The OET Speaking sub-test is a clinical consultation — not a general conversation. Whether you are a doctor taking a history or a nurse explaining discharge instructions, the consultation must follow a clear structure, use patient-friendly language, and demonstrate that you can manage a professional interaction in English. This guide provides the framework that consistently scores Grade B.
The Universal Consultation Framework
Every OET role-play, regardless of scenario, should follow this structure:
1. Opening (30 Seconds)
Greet the patient, introduce yourself and your role, and state the purpose of the consultation. This orientation phase tells the patient (and the examiner) that you are professional and structured.
Doctor: 'Good morning, Mr. Patel. I am Dr. Sharma, one of the medical officers here. I understand you have come in today to discuss your test results. Is that right?'
Nurse: 'Hello, Mrs. Chen. My name is Sarah, and I am your discharge nurse today. Before you go home, I need to go through some important information with you about your recovery.'
2. Information Phase (3 Minutes)
This is the main body of the consultation. Depending on the scenario, you are either gathering information (history-taking) or delivering information (explaining a diagnosis, procedure, or discharge plan).
For history-taking: Start with open questions, narrow down with focused questions, and confirm key details. For explanations: Present information in logical stages, check understanding after each stage, and use plain language.
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3. Concerns Phase (1 Minute)
Explicitly address the patient's concerns or emotions. Ask: 'Is there anything you are particularly worried about?' or 'Do you have any questions about what we have discussed?' Do not skip this — examiners look for it specifically.
4. Closing (30 Seconds)
Summarise the key points, state the agreed next steps, and offer follow-up. End on a reassuring note.
'So to summarise, we will start you on the new medication, and I would like to see you again in two weeks to see how you are getting on. If you have any concerns before then, do not hesitate to contact us.'
Open Questions vs Closed Questions
OET rewards candidates who use both types appropriately:
- Open questions gather broad information: 'Can you tell me what has been happening?' 'How have you been feeling since the surgery?'
- Closed questions confirm specific details: 'Is the pain worse at night?' 'Have you taken any over-the-counter medication for this?'
A common mistake is jumping straight to closed questions. Opening with 'Do you have headaches?' before asking 'What brings you in today?' makes the consultation feel like an interrogation rather than a conversation.
Patient-Friendly Language
Clinical terms are appropriate in your writing (letters to other professionals). In speaking (to patients), always translate:
- 'Hypertension' → 'high blood pressure'
- 'Myocardial infarction' → 'heart attack'
- 'Antipyretic' → 'medication to bring your temperature down'
- 'NPO' → 'you will not be able to eat or drink before the procedure'
If you need to introduce a clinical term, frame it: 'You have a condition called angina — this means the blood supply to your heart is temporarily reduced, which causes the chest pain you have been experiencing.'
Checking Understanding
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Do not assume the patient understands. After each key point, check:
- 'Does that make sense so far?'
- 'Would you like me to explain that in a different way?'
- 'Is there anything you would like me to go over again?'
Checking understanding demonstrates professional competence and boosts your score across multiple criteria.
Managing the Clock
Each role-play is approximately five minutes. With the 30-30-180-60-30 framework (opening, orientation, information, concerns, closing), you have a natural pacing guide. If you find yourself running out of time, it usually means you spent too long on the information phase. Practise keeping explanations concise — three key points is better than seven rushed ones.
Practice Method
Record yourself doing two role-plays daily. After each recording, check your structure (did you follow the framework?), your language (did you use patient-friendly terms?), your empathy (did you acknowledge emotions?), and your time management (did you cover all tasks on the card?). Consistent, structured practice over two to three weeks is enough to build the habits that score Grade B.