Students think the OET listening task is difficult for multiple reasons, for example: “The speakers talk too quickly!” or “I can’t write fast enough!” or “It’s so hard to think about spelling and grammar whilst listening!”, etc.

Below are a few simple tips to help you score maximum marks:
1.    SKIM through the questions and get a general idea of the topic at the time given at the start
2.    UNDERLINE and listen out for the key words of each question so you can listen out for them during the dialogue
3.    PREDICT some answers if you can – e.g. if the question says “What risk factors are mentioned by the speaker for cardiovascular disease?”
4.    WRITE concise phrases instead of full sentences
•    For instance, “runny nose” instead of “he had a runny nose”
5.    DO use common abbreviations such as:
•    “HR” for heart rate
•    “SOB” for shortness of breath
•    Arrows to indicate INCREASE or DECREASE
•    Check the OET website for what abbreviations are allowed!
6.    USE your own abbreviations (for example, ‘yrs’ instead of ‘years’) then correct them when you have time later
7.    WRITE as you listen – and work on improving this!
8.    DON’T try to rephrase what is being said as this will waste time
9.    FIX up spelling, grammar and tenseduring the pauses between the questions, and during the time given at the end of the task
10.    MOVE on to the next question if you realise you have missed one, then go back and GUESS an answer if you can
11.    PRACTISE as much as you can!!!!!

-Carol L, OET Teacher