Do phrases like “bigger fish to fry,” “the be-all and end-all,” or “nipped in the bud” make you pause mid-reading? For many OET candidates, Reading becomes difficult not because of medical terms, but because of idioms and fixed expressions that hide meaning beneath the surface. While test-takers spend hours memorising clinical vocabulary, it is phraseology, idiomatic language and set expressions that quietly derails performance, especially in Parts B and C.
The frustration grows when you understand every word, yet still miss the intended meaning of the sentence.
Unlock idioms and phrases in OET Reading
The OET does not test literal comprehension alone. It assesses your ability to interpret meaning, tone, and implication—the very skills idioms demand.
Healthcare texts frequently include expressions such as “a far cry from,” “the elephant in the room,” or “out of the woods.” Candidates who attempt to interpret these word-for-word often misunderstand the writer’s stance, leading to incorrect answers.
Unfortunately, most learners don’t realise that idioms and phrases require targeted training, not casual exposure. This is where conventional OET preparation often falls short.
Phraseology Jam, The Secret to Cracking Idioms: OET reading with Suchitra G
Phraseology Jam is a signature session of our academy, which is designed to tackle idiomatic language head-on. ThroughPhraseology Jam sessions, our reading expert Suchitra G trains candidates to:
• Understand how idioms function in context
• Recognise shifts in meaning based on tone and intent
• Identify how idioms are paraphrased in questions and answer options
This is the missing skill set that separates hesitant readers from confident, strategic ones.
Phraseology Jam: Where meaning goes beyond words
Most programmes treat idioms as side notes. We treat them as a core OET Reading skill.
• Context-Based Learning: Idioms are taught using real OET-style healthcare texts, not isolated lists.
• Paraphrase Awareness: Students learn how an expression in the text may appear reworded in the question or options.
• Trap Recognition: Candidates practise spotting distractors designed to mislead literal readers.
The result? Faster reading, clearer interpretation, and smarter elimination of wrong answers.
Read with Confidence, Not Confusion
When idioms stop intimidating you, OET Reading becomes sharper, calmer, and more strategic. Phraseology Jam transforms idioms from obstacles into tools—helping candidates break free from the phraseology trap and take control of Parts B and C.
Join Tiju’s Academy and experience the signature sessions, such as phraseology Jam. Let our reading expert, Suchitra G, guide you through
every step of the reading process until you are ready to ace the exam.
We don’t just teach you what idioms mean; we teach you how OET uses them.
