Onerous OET:An ESP-ELT Lens on Healthcare Industry’s Toughest Subtest

Authors

  • Divya S. Hariharan PhD Research Scholar, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala https://orcid.org/0009-0003-4513-044X
  • Dr. Tania Mary Vivera Associate Professor and Head, Department of English, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala

Keywords:

ESP, OET, ELT, ESP, OET, ELT, Healthcare Communication

Abstract

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a high-stakes, ESP-based (English for Specific Purposes) international English language proficiency test for healthcare professionals. Many candidates from Kerala, however, face persistent challenges in meeting the required scores. Drawing on both ESP and ELT (English Language Teaching) approaches, this study follows Creswell’s (2008) explanatory sequential mixed methods design-beginning with a survey to identify the most difficult OET subtest, followed by semi structured interviews to explore the underlying reasons behind. Quantitative findings indicate that reading poses the greatest challenge, followed by listening. Qualitative interviews uncover the difficulties related to time management, comprehension of technical passages, and understanding accented speech under timed conditions. These insights underscore the need for tailored, ESP-ELT-informed learner-focused strategies to enhance reading and listening skills among OET candidates. This research offers practical implications for ELT practitioners working with healthcare professionals preparing for the OET

Author Biographies

  • Divya S. Hariharan, PhD Research Scholar, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala

    First Author: Divya S. Hariharan ELTAI -A120240041 & E24M00651

     I am Divya S. Hariharan, PhD Research Scholar at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala with a strong focus on English Language Teaching. My experience working as a TESOL certified Occupational English Test trainer and my research work in the same domain reflect my dedication to advancing the field of English language teaching and training.

    Through my research, I aim to contribute to novel pedagogical methodologies and effective language acquisition strategies impacting both educators and leaners in the ELT domain.

    Presented papers in National and International Conferences at EFLU, Hyderabad and Christ College Irinjalakuda, Kerala.

  • Dr. Tania Mary Vivera , Associate Professor and Head, Department of English, St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala

    Second Author: Dr. Tania Mary Vivera [ELTAI No-E24M01056]

    Dr. Tania Mary Vivera is Head of English Department at St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, Kerala. She has 14 years of teaching experience and is a research guide at Mahatma Gandhi university. Her research interests include experimental literature, multimodal studies, gender studies and cognitive narratology.

    She has published in various international peer reviewed and UGC CARE listed journals such as IUP Journal of English Studies, International Journal of Mind, Brain and Cognition and Research Journal of English Language and Literature.

    She has presented high impact research articles at national and international conferences including Malaysia and United Kingdom.

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Published

01-07-2025

Data Availability Statement

The data that supports the findings of the study is available on request.

Issue

Vol. 67 No. 4 (2025): July-August

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

S Hariharan, D., & Vivera, T. M. . (2025). Onerous OET:An ESP-ELT Lens on Healthcare Industry’s Toughest Subtest. Journal of English Language Teaching, 67(4), 14-20. https://journals.eltai.in/jelt/article/view/JELT670403

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