10 common questions about OET Speaking
10 common questions about OET Speaking: OET is a globally recognised English language test for healthcare professionals. The Speaking sub-test is a key part of it, and understanding its structure and criteria is essential for success. This blog post will answer the top 10 common questions about the OET Speaking sub-test.
1. How should I use my three minutes’ preparation time?
You have three minutes to prepare with the role card before each role play in the OET Speaking sub-test. During this time, you should read through the role card a couple of times to understand the situation and what you need to discuss. You can also use this time to think about how the patient might feel, what they expect to discuss, whether there’s any medical language you need to avoid, and how much time you need to spend on each task. You can also ask the interlocutor any questions during this time.
2. Can I see the card during my role-play?
During the role-play, you can see the role-play card. If you are taking OET on Computer, the card will be visible on your screen. If you are doing OET on Paper, you will have the card in front of you.
3. How Does Speaking Work for OET on Computer?
The computer’s OET Speaking sub-test operates similarly to the paper-based test. However, you will engage with the interlocutor through Zoom from the comfort of your home.
4. How should I start the role-play?
The relationship-building criterion evaluates how you initiate the role play. Since each role play differs, there isn’t a single ‘correct’ way to commence your interaction. The approach depends on your location, familiarity with the patient, the urgency of the situation, and various other factors.
5. What if I don’t know about the condition in the role-play task?
If you’re unfamiliar with the condition in the role-play task, there’s no need to worry. The role card will supply you with sufficient information to complete the task. Your primary focus should be on effectively communicating with the patient.
6. What do the brackets on the role-play card mean?
You can use the additional information or suggestions contained in the brackets on the role-play card to guide your conversation with the patient.
7. What if I don’t finish all the tasks on my card?
You need to elicit enough speech in each role-play to demonstrate your speaking ability in a healthcare context. The role plays typically reach a natural end at around five minutes. The interlocutor will clearly indicate when the time is up. Not completing all the tasks on your card is not a catastrophic event. The assessment criteria alone determine your score, and task completion is not included in those criteria. Therefore, strive to accomplish as much of the role card as you can, but remain calm if you miss some tasks.
8. Do I have to deal with the tasks in the same order as the role-play card?
We recommend following the order of the tasks as it forms a logical conversation. However, you don’t have to adhere to the order, but in general, we consider it the best approach.
9. What do I need to score to get 350+?
Test-takers should aim to achieve the highest level in the descriptors for each criterion. Those who secure grade B will predominantly score 5 out of 6 on each linguistic criterion and 2 out of 3 on the clinical communication criteria.
10. What parts of my test are assessed?
OET assessors score only your two role plays using the criteria. They do not rate your ID checks, warm-up, or anything you say during your three minutes’ preparation time.
We want you to enter your test with confidence and a clear understanding of the test structure and assessment process.
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