FAQ

Reading sub-test FAQs

1. How are marks for the Reading sub-test distributed?

There is a total of 42 marks available in the Reading sub-test, Part A accounts for 20 marks, Part B
accounts for 6 marks and Part C accounts for 16 marks.

2. Where do I write my answers for the Reading sub-test?

In Part A you should write your answers clearly in the spaces given in the question booklet.

In Part B and Part C, you must shade the circle next to the appropriate answer. Answers written
elsewhere in your booklet will not be marked.

It is a good idea to use the sample tests to familiarise yourself with the different task formats you
might find in the test.

3. Do I have time to check my answers for the Reading sub-test?

You will not be given extra time at the end of the sub-test to check your answers, and it is up to you
to manage your time. The test is designed so that the time available is enough for you to read,
choose your answers, and check your work.

Please remember that there is a strict time limit for Part A (the expeditious reading task), and Part A
materials will be collected from you after 15 minutes. You will therefore not have any time to check
your Part A answers later in the test.

4. Do my answers have to use the same words as given in the texts?

Yes, in Part A you must use exactly the same form of the word or short phrase as given in the four
texts.

5. Can I use abbreviations in the Reading sub-test?

Abbreviations are not accepted in the Reading sub-test unless they appear in the texts.

6. Do I lose marks for spelling mistakes?

Yes, you must use correct spelling in the Reading sub-test to get the marks. Responses that are not
spelled correctly will not receive any marks. American and British English spelling variations are
accepted, e.g., foetus and fetus are both acceptable. Please note that the Reading sub-test is
different from the Listening sub-test in the way misspellings are treated.

7. How many questions do I need to get correct for the Reading sub-test?

New reading tests are written for each test session incorporating new material and the grade
boundaries are adjusted slightly for each test to allow for minor differences in the difficulty of items
included in that particular version. The number of marks needed to secure grade B will therefore
vary. However, test-takers awarded grade B (a scale score of 350) will typically have a score of at
least 30 mark

8. Is reading sub-test in OET same for all professions?

For all the professionals, reading and listening test would just be the same. But with respect to other
sub-tests such as writing and speaking they will be different or all professions.
 9. Does the order in which I write the answers matter?

Part A should be completed first as those answer sheets will be collect after 15 minutes from the
commencement of the exam.

Also, I advise you to do questions (1-7 questions) first, as they will help you to gain an
understanding of the content within each text and you will be able to do scanning effectively for
other 2 tasks in part A.

Part B and C can be completed as per your convenience as those answer sheet comes together, but
it is advised to move on to part C after completing part B