Listening is the first sub-test on Test Day

Nerves! What would taking the OET Listening sub-test be without them?

You are likely to feel your most nervous before the OET Listening sub-test starts. It’s really important you are aware of this and take steps to reduce this. You don’t want your nerves affecting your performance.

These tips will help you relax as much as possible and be ready to listen.

Before you listen:

1. Have everything you need on your table in front of you

If taking OET on paper, take more than one pen or pencil so you can easily swap what you are writing with if you need to, during the test. Don’t waste time sharpening pencils: take a bunch of them, ready-sharpened.

2. Focus

When the audio starts, the voice will read out the instructions printed on the front of the answer booklet. Read this information as it is said.

It is a really effective way to focus your concentration on what you’re about to do. Plus, this information includes the context to the audio, which will also help you to focus on what you are about to hear.

3. Skim at the start

During the thirty seconds you have to read the questions for the first extract, skim quickly through all of the contents to get a general overview of the consultation. Then, return to the top and read the first few notes containing gaps. You can underline keywords if you wish but, most importantly, you should read the information you are given carefully so you know what to expect.

4. Repeat for Parts B and C

In the reading time, focus mostly on the question and what information it is asking you to listen for. As you listen, you might like to cross off the different incorrect answer options as you hear them so that you are confident that the remaining answer is the correct one.

If taking OET on computer, you can do this by right clicking the mouse.

As you listen and at the end of the OET Listening test:

1. Make sure you indicate the answers for Parts B and C correctly.

It's extremely important to follow the instructions for each part of the test. Parts B and C are computer marked and, for OET on paper, only shaded answers (like the example provided on the front of your question booklet) are accepted. If taking OET on computer or @Home, make sure you select your answers with a left click. 

2. Answer all questions

A guess is better than nothing, so always try to write something down or choose an option for each question.

Following these tips should help you perform your best on test day. For more information, check out the OET Listening sub-test page.