OET/R-001
Reading Part A
Task information
• Part A tests your ability to skim, scan and • There are three sets of questions. The first
record set is al
information quickly and accurately. multiple matching task where you have to
• You read four short texts (A-D) typically identity
encountered in the medical workplace on the in which text certain pieces of information are
same located.
topic, usually a medical condition or • The other two sets of questions (short
procedure. answer
• Each text addresses a different aspect of questions and sentence completion) ask you
the to
topic, and at least one text will be graphical, find specific information within the texts.
for • For these sets of questions, each answer /
example, a table, graph, or flow chart, piece
• The texts can contain a variety of of missing information is a precise word or
information, such short
as dosages, how to administer medication, phrase in one of the texts.
what • You have 15 minutes to answer 20
advice to give patients, symptoms and risk questions.
factors.
Skimming: identifying types of information in the four texts
Before you read the first set of questions, skim-read the texts to familiarise yourself
with them so that you have a 'map' in your head of what type of information each
Contains.
1 Read the following statements about skim-reading and put a tick (V) if they are
correct and cross (X) if they are incorrect.
1 You use it to get an in-depth understanding of the text.
2. You use it to get a general idea of the subject and purpose of a text.
3 You use it to find specific words that you are looking for.
4 You need to read the text slowly and carefully to ensure you understand
every word.
5 You focus on text features, such as format, structure, title, headings and
sub-headings, graphical information, bold or highlighted information.
6 For a paragraph or paragraphs of text, you move your eyes both
horizontally and vertically across the text to find what you need.
2 Look at Text A on the subject of inflammatory bowel disease on the opposite
page. Quickly skim read the text (30 seconds). Think of a title or heading to
describe its overall content.
Text A
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that lead to chronic,
relapsing intestinal inflammation. The two main types are:
Ulcerative colitis (UC): causes prolonged inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the colon and rectum
Crohn's disease (CD): characterised by inflammation of the digestive tract lining. Often extends
deep into affected tissues.
Symptoms include: diarrhoea, fever, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, rectal bleeding, reduced
appetite,
unintended weight loss
Treatment aims to relieve and prevent recurrence of symptoms and includes:
Dietary and lifestyle changes:
● smaller and more frequent meals
● soft, bland foods & avoidance of trigger foods (fatty, fried, spicy, fibre-rich and dairy)
● stress management - relaxation therapies such as meditation
● adequate sleep & regular exercise
Medication:
● aminosalicylates or mesalazines
● immunosuppressants eg. steroids or azathioprine
● biologics
● antibiotics
Surgery: Approximately 25% of IBD patients will require surgery. Common reasons include poor
reaction to medication or nutritional treatment, strictures in the intestine and abscesses or fistulas.
Text B
Classification of ulcerative colitis by severity
Symptoms Severe Mild
frequent defecation > 6 times daily < 4 times daily
fever 37.5 °C or higher absent
tachycardia 90/min or more absent
anaemia Hb 10g/d| or less absent
erythrocyte sedimentation rate 30 mm/h or more normal
(ESR)
3 Now look at the topic box below. Look at Text A again and also Text B which has
a title. Skim read the texts to identify which of the topics are included in each.
Medication types dosages risk factors types of treatment patient assessment
administration diagnosis symptoms definitions
types of condition side-effects investigations (contra)indications
patient advice surgical
Text A topics:.............................................................................................................................................
Text B topics: ………………………………………………………………………………………………
4 Look at the following Part A multiple-matching questions and focus on the
underlined words. Match the words to the alternative ways they could be
expressed. In which text can you find information about:
a) types or varieties
b) dietary and/or lifestyle changes
c) severity
……………..
1 how to assess the seriousness of an IBD?
..……………
2 definitions of the different kinds of IBD?
3 recommended daily routine adjustments ……………..
for IBD patients.
5 Look again at the questions in Exercise 4. Decide in which text (A or B) you are
most likely to find the answer. Then scan-read the text to confirm your ideas.
