Reading C: Explain it to me like I'm five years old

Today my student sighed, "Part C is so confusing." However, by using paraphrasing and guesswork, she started to understand how to find the right answer.

Many people believe that the way to answer a multiple-choice question is by steadily eliminating the incorrect options after reading the question and text.

What is the problem with just using this elimination approach?

It encourages you to simply ‘spot words’ rather than think about what the words mean altogether.

Also, the elimination-only approach leads you to look at two answer options that both seem to be represented in the text. But you cannot really say how they are different and why one is a better fit than the other. A better approach is paraphrasing what you’ve read.

Paraphrasing relevant sections

Once you’ve found relevant sections, paraphrase it. Paraphrasing means ‘Explain it to me like I’m five years old’. By doing this you get confident with the true meaning of the text. If there is a word you cannot explain simply, then assign a ‘for now’ meaning. That is also called ‘taking a guess’. Children do this all the time. You can too.

Guessing

One of the most useful skills in OET is making an intelligent guess based on reasonable knowledge of the language and the situation. Guessing is something we do all the time in life, based on our understanding of how the world works. In OET, you need to guess because if the answer lies in a word or phrase you don't know, you might ignore it. You ignore a word that you do not understand ‘to save time’. However, the word you ignore might be relevant.

In tutorials, I teach you how to decide when to guess.

Think, "I believe this word is key to the answer and I don’t know it, so let’s substitute another word."

By paraphrasing and guessing, you are likelier to understand the text more deeply. Understanding more deeply means you get the right answer.

Benefits of Working with an Experienced OET Tutor

Understanding Part C of the OET exam can be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering paraphrasing and making educated guesses. These skills are crucial for success, but they can be difficult to develop on your own. That’s where personalized tutoring can make a significant difference. As an experienced OET tutor, I can provide you with the tailored guidance and support you need to excel in these areas. By working together, we can create a customized study plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you build confidence in your abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about how tutoring can benefit you, I invite you to book a free discovery call with me. Let's work together to achieve your OET goals.