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英語の練習

OET Reading Part B:職員向け通知の対象・許可・例外を正しく読む方法

Two colleagues sit at a table and read together; one points at a tablet while the other holds a document.

OET Reading Part Bの通知、メール、方針の抜粋の問題の解き方:誰が動くべきか、mustとmayの違い、only afterとunless、本文を誇張した選択肢。B2以上の看護師・医師向け。

OET Reading Part Bでは、通知、メール、方針の抜粋など医療の職場の短い文章を6つ読み、それぞれ3択の問題に1問ずつ答えます。多くの問題は小さな語で決まります。メッセージが誰に向けたものか、何かが義務なのか許可にすぎないのか、何が確認の後にだけ変わるのか、どんな例外が当てはまるのか、です。誤りの選択肢はたいてい本文より一歩踏み込んでいるので、まず読み手と行動を見つけ、次にすべての制限を確かめましょう。この記事は、英語が中上級(B2)以上の看護師と医師を対象にしています。

この記事が向いている人

  • Part Bの文章は一文ずつ理解できるのに、誤った選択肢を選んでしまう看護師・医師。
  • 職員が何をしなければならないかを問われると、must、should、may、do not need toで迷う受験者。
  • 自分でも職員向けのメッセージを書き、対象の人に確実に動いてほしい専門職。
  • まだ早い:Part Aで細部を探すのにまだ時間がかかるなら、Part Aのガイドから始めましょう(下のリンク)。
  • 簡単すぎる:Part Bの解答がすでに安定しているなら、Part Cの筆者の意見に進みましょう(下のリンク)。

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単語カード

Personal · your inbox

How many work messages do you receive on a typical day? How do you decide which ones to read carefully?

Useful: ‘I usually get around…’ · ‘I always read… first.’ · ‘If a message starts with…, I tend to…’

Personal · a missed message

Have you ever missed or misread an important message? What happened, and what would have prevented it?

Useful: ‘I didn’t realise that it applied to me until…’ · ‘It would have helped if…’ · ‘Since then, I…’

Professional practice · writing to colleagues

When you write to colleagues, how do you make sure the right people act and the others do not waste their time?

Useful: ‘I always make it clear who…’ · ‘I put the action in…’ · ‘I try not to…, unless…’

Big idea · information and attention

Is the constant flow of information in modern workplaces making people better informed, or simply less attentive?

Useful: ‘There’s a difference between having information and…’ · ‘I’d argue that…’ · ‘On balance, …’

会話の例

How can you clarify permission without promising an outcome?

You may request a different session, but the change is agreed only after the team confirms a place.

One possible formulation; other coherent and accurate responses are welcome.

文の形

Only after

  • A later step depends on an earlier confirmation.
  • Share the new list only after the coordinator confirms it. Preparing a draft is not permission to circulate it.

Unless

  • An exception leaves the general rule in force when the exception does not apply.
  • Use the main room unless the organiser confirms a change. A possible room problem is not itself a confirmed change.

May versus must

  • Permission and obligation are not the same.
  • Staff may request an alternative time. The sentence allows a request; it does not guarantee an alternative or require everyone to request one.

追加の練習

Read the information

Message 1 — For staff covering evening reception

The coordinator will hold a short practical briefing on Tuesday before the evening desk opens. It is intended for colleagues who are covering that desk this month, including anyone covering a shift for another person. Staff who work only at daytime reception do not need to attend. The briefing will explain where evening enquiries are recorded and whom to contact if a practical issue cannot be resolved at the desk. It will not introduce a new appointment system or change anyone’s roster. If you are scheduled for evening cover but cannot attend, contact the coordinator to arrange another way of receiving the information before your first evening shift.

Message 2 — Shared callback record

A review of last week’s callback work showed that most calls had been completed, but some outcomes were recorded only in personal emails. This makes it difficult for a colleague covering the desk to know whether a visitor has already received the requested practical information. From today, please put the outcome of each callback in the shared callback field as well as keeping any other record required by the existing process. Use a brief factual entry; there is no need to copy an entire conversation. This message does not ask staff to repeat completed calls. Its purpose is to make the current status visible to the next colleague who may need it.

Practice context

  • Two staff messages from a clinic. Each has one meaning question, as in a short workplace reading task.

Evidence questions

  • Message 1: Who is expected to receive the briefing information?
  • Message 2: What is the main purpose of the instruction?

Choose and justify with evidence

Message 1 — For staff covering evening reception

The coordinator will hold a short practical briefing on Tuesday before the evening desk opens. It is intended for colleagues who are covering that desk this month, including anyone covering a shift for another person. Staff who work only at daytime reception do not need to attend. The briefing will explain where evening enquiries are recorded and whom to contact if a practical issue cannot be resolved at the desk. It will not introduce a new appointment system or change anyone’s roster. If you are scheduled for evening cover but cannot attend, contact the coordinator to arrange another way of receiving the information before your first evening shift.

Message 2 — Shared callback record

A review of last week’s callback work showed that most calls had been completed, but some outcomes were recorded only in personal emails. This makes it difficult for a colleague covering the desk to know whether a visitor has already received the requested practical information. From today, please put the outcome of each callback in the shared callback field as well as keeping any other record required by the existing process. Use a brief factual entry; there is no need to copy an entire conversation. This message does not ask staff to repeat completed calls. Its purpose is to make the current status visible to the next colleague who may need it.

  1. Message 1: Who is expected to receive the briefing information?

    答えと解説を見る

    Staff covering evening reception this month

    The audience includes regular or substitute evening cover, while daytime-only reception staff are excluded.

  2. Message 2: What is the main purpose of the instruction?

    答えと解説を見る

    To make callback status accessible to other colleagues

    The message asks for a shared outcome entry so a covering colleague can see the status; it explicitly rejects repeating calls.

Read the information

Notice 1 — Circulating updated contact details

Draft contact lists are prepared by the administration team, but a draft should not be sent to the wider staff group. Before circulation, the service coordinator must confirm that the changed numbers and role titles are correct. Unchanged entries do not need to be rewritten, although an obvious error should still be reported. If a confirmation is delayed, continue to use the current approved list and tell the coordinator which change is awaiting a check. Please do not substitute a number found in an old personal email without verification. The purpose of this process is to keep a single dependable reference available, rather than creating several competing versions with different information.

Notice 2 — Alternative training attendance

Staff booked on the Friday workshop should attend their confirmed session unless the training team agrees an alternative. A colleague who has a timetable conflict may request another session through the shared training inbox. The request should identify the original booking and explain which available alternative would be suitable. Sending a request does not automatically transfer the booking. The team must check capacity and reply with confirmation before the colleague treats the change as agreed. Until then, the original place remains reserved. If no suitable alternative can be arranged, the team will discuss the next option directly with the colleague; staff should not offer their place to an unregistered person.

Practice context

  • Two policy clarifications for a workplace training team.

Evidence questions

  • Notice 1: What should happen if verification of a changed number is delayed?
  • Notice 2: When does a requested attendance change become agreed?

Choose and justify with evidence

Notice 1 — Circulating updated contact details

Draft contact lists are prepared by the administration team, but a draft should not be sent to the wider staff group. Before circulation, the service coordinator must confirm that the changed numbers and role titles are correct. Unchanged entries do not need to be rewritten, although an obvious error should still be reported. If a confirmation is delayed, continue to use the current approved list and tell the coordinator which change is awaiting a check. Please do not substitute a number found in an old personal email without verification. The purpose of this process is to keep a single dependable reference available, rather than creating several competing versions with different information.

Notice 2 — Alternative training attendance

Staff booked on the Friday workshop should attend their confirmed session unless the training team agrees an alternative. A colleague who has a timetable conflict may request another session through the shared training inbox. The request should identify the original booking and explain which available alternative would be suitable. Sending a request does not automatically transfer the booking. The team must check capacity and reply with confirmation before the colleague treats the change as agreed. Until then, the original place remains reserved. If no suitable alternative can be arranged, the team will discuss the next option directly with the colleague; staff should not offer their place to an unregistered person.

  1. Notice 1: What should happen if verification of a changed number is delayed?

    答えと解説を見る

    Use the current approved list while reporting the pending check

    The notice requires continued use of the approved list until the changed details have been verified.

  2. Notice 2: When does a requested attendance change become agreed?

    答えと解説を見る

    After the training team confirms the alternative

    Capacity must be checked and confirmation returned; sending the request is not enough.

Read the information

Update 1 — Preparing the next learning session

Several colleagues asked whether new presentation folders were needed for the next session. The training team has checked the stock and confirmed that the existing folders can be reused if they are complete and in good condition. Please check the contents against the current session checklist, replacing only missing or outdated pages. There is no request to redesign the folders or order a new set for every participant. The checklist has changed in one section, so simply handing out last month’s folders without checking them would also be inappropriate. We want the preparation to be accurate and efficient: keep usable material, update what has changed and report any shortage through the shared list.

Update 2 — Appointment reminder coordination

Visitors have occasionally received two practical reminders for the same booking because different staff members could not see that another reminder had already been sent. The team is not stopping reminders. Instead, staff should check the shared reminder field before sending one and record the date when a reminder is completed. If the field is unclear, ask the colleague who last handled the booking before contacting the visitor again. A further reminder may still be appropriate when circumstances change, but it should be coordinated and its purpose clear. This update addresses unnecessary duplication; it does not create a rule that a visitor can never receive another message about the same appointment.

Practice context

  • Two workplace updates. Each includes background that could tempt a reader away from the main practical meaning.

Evidence questions

  • Update 1: What is the intended approach to the folders?
  • Update 2: What does the update require?

Choose and justify with evidence

Update 1 — Preparing the next learning session

Several colleagues asked whether new presentation folders were needed for the next session. The training team has checked the stock and confirmed that the existing folders can be reused if they are complete and in good condition. Please check the contents against the current session checklist, replacing only missing or outdated pages. There is no request to redesign the folders or order a new set for every participant. The checklist has changed in one section, so simply handing out last month’s folders without checking them would also be inappropriate. We want the preparation to be accurate and efficient: keep usable material, update what has changed and report any shortage through the shared list.

Update 2 — Appointment reminder coordination

Visitors have occasionally received two practical reminders for the same booking because different staff members could not see that another reminder had already been sent. The team is not stopping reminders. Instead, staff should check the shared reminder field before sending one and record the date when a reminder is completed. If the field is unclear, ask the colleague who last handled the booking before contacting the visitor again. A further reminder may still be appropriate when circumstances change, but it should be coordinated and its purpose clear. This update addresses unnecessary duplication; it does not create a rule that a visitor can never receive another message about the same appointment.

  1. Update 1: What is the intended approach to the folders?

    答えと解説を見る

    Reuse suitable folders after checking and updating the contents

    The instruction combines reuse with checking against the current list; both automatic replacement and unchecked reuse are rejected.

  2. Update 2: What does the update require?

    答えと解説を見る

    Coordinate reminders by checking and updating the shared record

    The purpose is to prevent needless duplication while allowing justified further reminders; uncertainty should be checked with a colleague.

Model the strategy before practice

Keyword trap

  • A repeated topic word may belong to a rejected proposal.
  • The notice mentions buying new folders, then says existing folders can be reused. Buying is mentioned, but it is not the recommendation.

Preserve the limit

  • Do not turn a limited request into a general ban.
  • Avoid sending duplicate reminders is not the same as never sending a reminder.

Explain both sides

  • A useful justification says why one meaning fits and another does not.
  • The key preserves for this week; the alternative incorrectly calls it a permanent change.

Use the strategy in a new exchange

How can you reject a broad summary with evidence?

The update does not ban further reminders; it asks us to check the shared record so any further message has a clear purpose.

One possible formulation; other coherent and accurate responses are welcome.

Transfer brief

  • Create a short original update about reusing a resource or coordinating a message.
  • Offer one accurate summary and one deliberately overstated summary.
  • Discuss why the overstatement could lead to the wrong action.
  • Revise the original message to make its limit easier to see.

Two rounds

  • Plan your wording and priorities.
  • Speak naturally and respond to your partner’s question.
  • Exchange specific feedback and improve one part in a shorter retry.
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Part Bの文章はどんなものか

Part Bの文章は職場の書類です。説明会の通知、共有記録についてのメール、方針の一段落などです。設問は多くの場合、文章の目的、誰に当てはまるか、職員が何をすべきかを問います。臨床知識は要りません。必要なのは言葉を丁寧に読むことです。

読み手と目的から始める

まず、誰が動くべきか、書き手は何を求めているかを考えます。対象は冒頭で決まり、その後で広げられたり絞られたりすることがよくあります。

  • “For staff covering the evening desk this month” は “for all reception staff” より狭いグループです。
  • “Including anyone covering a shift for another person” は対象を広げます。誰かの代わりにシフトに一度入るだけで含まれます。
  • “Staff who work only at daytime reception do not need to attend” は対象を再び絞ります。
  • 目的:“Please record the outcome in the shared field” は依頼で、“this message does not ask staff to repeat completed calls” は求めていないことを明確にしています。

Must, should, may, do not need to

設問は、文章が何を求め、何を認めているかをよく問います。その根拠になるのが助動詞です。

  • Must, have to:義務。“The coordinator must confirm the changed numbers.”
  • Should:期待される行動。通知では丁寧な指示として使われることがよくあります。“A draft should not be sent to the wider staff group.”
  • May, can:許可。義務でも保証でもない。“Staff may request another session” は席を約束していません。
  • Do not need to:する必要がない。“Unchanged entries do not need to be rewritten.”
  • Must not:してはいけない。“You don’t need to attend”(参加は任意)は “You must not attend”(参加不可)とは違います。

Only after, unless, until:条件と例外

条件はある手順をいつ行えるかを、例外は規則がいつ当てはまらないかを示します。どちらも規則そのものを取り消しません。

  • “Share the new list only after the coordinator confirms it.” 下書きを作ったからといって配布してよいわけではありません。
  • “Attend your confirmed session unless the training team agrees an alternative.” unless は「〜しない限り」。依頼は承認ではありません。
  • “Until then, the original place remains reserved.” until は状況が変わる時点を示します。
  • “If a confirmation is delayed, continue to use the current approved list.” 待っている間も確認は省けません。

聞いてみよう:約束せずに許可する

答えの中で may と only after がどう組み合わされているかに注目しましょう。

講師 How can you clarify permission without promising an outcome?

受験者 You may request a different session, but the change is agreed only after the team confirms a place.

通知に、職員は “may request another session” とあります。意味を保っている返答はどれですか?
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キーワードのわなと誇張された選択肢

誤りの選択肢は、ほとんど正しく見えることがよくあります。本文の語を繰り返しながら、範囲を変えているのです。

  • 退けられた案:通知が新しいフォルダーに触れた後、既存のフォルダーを再利用できると述べているなら、“order new folders” は誤りです。
  • 禁止に変わった制限:“avoid duplicate reminders” は “never send another reminder” ではありません。
  • 恒久に変わった一時的な措置:“for this week” は “from now on” ではありません。

Part Bでよくある間違い

練習の解答をこのリストで点検しましょう。

  • 本文の語をいちばん多く繰り返している選択肢を選ぶ。
  • 対象を広げる:本文がひとつのグループを指しているのに “all staff” と読む。
  • may を must と、do not need to を must not と読む。
  • 依頼や下書きを、すでに確定したものとして扱う。
  • may を最初に「〜かもしれない」で覚えた人は多いですが、通知や方針の may はたいてい「〜してもよい」という許可です。「しなくてもよい」(do not need to)と「してはいけない」(must not)の区別も英語でそのまま保ちましょう。

15分のPart Bルーティン

模擬試験からPart Bの文章を3つ選び、選択肢を隠します。

  • 5分:文章ごとに、誰が動くか、何をするか、制限は何かを書く。
  • 5分:選択肢を見て答えを選び、根拠となる語に下線を引く。
  • 5分:誤りの選択肢それぞれについて、何を変えているか(対象、mustかmayか、条件、範囲)を特定する。

次のステップ

同僚に書くときも同じ正確さで書きましょう。最初の行で対象のグループを示し、行動を前に置き、例外はそれが変える規則のすぐ隣に書きます。そのうえで学習仲間と話し合ってみましょう。職場に流れ続けるメッセージは、人をより情報通にしているのでしょうか、それとも注意力を下げているだけでしょうか。“There’s a difference between having information and…” から始めてみてください。

Part Cではより長い文章で筆者の意見を追い、Listening Part Bでは同じ力が聞き取りで試されます。

よくある質問

OET Reading Part Bには文章がいくつありますか?

職場の短い文章が6つで、それぞれ3択の問題が1問ずつです。Part BとPart Cで合わせて45分、Part Aは別に15分です。

OET Readingは看護師と医師で違いますか?

いいえ。Readingは全職種共通で、専門知識がなくても解けます。

OET Readingの文章で may はどういう意味ですか?

許可を表し、義務でも保証でもありません。must は義務、do not need to は「する必要がない」で、must not(してはいけない)とは違います。

FlalingoはOETを運営する団体と提携しておらず、それらの団体から推奨や承認を受けていません。

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