OET Test on Paper – Sample Tests (Nursing)

Occupational English Test (OET)
Mode: Paper-Based
Profession: Nursing
Test Provider: Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment

LISTENING SUB-TEST

Time: Approximately 40 minutes

General Instructions

• Do NOT open this question paper until instructed.
• Answer ALL questions.
• One mark is awarded for each correct answer.
• No marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
• You will hear each recording ONCE ONLY.
• At the end of the test, you will have two minutes to check your answers.
• All answers must be written in the Question and Answer Booklet.
• OET materials must not be removed from the test room.

Listening Test Structure

The Listening test consists of three parts (Part A, Part B, and Part C).
Each part contains healthcare-related audio extracts reflecting real workplace communication.

LISTENING – PART A

Overview

• Two extracts
• One-to-one consultations between a healthcare professional and a patient
• Candidates complete notes using a word or short phrase
• Questions 1–24

Extract 1: Questions 1–12

You hear a primary-care doctor talking to a patient called Hayley Dove.

Patient: Hayley Dove

Background to Condition

• History of endometriosis following the birth of her son
• Experienced discomfort from episodes of bloating, (1) and fatigue
• Developed (2) pain
• Worsening condition affected her work as a (3)
• Diagnosis of (4)
• Underwent (5) – procedure eliminated symptoms
• Set up a business as a (6)

Development of New Symptoms and Treatment

• Fatigue returned
• Linked to work activities such as online meetings and conferences
• Particularly noticeable after (7)
• (8) initially suspected
• Blood tests led to diagnosis of haemochromatosis
• (9) as an infant, but family history later established
• Treated via venesection (weekly initially, now every three months)
• Experiences some (10) as a result

Current Concerns

• Stiffness in joints (fingers and (11))
• Tendency to become excessively (12)
• Occasional shortness of breath (not linked to exertion)

Extract 2: Questions 13–24

You hear a physiotherapist talking to a patient called Marvin Chainey.

Patient: Marvin Chainey

Onset of Symptoms

• Contracted Covid-19
• Was not (13) (no hospital admission)
• Flu-like symptoms for one week
• Dry cough persisted for one month

Post-Covid Symptoms

• Ongoing lack of (14)
• Breathlessness after daily activities
• Insomnia leading to fatigue
• (15) on waking that persisted throughout the day
• Brain described as (16)
• Forgetfulness (e.g., (17))
• (18) accompanied by chest pain

Diagnosis and Treatment

• ECG and heart monitor for five days
• Diagnosis of (19)
• Prescribed beta blockers
• Low levels of (20) identified and supplements prescribed

Current Concerns

• Fatigue recurs after over-exertion or anxiety
• Joint pain affecting (21) and lower extremities
• (22) in fingers
• Long-term yoga practice; recently started (23)
• Wishes to resume gym activity
• Asks about strength-building exercises such as (24) and light weights

LISTENING – PART B

Overview

• Six short workplace extracts
• Multiple-choice questions
• Questions 25–30
• Focus on identifying main ideas, purpose, and specific concerns

Sample Questions

25. A hospital nurse talks to a patient.
    The patient is concerned about:

• A. Using a mobility aid
• B. Mobilising without assistance
• C. Feeling unsteady while mobilising

26. Two community nurses conduct a handover.
    The patient may need guidance in dealing with:

• A. Regular medication
• B. Ongoing therapy
• C. Sensitivity related to a health condition

LISTENING – PART C

Overview

• Two extended extracts
• Questions 31–42
• Focus on opinions, attitudes, and detailed understanding

Extract 1: Questions 31–36

A doctor presents on cholesterol.

Topics include:

• Misunderstandings about cholesterol
• “Good” vs “bad” cholesterol
• Preventive medicine
• Drug Inclisiran
• Gene silencing technology

Extract 2: Questions 37–42

An interview with a nurse discussing care of plus-size patients.

Topics include:

• Attitudes toward obese patients
• Equipment challenges
• Safety considerations
• Respectful communication

READING SUB-TEST – PART A

Time: 15 minutes

Overview

• Four short texts (Texts A–D)
• Topic: Cellulitis
• Tasks include:
  • Matching information to texts
  • Short-answer questions
  • Sentence completion

Reading Content Includes

• Definition and aetiology of cellulitis
• Common and uncommon causative organisms
• Severity classification (Eron Classification: Class I–IV)
• Hospitalisation criteria
• Differential diagnoses (e.g., DVT, metastatic cancer)
• Typical and atypical drug therapy
• Penicillin-allergy alternatives
• Local management of infected areas

WRITING SUB-TEST – NURSING

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Writing Time: 40 minutes
Word Count: 180–200 words

Writing Task

Using the case notes provided, write a letter of discharge to:

Ms Jane Gold
Head Nurse
Primrose Nursing Home
3 Blackwood Street
Oldtown

Patient: Mr George Gale, 85 years

Diagnosis: Urinary Tract Infection following a fall
Current Status: Ready for discharge to nursing home for temporary care

Instructions

• Expand the notes into complete sentences
  
• Use formal letter format
  
• Do not use note form

SPEAKING SUB-TEST– NURSING

Role Play 1 (Clinic) {Test questions (2)}

Patient

• 51 years old
• Lesion removed from hand
• Diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma
• Concerned about skin cancer and future surgery

Nurse

• Confirm reason for visit
• Explain squamous cell carcinoma
• Reassure patient
• Discuss sun protection and prevention
• Assess wound and remove stitches
• Advise on aftercare

Assessment Focus

• Communication clarity
• Empathy
• Appropriate clinical language
• Patient reassurance