Do you want to know the secret to passing
OET listening B? Then watch this video to find out more.
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There are 3 parts to the listening paper and today we are going to focus on listening B where
you hear 6 different dialogues or monologues with 3 option multiple choice questions to complete.
In listening B, each audio lasts about 1 minute and before you listen, there is 15 seconds
reading time. Each audio can be a monologue or a dialogue around any of the 12 professions.
The context of the consultation will always be provided and read out on the audio, for example,
question 25, you hear a patient talking to a dental receptionist.
You then have about 15 seconds to read after the context has been read
and the audios are approximately 1 minute long. Each extract will be unrelated and on a different
topic and setting. There will be different types of questions to answer, for example,
gist, detail and course of action. You will need to listen and choose the answer which best fits.
So what can you do to be successful in listening B? Let’s take a look at the strategies to use.
Use the 15 seconds pre-listening time effectively.
Read the context, understand the question, and underline keywords in the questions and options.
It’s also vital that you listen to all of the audio before choosing an option.
So, let’s put it into practice. We can see here from the context that we will
hear a patient talking to a dental receptionist and the focus of what we
listen for should be about how the patient feels. If we look at the keywords in the answer options,
we know we have to listen for if the patient is worried that he may have damaged a filling,
disappointed he can’t be seen immediately, and nervous
about being treated by a different dentist. Do you want to try? Listen to the audio and
listen out for links to question and the 3 options - choose the answer a, b or c.
Okay, and the correct answer is A. We can see that the patient says the pain started when I was
eating a steak and I am frightened I might have upset Mr Garcia’s work. The answer is paraphrased,
but we know how the patient is feeling and why. We can see that option B is incorrect, because
no disappointment is expressed about being seen tomorrow. And option C is incorrect, because, when
suggested that he see Mr Garcia’s colleague, he says That would be ok, so he isn’t feeling nervous.
Have another try, let’s look at another example together.
So read the context and understand the questions,
underline keywords and then listen to all of the audio before choosing an option.
Okay, so read the context, understand the question, underline keywords, and remember
you need to listen to all of the audio before choosing an option. Are you ready? Let’s listen.
So which answer did you choose? A, B or C? The correct answer is B.
The speaker acknowledges that she has heard the raised concerns and then goes
onto explain what has been put into place so that their workloads won’t be added to.
It’s not option A, as she is not detailing the benefits. She says you’re probably aware
and does not go into the further benefits. Option C is also incorrect, because she is
not explaining steps they should take to avoid problems, but she talks about what
has been put in place to avoid problems, not that extra options need to be taken by them.
So how can you prepare for listening part B?
Let’s take a look of some things you can do in your self-study time.
Practice speed reading so you can use the 15 seconds pre listening time effectively.
When preparing, practice listening for gist and detail. Listen for the main idea,
and make notes on the details. Use transcripts to improve your vocabulary, for example common
verbs from listening B or practise Identifying signposting links to the question or options.
And you can use a range of training videos online to help you practise .
Let’s recap my top tips for listening B.
Use the 15 seconds pre-listening time to understand the questions and answer options.
Always keep the question in mind when listening as it is not enough for an option to be mentioned,
it must answer the question. Be careful of distractors. All the keywords must fit,
and listen to the whole audio before choosing your answer to succeed in the OET exam!
I'd like to know what resources you've been using to practice your OET listening, let me know in the
comments below. And if you like this video please like and share with your friends and colleagues
so we can help more people achieve success in the OET exam. Don't forget to check out our website,
the link's below, to see how we can help you with your preparation, see you next time, bye!