The OET Speaking sub-test is profession-specific. For nurses, it simulates real-life interactions in a clinical setting. You role-play as a nurse speaking to a patient, caregiver, or colleague.
Structure of the OET Speaking Test
The Speaking sub-test is conducted face-to-face (or via Zoom) with an interlocutor (not an examiner). It has 3 main parts:
PART 1: WARM-UP QUESTIONS (UNASSESSED)
The interlocutor introduces themselves and asks informal questions to help you relax and build rapport. This part is not assessed.
Sample Warm-Up Questions & Answers
Q1. Can you tell me about your job?
🗣️ I work as a registered nurse in a general hospital. I mostly assist patients in the surgical ward, monitor vital signs, and provide post-operative care.
Q2. What kind of patients do you usually care for?
🗣️ I care for post-surgery patients, those recovering from fractures, and occasionally patients with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Q3. Why did you choose to become a nurse?
🗣️ I’ve always been passionate about helping people, and nursing gives me that opportunity every day.
Q4. What is the most challenging part of your job?
🗣️ Managing multiple patients with different needs at the same time can be stressful, but good planning helps me cope.
PART 2 & 3: ROLE PLAYS (ASSESSED)
Next, you’ll begin the first role play. Here’s how it works:
You are given a role play card that describes a nursing scenario. You have 3 minutes to prepare. During this time, you can:
- Read the task carefully.
- Plan how to approach the situation.
- Ask the interlocutor questions if anything is unclear
After the preparation time, the role play begins and lasts for 5 minutes.
In this part, you are expected to:
- Take on the role of a nurse.
- Interact with the interlocutor, who plays the role of a patient, caregiver, or relative.
- Use clinical communication skills to explain, reassure, ask questions, offer advice, and show empathy
You will be given two role-play tasks. Each one includes:
- Context: Where the conversation is taking place (e.g., clinic, hospital ward, home visit).
- Your Role: You are always the nurse.
- Patient’s Role: Played by the interlocutor.
- Task Instructions: Points you must cover.
⏱️ Timing
- Preparation Time: 3 minutes per role play.
- Interaction Time: 5 minutes per role play.
SAMPLE ROLE PLAY CARD (Nursing)
Setting: You are working in a community health clinic. A patient has come in for advice after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Your Task:
- Find out how the patient feels about the diagnosis.
- Ask about current lifestyle and diet.
- Explain what lifestyle changes are required (diet, exercise, etc.).
- Offer reassurance and support.
- Encourage the patient to attend a diabetes education session.
DETAILED ROLE PLAY
Nurse and Patient Conversation. Scenario: A nurse in a hospital ward is speaking to a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypertension.
- Nurse: Good morning, Mr. Thomas. I’m Nurse Meera. How are you feeling today?
- Patient: Good morning, nurse. I’m alright, just a bit confused about what the doctor told me.
- Nurse: I understand. You’ve just been diagnosed with high blood pressure, correct?
- Patient: Yes, that’s right. I don’t even feel sick. Is it serious?
- Nurse: It’s manageable, but it’s important to take it seriously to avoid complications like stroke or heart problems.
- Patient: Oh, I see. What causes high blood pressure?
- Nurse: There are many factors—diet high in salt, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, and sometimes genetics.
- Patient: I do eat out a lot and rarely exercise. Could that be the reason?
- Nurse: Yes, those habits could definitely contribute. Let’s talk about some lifestyle changes you can make.
- Patient: Sure. I want to do what’s needed.
- Nurse: First, try reducing salt in your diet—less processed and fried foods. Have more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Patient: I guess I need to stop eating chips and fast food then?
- Nurse: Yes, that would be helpful. Also, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol helps.
- Patient: I drink about three cups of coffee a day. Is that too much?
- Nurse: Try reducing it to one cup or switch to decaf. Also, regular physical activity is crucial—maybe 30 minutes a day?
- Patient: I haven’t exercised in years. Is walking enough to start with?
- Nurse: Absolutely. A brisk walk daily is a great start. You can gradually increase the intensity.
- Patient: Okay, I’ll give it a try. Will I have to take medicine?
- Nurse: Yes, the doctor has prescribed medication to control your blood pressure. But lifestyle changes can reduce dependence over time.
- Patient: Thank you, Nurse Meera. I feel much more informed and hopeful now.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN OET SPEAKING
✅ Use the 3 minutes preparation wisely:
- Underline keywords.
- Think about vocabulary.
- Imagine the patient’s emotions.
✅ During the role play:
- Use empathy: “I understand this may be overwhelming.”
- Ask open-ended questions: “Can you tell me more about your routine?”
- Use layman’s terms, not medical jargon.
- Provide clear suggestions: “You might try starting with a short daily walk.”
USEFUL PHRASES
1. GREETING & INTRODUCING YOURSELF (1–10)
- Good morning, I’m Nurse [Name]. How can I help you today?
- Hello, my name is [Name], and I’ll be your nurse today.
- May I confirm your full name and date of birth, please?
- How are you feeling today?
- It’s nice to meet you.
- I’ll be looking after you during your stay.
- Can I make you comfortable before we begin?
- I understand this might be your first time here.
- Thank you for coming in today.
- Let’s begin by discussing what brought you in.
2. ASKING QUESTIONS
- Can you tell me more about your symptoms?
- When did this problem start?
- Have you experienced this before?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how severe is the pain?
- Are there any other symptoms along with it?
- Do you have any medical conditions we should know about?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
- Is there a history of this condition in your family?
- Have you made any changes to your routine recently?
- What do you normally eat in a day?
- Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
- How often do you exercise?
- How is your sleep pattern these days?
- Have you noticed any changes in your weight or appetite?
3. GATHERING INFORMATION
- Let me ask you a few routine questions.
- I just need to check your blood pressure, if that’s okay.
- I’m going to take your temperature now.
- May I have a look at the affected area?
- Can I ask if you’re allergic to any medication?
- Could you describe the pain for me?
- Are you experiencing any nausea or dizziness?
- Have you been taking your medications regularly?
- Have you had any recent injuries or falls?
- Do you use any assistive devices like a cane or walker?
4. RESPONDING TO PATIENTS
- I see, thank you for sharing that.
- That must be uncomfortable.
- It’s understandable that you feel this way.
- Thank you for being honest with me.
- I appreciate you telling me.
- I’ll make a note of that in your chart.
- Let’s work together to manage this issue.
- I’ll do my best to help you feel better.
- Your concerns are completely valid.
- I understand why this is worrying for you.
5. EXPLAINING CONDITIONS
- You’ve been diagnosed with [Condition Name].
- This means your [body system] is not functioning normally.
- It’s not uncommon, and many people manage it well.
- This condition can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
- Let me explain what this condition means.
- High blood pressure is when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high.
- Type 2 diabetes affects how your body processes sugar.
- Asthma causes your airways to become inflamed and narrow.
- It’s a chronic condition, but you can live a normal life.
- With the right care, you can avoid complications.
- There are treatment options available for this condition.
- You might need regular follow-ups.
- We’ll be monitoring your condition closely.
- I’ll show you how to manage this at home.
- This is a common condition, and we deal with it every day.
EDUCATING & ADVISING
- It’s important to take your medication as prescribed.
- Make sure you don’t skip any doses.
- Avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar.
- Try to include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- Regular exercise can really help your condition.
- Walking for 30 minutes a day is a good start.
- You should try to reduce your stress levels.
- Smoking can make your condition worse.
- Would you consider joining a support group?
- It would be helpful to keep a symptom diary.
- Don’t hesitate to contact us if symptoms worsen.
- Make sure to attend all your follow-up appointments.
- Let me show you how to use this inhaler.
- Here’s how you can change your dressing at home.
- You should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Please avoid lifting heavy objects for a few days.
- You’ll need to take rest and avoid strenuous activity.
- Keep the wound clean and dry.
- Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels daily.
- It’s important to check your blood pressure regularly.
7. REASSURING PATIENTS
- You’re in good hands here.
- We’re going to take great care of you.
- This is completely treatable.
- We’ll go step by step.
- You’re not alone in this.
- Try not to worry too much.
- We will support you throughout the treatment.
- The doctor will be with you shortly.
- If you have any questions, I’m here to help.
- Many people feel the same way before treatment.
8. CLOSING THE CONVERSATION
- Is there anything else you’d like to ask?
- Let me know if you need help with anything else.
- I’ll check on you again shortly.
- Please press the call bell if you need assistance.
- Take care and get some rest.
- I’ll pass this information on to the doctor.
- Don’t forget your next appointment is on [Date].
- Thank you for your time today.
- It was a pleasure speaking with you.
- I hope you feel better soon.
FINAL REMARKS
The OET Speaking test is not about sounding perfect. It’s about being:
- Clear and kind
- Professional and empathetic
- Effective in communication
Mastering the structure, strategies, and role play practice is key to achieving a high grade.
