OET Reading Part B practice: workplace messages

Reading Part B: interpret workplace messages

A booking reminder, a handover rule and a repair notice can all mention a time. Read what each message asks staff to do before choosing an answer.

Original practice material written by OETify.

The emails, instructions and notices describe invented procedures.

By the OETify editorial team.

Six workplace extracts

Reading Part B has 6 extracts with 1 three-option question each. In the test, Parts B and C share 45 minutes, with no separate time for Part B. These extracts are shorter than in the test, so treat them as a focused drill.

Extract 1: clinic booking email

The reminder system now sends messages 2 days before appointments. Staff should still telephone patients whose records show that text messages are unsuitable. Do not replace those calls with the automated reminder. If a contact number has changed, update the record before asking the system to resend a message.

Extract 2: ward handover instruction

At shift change, the outgoing nurse names the colleague responsible for each outstanding action. Listing an unfinished action without an owner is insufficient. The incoming colleague confirms that they have accepted it. Urgent changes must be communicated directly before the routine written handover is completed.

Extract 3: equipment repair notice

One portable monitor has a damaged charging socket. It has been labelled and removed from the ward cupboard. Other monitors remain available after the normal equipment check. Staff finding similar damage should remove that unit from use and report its asset number to the equipment team.

Extract 4: training-room sign

The skills room is booked for induction from 10am until noon on Thursday. Staff may use it for individual practice before 10am. Equipment must be returned to its marked position by 9:45am so the induction tutor can check the room. Access after noon depends on the afternoon bookings.

Extract 5: laboratory collection update

The usual afternoon specimen collection will run at 3pm today instead of 4pm. Prepare routine specimens for the earlier collection. If a specimen misses that collection, contact the laboratory about transport. The urgent specimen pathway continues unchanged; it does not depend on the routine van.

Extract 6: community visit memo

The team will trial a new visit sheet on Monday. Record the agreed next action in the box below each visit entry. During the trial, keep using the current electronic record as well. Feedback should identify where the sheet causes extra work, rather than simply stating which version staff prefer.

Select the meaning of each extract

Answer every question, then select Check my answers.

1. What is the main point of Extract 1? A. Some patients still need a telephone reminder from staff. B. Automated messages now replace all telephone reminders. C. Messages are resent when a patient misses an appointment.

2. Who must confirm acceptance of an outstanding action under Extract 2? A. The outgoing nurse who lists the action. B. The incoming colleague named for the action. C. The colleague who communicates the urgent changes.

3. What information does Extract 3 ask staff to report after withdrawing a damaged unit? A. The replacement part number for its socket. B. The location of the cupboard where it was stored. C. The asset number identifying the unit.

4. According to Extract 4, by what time must practice equipment be back in position? A. 10am, when induction begins. B. 9:45am, before the tutor checks. C. Noon, when induction finishes.

5. According to Extract 5, what should staff do if a routine specimen misses today's collection? A. Ask the laboratory about transport. B. Prepare it for the usual 4pm van. C. Send it through the urgent specimen pathway.

6. What does Extract 6 ask staff to report during the visit-sheet trial? A. Where the new sheet records information more clearly. B. Which of the two recording systems they prefer. C. Where the new sheet adds work to recording visits.

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Sources

OET Test Handbook 2026 (OET)

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