A notice that permits an action does not necessarily require it. Missing that distinction can make an answer look convincing simply because it repeats the right topic words.
The workplace-reading mistakes chapter in Read, Understand, Succeed – OET Reading for Nurses highlights qualifiers such as “may,” “must” and “only.” This original exercise develops that close-reading skill.
Separate the action from its status
First identify what staff can or should do. Then check whether the instruction presents it as optional, compulsory or conditional. The same activity can appear in each type of statement with a different meaning.
Fictional training-room notice
Staff may use Room B for individual study when no workshop is scheduled. Group bookings must be arranged through the education office. The room is unavailable after 6 pm.
Read the restriction with the permission
Individual study is permitted only within the stated availability. The notice does not require all staff to study there. It also distinguishes individual use from group bookings, so the booking instruction should not automatically be applied to every visit.
Check these interpretations
“All individual study must take place in Room B.” Unsupported: permission has become a requirement.
“Groups must arrange bookings through the education office.” Supported directly.
“Staff may use the room whenever they wish.” Incorrect: workshop use and the evening cutoff limit access.
Check every part of the answer
An option can begin accurately and end with an unsupported condition. Underline the action, person and restriction separately. Each part should fit the notice.
For your next practice extract, write a plain-language version of the rule before comparing answer options. Keep words such as “only” when they carry a real restriction; do not assume that strong wording is always wrong. The evidence determines the answer.
Explore OET Reading — Course 5 to see the course outline, current availability and enrolment options. Use the worked exercise above to identify a skill you would like to practise next.
Your next step
OET Reading — Course 5
Explore the complete course outline and related practice topics.
Source: OET READING NURSE 010.epub, Jobins Training. Examples labelled original or illustrative were written for this article. Independent exam preparation; no affiliation with or endorsement by the examining body. Practice does not predict an official score.