The OET speaking sub-test is often considered the easiest of the four modules: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, achieving a score of 350 or more in the speaking section is still a challenge for many. The key to success is practice. In this blog, we provide OET speaking samples specifically designed for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists in various scenarios. Read on!
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The OET speaking sub-test consists of one task divided into two separate role-plays. During these role-plays, you will take on the role of a healthcare professional while an interlocutor will play the part of a patient or patient caregiver. These role-plays reflect real-life interactions you may encounter in your specific healthcare field. Before the role-plays, you will engage in a warm-up conversation with the interlocutor, which will not be assessed. The entire sub-test lasts approximately 20 minutes. This provides an overview of the OET speaking test.
Here are five OET speaking sample warm-up questions with answers designed to help you relax and get comfortable with the test format:
1. Tell me about your strengths and weaknesses.
Ans. I believe that I have strong communication skills and good leadership qualities. Additionally, I excel at listening to what patients tell me, so I consider my listening skills to be one of my greatest strengths. As for my weaknesses, I can sometimes feel stressed, and certain critical situations tend to make me nervous. However, I am addressing these challenges through meditation and yoga. I have noticed significant improvements lately, and I feel more confident in handling difficult situations.
2. Describe some of the ethics that are followed in your profession.
Ans. Nurses should uphold various ethical standards in their profession, such as punctuality, honesty, and truthfulness. It is also crucial to maintain patient confidentiality.
3 . What are the necessary skills required for a nurse?
Ans. I believe that several essential skills are required for a nurse, including listening skills, communication skills, observational skills, and critical thinking skills.
4. How do you manage your time at work?
Ans. I usually manage my time through proper planning and prioritization of patient care. I can proudly say that I have never been late in fulfilling my responsibilities.
5. What are the different roles of a nurse?
Ans. In my opinion, a nurse plays several roles in her profession. The primary role is that of a caregiver. Additionally, a nurse can act as an advocate for patients, a mediator, a counselor, or even an educator for junior nurses.
These OET speaking samples with answers aim to assist nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in preparing for the OET speaking test.
The following are some OET speaking cue cards for nurses, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists in different scenarios. Take a look below:
These OET speaking for nurses and other healthcare field professionals focus on delivering clear, concise, and relevant information to the patient or caregiver. This may include explaining a diagnosis, test results, procedures, or medication usage.
Sample Dialogue:
Nurse: Good morning, Mr. Lee. I have your blood test results here. The main thing to note is that your cholesterol level is higher than the recommended range.
Patient: Oh, really? What does that mean for me?
Nurse: It means there’s a higher risk of heart disease if it is not managed. The good news is that we can control it with some lifestyle changes—diet, exercise, and possibly medication. I’ll walk you through everything.
These speaking OET sample involve addressing patient concerns, fears, or anxieties. The healthcare professional must show empathy, listen actively, and reassure the patient about their condition or upcoming treatment.
Scenario: You are a physiotherapist. A patient is anxious about returning to work after a back injury.
Sample Dialogue:
Physiotherapist: Hi, Maria. I understand you're feeling nervous about going back to work next week.
Patient: Yes, I’m worried the pain will come back.
Physiotherapist: That’s completely understandable. You’ve done very well in your rehabilitation. We’ll make sure your duties are adjusted, and I’ll provide you with some stretching techniques and advice on back support. You're not alone in this—we’ll monitor your progress together.
These role play OET speaking samples for nurses require gathering detailed medical, social, or personal history from the patient. The emphasis is on asking appropriate, open-ended questions and showing understanding.
Scenario: You are a doctor in a walk-in clinic. A patient has come in with a headache.
Sample Dialogue:
Doctor: Hi there. Can you tell me more about the headache? When did it start?
Patient: It started about three days ago. It's on one side of my head.
Doctor: Is the pain sharp, dull, or throbbing?
Patient: Throbbing.
Doctor: Are you experiencing any vision problems, nausea, or sensitivity to light?
Patient: Yes, I feel nauseous, and light really bothers me.
Doctor: Thank you. It sounds like you might be experiencing migraines. Let’s go over some next steps.
These OET speaking sample for nurses involve providing step-by-step guidance or instructions. Examples include how to use an inhaler, manage a wound at home, or follow post-operative care routines.
Scenario: You are a community nurse. You are showing a patient how to use a newly prescribed inhaler.
Sample Dialogue:
Nurse: Okay, Mr. Khan. This is your new inhaler. Let me show you how to use it properly.
Patient: I’ve never used one before.
Nurse: No worries. First, shake the inhaler well. Then breathe out gently. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, press the canister down once as you begin to breathe in slowly. Hold your breath for 10 seconds if you can, then breathe out slowly.
Patient: Got it—should I do that every day?
Nurse: Yes, twice a day. I’ll provide you with a leaflet as well, but feel free to ask me anything.
In these OET speaking samples for doctors, they may need to refer a patient to another healthcare provider or escalate the situation due to its complexity or seriousness. The role-play tests clarity, justification of decisions, and maintaining professionalism.
Scenario: You are a GP. A patient presents with chest pain and shortness of breath.
Sample Dialogue:
Doctor: Mr. Davis, based on your symptoms—chest pain and shortness of breath—I’m concerned about a possible heart issue.
Patient: That sounds serious...
Doctor: It could be, which is why I’m referring you immediately to the hospital for further testing. It's the safest option and will help us get a clear diagnosis quickly.
Patient: Okay, thank you. I trust your judgment.
Doctor: You're in good hands. I’ll call ahead so they’re expecting you.
These are some role-play samples and OET speaking topics for nurses and other professions of healthcare field.
Warm-up questions and role-plays are distinct components in the OET speaking subtest. Warm-up questions are introductory, non-assessed questions designed to build rapport and help candidates feel comfortable. In contrast, role-plays are the core part of the test, where candidates simulate a medical consultation. Below is an elaboration of the OET speaking role-play card and warm-up questions:
These are general questions about your profession, interests, or work experience, designed to ease you into the test. They are not assessed and serve as a way to help you become comfortable with the interlocutor before the actual role-play.
This is the main part of the speaking test where you interact with the interlocutor in a specific healthcare scenario. You will be given a role-play scenario that includes information about the situation, and you will act as a healthcare professional while the interlocutor plays the role of a patient or caregiver. These interactions will be graded.
The warm-up aims to provide support, reduce anxiety, and familiarize you with the interlocutor's voice and mannerisms before entering the graded role-play phase.
The role-play simulates real-life clinical interactions and assesses your ability to communicate effectively in a healthcare setting. According to OET speaking resources, the role-plays are designed to reflect the types of interactions you might encounter in your profession.
Understood the difference between OET speaking role play card and warm-up questions.
To achieve a good score in the OET Result, focus on enhancing your fluency, clarity, and ability to structure your responses. Here are some tips to improve your speaking for the test:
In summary, as a qualified healthcare professional, the language you use should reflect your training and experience. Your communication is expected to be mutually intelligible with others in the healthcare profession. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to review several OET speaking sample and practice as much as possible to achieve a top OET score.
1. What Is the OET Speaking Format?
The OET speaking subtest assesses your ability to communicate in a healthcare environment. It lasts approximately 20 minutes and involves two role-play scenarios where you interact with an interlocutor. You take on the role of a healthcare professional, while the interlocutor assumes the role of a patient, their relative, or caregiver. Each role-play is structured with a preparation phase followed by a performance phase.
2. What Is the Duration of OET Speaking?
The OET speaking sub-test has a total duration of 20 minutes. This includes two role-plays, each lasting approximately 5 minutes, with 2-3 minutes of preparation time before each role-play.
3. How to Start an Introduction in OET Speaking?
In OET speaking, introductions should be brief and to the point. Begin with a greeting, state your name and professional role, and clarify the purpose of the interaction if needed. For example: "Hello, my name is (your name), and I’m the nurse on duty today, here to discuss (Patient’s Name)'s concerns."
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