How I Scored 480 in OET Listening Part A | Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before (2025)

author Dr Nasir Bukhari

- Aug 21, 2025 - 7 min read - 1k Likes

📌 Complete Guide – Must Watch the Video First

How I Scored 480 in OET Listening Part A – Hacks You’ve Never Heard Before

OET Listening Part A is where many candidates struggle. With only a few minutes to capture key details, the section feels intense, fast-paced, and overwhelming. But here’s the truth: once you know the hidden tricks, this part becomes your easiest scoring opportunity.

When I sat the test, I was stuck below 400. No matter how much I practiced, I kept missing answers. Then I discovered unique strategies that most OET teachers never mention. Using these hacks, I pushed my score to 480 in OET Listening Part A.

Here’s how you can do it too 👇


✅ Why Part A Is Difficult

  • You must capture specific information in a short time.
  • The audio uses medical terms + synonyms.
  • You can’t pause or repeat, so focus is critical.
  • Distractors often sound correct but are designed to confuse.

✅ My Exact Strategy for Part A

  1. Active Prediction Before Audio Starts
    Quickly scan the notes/questions and guess the type of word you’ll need (date, number, medical term, symptom, etc.).
  2. Keyword + Paraphrasing Awareness
    If the notes say “diagnosis”, the speaker may say “identified as”. Always expect synonyms.
  3. Don’t Panic If You Miss One
    Keep moving forward. Getting stuck will make you miss 2–3 more answers.
  4. Write Short, Clear Notes
    Don’t waste time writing full sentences. Abbreviations save time (BP for blood pressure, DM for diabetes).
  5. Mindset Hack
    Treat Part A like a patient consultation — listen as if you’re gathering case notes in real life.

✅ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Writing full sentences → wastes time.
❌ Matching exact words → OET always paraphrases.
❌ Freezing when one answer is missed.
❌ Ignoring the structure of the consultation (symptoms → diagnosis → treatment).


✅ Hidden Hacks That Got Me 480

  • Most answers appear in order — don’t jump around.
  • Speakers often stress key words with tone or emphasis.
  • If unsure, write something — blank answers cost you marks.
  • Practice with authentic OET audios, not random listening exercises.

📌 Final Advice

These OET Listening Part A Tips 2025 are simple but extremely powerful. If you apply them, you’ll see an immediate boost in your practice scores — and like me, you can move from struggling to hitting 480+.


👉 Want FREE OET Guidance & Premium Courses?

💬 Share your Listening struggles in the comments — I’ll personally guide you!

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    Many OET candidates find speaking and writing tests challenging as they involve actively producing English, unlike the more passive tasks of reading and listening.

    Most boards and councils mandate a minimum score of 350 in each of the four sub-tests. Always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant governing bodies or the Official OET site to ensure compliance.

    Doctors must score a minimum of 350 grades under the OET program to practice medicine abroad.

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