PREPARING FOR THE OET SPEAKING TEST

The OET speaking test takes about 20 minutes to complete. There are 2 role plays lasting about 6 minutes each and some preparatory time given in between. The examiner plays the role of a patient and the test taker plays the role of the health professional.

The speaking task asks you to react to different situations. Remember; you are being tested for your English proficiency and not for your professional knowledge. Since your speech is being recorded, make sure you speak clear and loud . Speak using expressions in your voice and tone.At all times appear calm and relaxed since your “patient” (Role Player) will be anxious and concerned and might repeat his/her complaints several times or even argue about the treatment. You must use words and a tone to give confidence to the patient.

Our OET Test Preparation Institute trains you how to react to different situations:

A)  The Role Player panics—needs to immediately the outcome of a treatment/test

Use a calm and reassuring tone:"Please don’t worry. It might take two days for the test to come through/your allergies to disappear/your symptoms to reduce. I will recommend a treatment only after that...you can call me/alert me if anything goes wrong in the meantime/you can report to emergency if any symptom aggravates."

    

B)  The Role Player is worried about his/her state/symptoms but does not know what happened or how he/she got the illness.

Ask questions that will lead to a diagnosis: Use a relaxed tone. Ask questions loud and clear and wait until the Role Player has finished responding. Speak slowly. Make listening sounds like—“Hmmm...Hmmm.., yeah, okay, sure, etc.Some of the questions could be:

ü  How many days since you noticed the rashes?

ü  Have you kept a record of your temperature?

ü  How many days since you have had high fever?

ü  Do you feel giddy/restless? /Do you sleep well at night?

ü  Do you exercise daily?

üCan you tell me exactly where the pain is? Are you taking any medications now?

C)  The care giver or parent asks questions about the patient

Explain the symptoms and treatment clearly. Pacify the parent/caregiver and run him/her through the treatment. Make him her repeat the treatment procedure and ask if he/she has understood or needs more clarity. Make sure you appear patient even if you feel the role player is asking unnecessary questions or repeating his/her concerns:

Reassure: I don’t think there is anything to worry about.

Explain: These mild rashes are present in all new born infants. This should go away on its own /The pain should go away in a couple of days

Treatment/medication: You should make sure your father takes these pills twice a day. Make sure that your father takes them before his meals.

Addressing concerns: If your son refuses to eat, feed him small amounts every half an hour .There is no harm if he is eating less than he usually does. This is only because he is sick .Once he gets better, you can feed him larger portions.

Follow up: Do keep a record of his temperature. If the temperature gets too high, you can always bring him to the emergency./See if the rashes have come down by tomorrow evening. If not, please call and report to the nurse on duty/Please come back if the tests turn out to be positive. I will be prescribing medications only after the results of the test are known

Ensure that the patient has understood: Have I made myself clear? /Are there any questions? /Would you like to repeat what you have understood?

D) Take permission, give instructions if the patient has to undergo a procedure:

ü  You will have to take an x-ray. Do you mind opening your mouth wide while I insert the film to take an x-ray of your molar? This will not pain. Please do not close your mouth for about two minutes/until I say so.

ü  Could you please raise your leg.I would like to examine your leg for bruises

ü  Please lie face down on the examining table.I would like to examine your back for rashes.

Practice many profession related role-plays at our OET Test Preparation institute.