takers with at least one question that expect test-takers to understand implicit meanings. Non-native speakers might focus more on direct information and less on what is presented in an indirect manner. This naturally means these types of questions are rarely answered correctly by the less advanced readers.
6. Test Strategies: Test-takers often look at the internet to learn about test-taking strategies. However, one must understand that not all strategies work for everyone and every test. For instance, some sections of the OET clearly recommend that candidates DO NOT skim or scan the text. Knowing where to use which technique is as important as knowing the technique itself.
7. Cognitive Load: This is one of the most overlooked aspects of the test. Cognitive load refers to processing effort needed to understand an language. This extra load on the brain can lead to quicker fatigue and reduced comprehension. The easiest way to tackle cognitive load is to slowly start reading simple texts and go on towards increasingly complex texts.

These factors combine to make reading comprehension a particularly challenging section for non-native speakers. Effective preparation for non-native speakers often involves not only improving language skills but also familiarizing themselves with test formats and developing specific strategies to handle the types of reading and questions they will encounter.

To do this, we heartily recommend you to attend a free session with First Academy, where our experienced trainers who have also authored books on OET will help you tackle the test!

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