Mastering OET Listening Part A: Strategies for Success
OET Listening Part A tests your ability to identify specific information during healthcare consultations. In this section, you’ll listen to two recordings and complete note-completion tasks.
OET Listening Part A Format
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Number of extracts: 2 recorded consultations (each around 5 minutes).
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Questions: 12 note-completion questions (gap fill) per recording (24 in total).
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Task: Fill in the healthcare professional’s notes with the exact words or short phrases you hear.
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Skills assessed: Ability to pick out details such as symptoms, medical history, and treatment plans.
Strategies for OET Listening Part A
Use these techniques to improve accuracy:
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Use the 30-second preparation time wisely: Skim the 12 questions to predict what type of information you’ll hear.
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Listen for keywords and synonyms: The exact wording may differ, so focus on meaning, not just matching words.
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Write answers exactly as heard: Don’t paraphrase — only use the words from the recording.
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Check spelling and grammar: Small mistakes can cost marks if they change meaning. Make sure you practice your spelling especially connected to words patients use to describe symptoms (twinge, buzzing, fluttering, etc.)
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Practise active listening: Healthcare documentaries and mock consultations are excellent training tools. One excellent free resource is 'GPs Behind Closed Doors', a documentary about UK hospitals, because many episodes are available free on YouTube: GPs Behind Closed Doors.
Building Stronger Listening Skills
Improving your general listening will boost your OET performance:
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Train with different accents: The OET uses speakers from a variety of English-speaking countries.
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Expand your medical vocabulary: A wider knowledge of terms helps you follow consultations quickly.
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Practise note-taking: Write down key ideas while listening to increase accuracy under exam pressure.
Regular, focused practice will make Listening Part A feel much easier.
✅ Join Our Free OET Course
Ready practice the OET exam? Our free OET Course which includes:
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Live demonstration classes on Zoom
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Video lessons explaining strategies step by step
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Advice and tips on key parts of the OET Exam