OET Reading: 42 questions in 60 minutes
The Reading sub-test is the same for every profession. Part A is a race against 15 minutes; Parts B and C test careful reading of workplace and longer texts. Here is the format and how to practise.
In short
- Part A: four short texts, 20 questions, a strict 15 minutes. Then Parts B and C together in 45 minutes.
- Part B has six workplace extracts, one question each; Part C has two long texts with 16 questions.
- The test is the same for all professions. Grade B is 350 out of 500.
The OET Reading sub-test in 30 seconds
| Part A | 4 short texts on one topic, 20 questions, 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Part B | 6 short workplace extracts, 1 question each |
| Part C | 2 longer texts, 8 questions each |
| Time | 60 minutes: 15 for Part A, 45 for Parts B and C |
| Questions | 42, the same test for every profession |
| Grade B | 350 out of 500 |
Where we see marks lost
From the work students send us, not from OET.
- Reading Part A texts in full instead of scanning for the one that holds the answer.
- Misspelt answers in Part A, which count as wrong.
- Choosing a Part C option because it repeats words from the text.
Practise free now
- OET Reading Strategies: free sample chapterFree
A chapter of our Reading book, free to download.
The course
21-Day OET Reading Challenge
One lesson a day for 21 days, with timed Part A sets, Part B extracts and longer Part C texts.
- Part A scanning against the clock
- Part B: purpose, gist and the trap options
- Part C: opinion, paraphrase and reference words
$25
Lesson pages behind your own sign-in, a daily email, and a PDF to keep.
See the course Or all four skills for $59Practise more
- OET Reading Strategies (book)$12
Every question type, with worked examples and the traps.
- OET Reading Mock Tests 1 and 2$10
Two full tests of 42 questions, timed and marked at once.
- OET Reading Mock Tests 3 and 4$10
Two more full tests, for the last weeks before the test.
Mock tests marked at once
Each mock test is sat online against the clock. You see your marks out of 42, by part and by question type, with an explanation for every question.
By profession
Reading is the same test for every profession, so one course and one set of mocks serves everyone. Your profession matters for Writing and Speaking.
OET Reading: questions
How long is the OET Reading sub-test?+
60 minutes. Part A has a strict 15 minutes and is collected at the end. Parts B and C share the remaining 45 minutes.
How many questions are in OET Reading?+
42: 20 in Part A, 6 in Part B and 16 in Part C, across two long texts of 8 questions each.
Is OET Reading different for nurses and doctors?+
No. Reading and Listening are the same for all professions. Only Writing and Speaking are set for your profession.
Does spelling count in OET Reading Part A?+
Yes. Part A answers are words or short phrases from the texts, and a misspelt answer is marked wrong.
How can I practise OET Reading?+
Start with timed Part A sets, because 15 minutes goes fast. Then sit full mock tests of 42 questions and study the explanation for every answer you got wrong.
The other sub-tests