OET Reading Answer Elimination: The Ultimate Guide with Real Example
OET Reading Answer Elimination: The Ultimate Guide with Real Example
Are you struggling to choose the correct answer in OET Reading, especially when options seem confusing or similar? Mastering the answer elimination strategy can dramatically boost your accuracy and confidence. Here’s how to use this method, step by step, with a real OET-style example.
What Is the Elimination Method in OET Reading?
Answer elimination means systematically removing answer choices that are clearly wrong, so you increase your chances of selecting the right answer-even if you’re unsure at first. This is especially effective for multiple-choice questions in Parts B and C, where distractors are designed to test your attention to detail and comprehension.
Why Use Answer Elimination?
- Reduces guesswork: Improves your odds even when you’re unsure.
- Saves time: Quickly dismissing wrong options helps you move faster.
- Increases accuracy: Prevents you from being misled by tricky or extreme options.
Step-by-Step Elimination Strategy
1. Read the Question Carefully
Understand exactly what is being asked before looking at the options.
2. Scan for Key Information
Use eye-spotting techniques to locate relevant information in the text. Focus on keywords, numbers, and main ideas.
3. Eliminate Absolute or Extreme Options
Look for words like “always,” “never,” “all,” or “only.” These are rarely correct in OET Reading.
4. Remove Clearly Wrong or Irrelevant Answers
Discard options that contradict the passage or introduce unrelated ideas.
5. Check for Precise Language and Grammar
Eliminate options that are grammatically incorrect or don’t fit the context.
6. Watch for Paraphrasing Traps
Don’t be fooled by options that repeat words from the text but change the meaning.
7. Compare Remaining Options
If you’re left with two similar choices, pick the one directly supported by the text.
8. Make an Educated Guess if Needed
If you still can’t decide, choose the answer that best fits the context and move on.
Practical Tips for OET Reading Elimination
- On computer: Use the highlight or strikeout tools to mark eliminated options.
- On paper: Cross out or underline eliminated options to keep your focus clear.
- Skip and return: If unsure, skip the question and come back later.
- Don’t overuse: Use elimination as a last resort, not your main strategy.
Real OET Reading Example: Answer Elimination in Action
Sample Text (Healthcare Memo):
Memo to Hospital Staff: Nutrition Screening
This is to remind staff of the importance of nutrition screening to identify problems which may go unrecognised and, therefore, remain untreated during the patient’s hospital stay. Nutrition screening should occur on admission and then weekly during the patient’s episode of care; at least monthly in slower stream facilities; or if the patient’s clinical condition changes. All patients should have their weight and height documented on admission, and weight should continue to be recorded at least weekly. Patients whose score is ‘at risk’ on a validated screening tool or whose clinical condition is such that their treating team identifies them as at risk of malnutrition should be referred to a dietitian for a full nutrition assessment and nutrition support as appropriate.
Sample Question:
The memo says failure to screen a patient for malnutrition may result in:
A. a change in overall health.
B. a prolonged stay at the care facility.
C. care providers being unaware of an issue.
How to Eliminate:
- A. a change in overall health.
- Too vague. The memo doesn’t directly mention general health changes.
- B. a prolonged stay at the care facility.
- Not mentioned. The memo doesn’t say anything about length of stay.
- C. care providers being unaware of an issue.
- Directly supported. The memo says, “nutrition screening to identify problems which may go unrecognised and, therefore, remain untreated during the patient’s hospital stay.”
Correct Answer:
C. care providers being unaware of an issue.
Common Elimination Patterns
| Elimination Cue | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Absolute language | Usually eliminate |
| Grammatically incorrect | Eliminate |
| Contradicts the passage | Eliminate |
| Not mentioned in text | Eliminate |
| Paraphrased but altered | Often eliminate |
| Two similar options | Compare with passage, choose supported one |
Final Tips
- Always base elimination on evidence from the text-not just intuition.
- Be cautious with extreme or absolute language in answer choices.
- Practice elimination techniques during your OET Reading preparation to build speed and confidence.
Summary:
The elimination method is a vital tool for OET Reading success. Use it to discard extreme, irrelevant, or unsupported options, and always favor answers directly backed by the text. With practice, elimination will help you answer more questions accurately and efficiently.
Need more OET Reading strategies and practice? Explore our full collection at englishey.com.
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