OET Speaking Self Practice Tests – 3 Months

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By taking this mock test, you will gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas that need improvement, ensuring that you refine your speaking skills before sitting for the official OET exam.

The Intermediate – Test Only: Speaking course is perfect for:

Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals preparing for the OET Writing exam.
Candidates who have reached an intermediate level in their OET preparation.
Healthcare professionals who want to assess their progress with a realistic timed mock test.
Individuals looking for structured feedback on their writing performance.
OET test-takers who want to experience the time constraints and structure of the writing task before the official exam.

If you want a quick, effective way to test your writing abilities and get expert feedback, this course is a valuable tool for your OET preparation.

When you enroll in this course, you will receive:

The learning objectives of this course include:

Comprehensive assessment with Intermediate – Test Only: Speaking

Provides a full-length mock test with expert evaluation.

Includes detailed feedback highlighting key strengths and areas for improvement.

Teaches effective speaking strategies to improve fluency, confidence, and pronunciation.

Builds confidence and ensures exam readiness before the official OET test.

Don’t wait until exam day to find out where you need improvement—get expert feedback now and maximize your OET score!

The OET Speaking sub-test is a crucial part of the Occupational English Test (OET) for healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses. It assesses your ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking medical environment. Since the OET Speaking test is profession-specific, the tasks for doctors differ from those for nurses, requiring tailored preparation.

In this guide, we will explore essential OET Speaking strategies for both doctors and nurses, covering key aspects such as role-play performance, effective communication, and common mistakes to avoid.


Understanding the OET Speaking Sub-Test

The OET Speaking test lasts about 20 minutes and consists of two role-plays. You will play the role of a doctor or nurse, while the interlocutor (the examiner) takes on the role of a patient, relative, or caregiver. The tasks are designed to reflect real-life workplace situations.

Scoring Criteria in OET Speaking

Your performance is evaluated based on the following criteria:

  1. Intelligibility – Pronunciation, stress, and rhythm in speech.
  2. Fluency – Smooth and natural speech without excessive pauses.
  3. Appropriateness of Language – Using polite, professional, and clear language.
  4. Resources of Grammar & Expression – Grammatical accuracy and variety.
  5. Relationship-Building – Creating rapport and showing empathy.
  6. Understanding & Incorporating the Patient’s Perspective – Actively listening and responding.
  7. Providing Structure – Organizing responses logically.
  8. Information Gathering & Giving – Asking relevant questions and explaining clearly.

Now, let’s break down the best speaking strategies specifically for doctors and nurses to help maximize their OET Speaking test performance.


As a doctor, you are expected to lead the conversation while ensuring the patient feels comfortable. The scenarios often involve diagnosing, giving treatment advice, and explaining medical procedures.

1. Structure Your Responses Effectively

When handling the OET role-play, use the SPIKES method, a widely used communication strategy in medical settings:

  • S – Set up the conversation (introduce yourself and explain the purpose).
  • P – Assess the patient’s Perception of their condition.
  • I – Invite the patient to ask questions.
  • K – Give Knowledge (medical information) in simple terms.
  • E – Address the patient’s Emotions and concerns.
  • S – Summarize the discussion and propose the next steps.

For example, if explaining a newly diagnosed condition, avoid medical jargon and ensure the patient fully understands the situation.

Example OET Speaking Role-Play for Doctors

Scenario: A 45-year-old patient has been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

  • Doctor: “Good morning, Mr. Smith. My name is Dr. Johnson. I see from your test results that your blood sugar levels are higher than expected. Would you like me to explain what this means?”
  • Patient: “Yes, I’m quite worried.”
  • Doctor: “I understand this might be concerning, but I want to reassure you that Type 2 diabetes is manageable. With the right lifestyle changes and medication, you can still maintain a healthy life. Have you heard about diabetes before?”
  • Patient: “Not much, to be honest.”
  • Doctor: “No problem. Let me break it down. This condition means that your body struggles to regulate sugar in your blood. It can be controlled by changing your diet and using medication when needed. Would you like me to go over your treatment options?”

2. Master Reassurance and Empathy

Patients often feel anxious or overwhelmed. As a doctor, calming their fears and reassuring them is a key skill. Use empathetic phrases like:

  • “I completely understand your concerns.”
  • “Many patients feel this way, and it’s natural to worry.”
  • “I’m here to help, and we will find a solution together.”

3. Handling Difficult Conversations

Sometimes, OET role-plays involve breaking bad news or dealing with a resistant patient. In such cases:
✅ Use gentle language: “I’m sorry to inform you that…”
✅ Offer hope: “There are treatment options available…”
✅ Be patient-centered: “What are your main concerns at this moment?”


As a nurse, your role in OET Speaking is different from that of a doctor. You focus more on patient care, reassurance, and providing clear explanations rather than making diagnoses.

1. Use the ‘Teach-Back’ Method for Instructions

Many OET scenarios require nurses to explain medical procedures, medications, or aftercare instructions. Instead of asking, “Do you understand?” use the teach-back technique:

  • Example:
    ✅ “Just to ensure I’ve explained this clearly, could you repeat back how you will take this medication at home?”
    ✅ “Can you tell me what you’ll do if your symptoms get worse?”

2. Build a Strong Patient Relationship

Your rapport-building skills will be assessed in OET Speaking. Ensure you:
✅ Address patients by name to personalize the conversation.
✅ Use active listening: “I see. Could you tell me more about that?”
✅ Express understanding: “That sounds difficult. Let me help you.”

3. Explain Procedures in a Simple Manner

As a nurse, you might need to explain wound care, catheter use, or post-surgery instructions. Always:

  • Use simple language instead of medical terms.
  • Demonstrate step-by-step instructions.
  • Confirm patient understanding by asking open-ended questions.
Example OET Speaking Role-Play for Nurses

Scenario: You are explaining post-operative care to a patient.

  • Nurse: “Hello Mr. Brown, I’m Nurse Alice. I see you’ve had knee surgery. I’ll explain how to take care of your wound at home. Does that sound okay?”
  • Patient: “Yes, I’m just worried about infection.”
  • Nurse: “That’s a valid concern. The most important thing is to keep the area clean. You’ll need to change the dressing daily and watch for signs of infection like redness or swelling. Do you know what to do if you notice these symptoms?”
  • Patient: “Not really.”
  • Nurse: “No worries. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact your doctor immediately. Also, avoid getting the wound wet. I’ll give you written instructions as well. Do you have any questions so far?”

Mastering OET Speaking for doctors and nurses requires practice and an understanding of how to communicate effectively in medical settings. By following these structured strategies, you will improve your confidence, fluency, and ability to handle different scenarios in the test.

If you’re preparing for your OET Speaking exam, practice regularly with mock role-plays tailored for your profession. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired OET score!

You might be interested in role-playing for the OET Speaking as a proproctor. We welcome candidates who are passionate in further learning and practice. You can contact us from proproctor application on how to get you onboard