ADA Guideline For Infection Control

Candidate Information
& Sample Materials
visit... www.oet.com.au
© Copyright CAE.
This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the
Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process
without prior written permission from CAE. November 2004.
Contents
Background 5
Sample test information 9
Subtest Reading 11
Part A 13
Part B 18
Subtest Listening 23
Part A 25
Part B 29
Subtest Writing 33
Dentists 34
Dietitians 36
Doctors 38
Nurses 40
Occupational Therapists 41
Pharmacists 43
Physiotherapists 46
Podiatrists 48
Radiographers 49
Speech Pathologists 52
Veterinarians 54
Subtest Speaking 57
Dentists 59
Dietitians 60
Doctors 61
Nurses 62
Pharmacists 64
Physiotherapists 65
Podiatrists 66
Radiographers 67
Veterinarians 69
Answers 71
Background
What is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language test for overseas qualified medical and health professionals whose
first language is not English. It assesses English language proficiency as it is used in medical and health professions
in Australia. The OET is owned and administered by CAE. CAE is responsible for the management of all assessment
processes related to the delivery of the OET.
The Australian Government requires that medical and health professionals from non-English speaking backgrounds
wishing to study, work and/or migrate to Australia obtain a successful result in the OET. The OET is designed to
ensure that those working or studying in medical or health professions have an adequate command of English to use
and communicate in English with confidence in professional situations.
Which professions does the OET cover?

OET covers the following:
• Chiropractors • Pharmacists
• Dentists • Physiotherapists
• Dietitians • Podiatrists
• Doctors • Radiographers
• Nurses • Speech Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists • Veterinarians.
• Optometrists
What does the OET assess?

The OET assesses:
• Reading • Writing
• Listening • Speaking.
There is a separate subtest for each of these skill areas. The Reading and Listening subtests are designed to assess
the ability to understand written and spoken English related to health and medicine. The subtests for Reading and
Listening are not specific to a health profession. The Speaking and Writing subtests are specific to each profession
and are designed to assess the ability to produce English in professional contexts.
The OET does not attempt to assess professional knowledge.
Reading
This subtest is not specific to a profession. It takes 60 minutes.
For this subtest candidates are required to read two articles about health related issues and answer questions which
test comprehension of written English. The questions are multiple choice and candidates record their answers on a
computer sheet.
OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 5

Listening
The listening subtest is not specific to a profession. The duration of the test is approximately 60 minutes.
For this subtest candidates listen to an audio tape about two health related issues and answer questions which have
been formulated to test comprehension of spoken English. Candidates are required to write answers in an answer
booklet while the tape is being played. There are pauses in the tape to allow time to write the answers.
Writing
The writing subtest is specific to each profession. Candidates are allowed 40 minutes for this subtest. An extra 5
minutes is allowed as reading time.
For this subtest candidates write a letter of referral, transfer or advice based on case notes. Candidates are required
to write approximately 200 words using the correct layout.
Speaking
This subtest is specific to each profession. It takes approximately 20 minutes.
For this subtest candidates must participate in two role plays related to their profession. All role plays are recorded
on audio tape. Another person will take the role of a patient or client.
More information about the subtests can be found in the sections relating to each subtest.
Test materials and conditions

The development of examination materials, assessment criteria and processes are researched, developed, trialled
and reviewed by qualified professional test developers who have a world-wide reputation for their work in the field of
language testing and research.
All test materials are confidential and the test is administered under conditions of strict security. All candidates are
required to show proof of identity, with a photograph and signature check on the test day.
Where is the OET conducted?

The OET is conducted in all capital cities in Australia and in some other major cities, depending on numbers enrolled
in each test.
Overseas the OET can be conducted in approximately 50 different locations. Venues are determined by the number
of candidates.
Who assesses the OET?

The Reading subtest is marked by computer at the University of New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
The other subtests are assessed by qualified and experienced assessors of English who have been trained in OET
assessment procedures.
6 OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

How is the OET assessed?
All examination material is returned to the OET Assessment Unit at CAE for assessment in the following manner:
Reading: analysed by computer at the University of NSW
Listening: assessed in Melbourne. A random selection of 10% of candidate responses are double marked
Writing: assessed in Melbourne. All papers are double marked*
Speaking: usually assessed in Melbourne. Some candidates are assessed by interlocutors/assessors at the time
of the test. All candidate responses are double marked.*
* A percentage of papers are triple marked
How are OET results reported?

Test results for each skill area are reported on a five point scale from A to E with A being the highest score.
Results are posted 5 – 6 weeks after the tests in Australia, and 6 – 8 weeks after the tests are held overseas.
Gaining feedback
Candidates may request a written report against the assessment criteria for subtest results in Writing, Speaking
and Listening. There is a cost for this service. Information about the costs and the Qualitative Feedback Form are
available on the OET website (www.oet.com.au).
What is a satisfactory result?

Candidates must receive a satisfactory result in all four subtests.
Most Medical/Health Councils require candidates to achieve an ‘A’ or ‘B’ result in all four sections of the test.
However, each Medical / Health Council has different requirements which may change from time to time.
Candidates must check with the medical or health council relevant to their profession.
CAE will provide candidates with their results on each subtest. CAE cannot provide advice on whether a Medical /
Health Council will consider the results satisfactory. Candidates must liaise with the relevant professional body.
What if a satisfactory result is not obtained?

Candidates can resit all of the OET or only the subtests in which they did not receive a satisfactory result.
Candidates should check with their appropriate medical/health council as to what constitutes a satisfactory
result.
For further and up-to-date information about OET, please check the website: www.oet.com.au

SS
Sample test
information
Background
Sample Test Materials

This kit contains the following materials:
• Sample Reading subtest with answer key

• Sample Listening subtest with cassette tape and answer key
• Sample Writing subtest with sample answers
• Sample Speaking subtest material and cassette tape with two sample role plays, one for doctors and
one for nurses.
Sample materials are adapted from past tests. Further sample test items can be found in the Additional
Practice Materials. To purchase the Additional Practice Materials refer to the OET website <www.oet.com.au>.
The sample test materials aim to help candidates prepare for the Occupational English Test. The format and
content of the sample materials is similar to the OET that candidates will undertake.
Advice to candidates
• Work through the sample materials under test conditions to gain an understanding of the test
requirements.
• Read and follow the instructions carefully.
• Use a pencil so that answers can be erased and the materials can be used again.
• Finish each subtest in the time allowed. Do not stop half way through for a break.
• Stop writing when the time has run out. Ask a friend to help you keep the time limits.
• Check answers against the answer key or sample answers.
• Ask a friend to assist with the Speaking subtest, and to give some comment or feedback on how well
you performed.
• Ask an English teacher for some comments or feedback on how well your writing met the task set.

Subtest
General information Reading
Time allocation
60 minutes.
Test format and procedure

In this subtest candidates must read two texts and answer approximately 20 questions. The texts are on general
topics related to the medical and health professions. The texts are not specific to a profession. The questions are
designed to assess understanding of the texts.
The questions are in multiple choice format. For each question candidates have to choose which alternative answer
is the best answer. Some questions are in the form of unfinished statements and candidates must select the best
way to finish the statement. Only one alternative can be given.
Answers are to be written on the computer readable answer sheet provided (see example next page) by filling in the
appropriate circle with a pencil. If a mistake is made, candidates should rub out the first mark with an eraser and fill
in another circle. If two answers are marked, the question will be marked wrong. Marks or smudges on the answer
sheet may be mistaken for answers and may be marked wrong.
Assessment procedure
This subtest is computer marked at the University of NSW.
The sample materials

The sample materials consist of:
• a computer readable answer sheet (similar to example shown on the next page)
• two texts
• a series of questions related to the texts
• a reading test answer key (see page 71).
Using the materials

• Allow enough time to do all the sample reading subtest in the one sitting. This will give an indication of the
requirements of the actual test.
• Set a timer or alarm clock for 60 minutes or ask someone to act as a timer.
• Make sure a pencil and a rubber (eraser) is available.
• Check answers against the answer key.
• A total score of around 65% on these tests (Part A and B combined) should give you a good chance of
getting a satisfactory result.

COMPUTER ANSWER SHEET

OET – SAMPLE READING SUBTEST
Reading Subtest
Time allowed : 60 minutes
There are two reading passages in this test. After each passage you will find a number of questions or
unfinished statements about the passage, each with four suggested answers or ways of finishing.
You must choose the one which you think fits best, i.e. the best answer. For each question, 1-20, indicate on
your answer sheet the letter A, B, C or D against the number of the question.
Answer all questions. Marks will not be deducted for incorrect answers.

READING SUBTEST – PART A OET – SAMPLE
PASSAGE
Latin America struggles as cholera spreads

Paragraph 1
Health officials from 10 Latin American countries met in Washington DC this week to search for measures to
control the growing cholera epidemic in their countries. Last week the World Health Organisation (WHO) set up a
task force to combat the spread of the disease which, it predicts, could affect as many as 120 million people – a
quarter of Latin America’s population.
Paragraph 2
Cholera has now reached beyond the western coastal countries of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Chile to the
edge of Brazil. So far, the five cases reported in Brazil are thought to be Peruvians who have crossed the border
at an island in the Amazon called Tabatinga. More than 163,000 cases have been reported to the WHO from
Latin America.
Paragraph 3
Despite the large numbers infected, the death rate has so far been relatively low. Figures from Peru show that
10 out of 158,929 cases of the disease there were 1,130 deaths – fewer than 1 per cent of those affected. The
WHO says communities unprepared for cholera usually suffer a much higher death rate – up to half of those who
develop the disease.
Paragraph 4
This is the first widespread outbreak of cholera in the Americas for a century. “Peru has done remarkably well,”
says David Bennett, coordinator for the cholera taskforce at the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) in
Washington DC.
Paragraph 5
Cholera is treatable when diagnosed promptly. Jim Tulloch, head of the diarrhoeal diseases program at the WHO,
says Peru has for years been training its doctors to treat diarrhoeal disease and that this has helped to reduce
the death toll.
Paragraph 6
The cholera bacterium produces a toxin which paralyses the gut, stopping it from absorbing liquid. It kills only
20 because it dehydrates the body rapidly. Nine out of ten patients will recover simply by drinking oral rehydration
fluids – a balance of water, sugar and salt. Intravenous infusions of fluid are necessary for the one in ten who
become severely dehydrated or are unable to keep liquids down. Antibiotics help to reduce the time that people
suffer from diarrhoea for and also make the diarrhoea itself less infectious.
Paragraph 7
No one is belittling the impact of the disease. The WHO says the epidemic is an “unfolding tragedy” worldwide,
with growing numbers of cases in Benin and Zambia as well as those in Latin America. But Tulloch emphasises
that the epidemic must be seen in the context of other deaths caused by diarrhoeal disease. He says that while
2,000 people have died of cholera worldwide since the end of January, in the same period 800,000 children
under 5 years of age have died from diarrhoea.
Paragraph 8
“The (Latin American) epidemic is much more of a disaster to the economy than to public health,” says Sandy
30 Cairncross at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Many countries have banned imports of
food from Peru, despite the WHO’s advice that no large cholera outbreak has ever been traced to commercial
imports. The WHO estimates that the epidemic will cost Peru $1 billion this year in losses to exports, tourism and
other earnings.
Paragraph 9
Officials say Peru’s poor water supply and overcrowding of the shanty towns that surround the coastal cities have
helped to spread the disease. The cholera bacterium is excreted in the faeces of infected people and thrives in
situations where sewage can mix with supplies of fresh water.

OET – SAMPLE PART A – READING SUBTEST
PASSAGE
Paragraph 10
Horatio Lores, senior epidemiologist at the Lima office of the PAHO, says, “We have much poverty here, no
sanitation and basic conditions.” Few houses have piped water. Cairncross says that even 10 years ago people
were spending a tenth of their income on water bought from street vendors. Since then real incomes have
40 declined sharply.
Paragraph 11
According to the PAHO, the water and sewerage systems in Lima and Peru’s other coastal cities have not been
properly repaired for years. Levels of chlorine disinfectant in the water supplies have not been checked regularly
and the water pressure is not maintained for 24 hours a day, so wasted water can flow into any pipes that are
cracked. Where populations have grown rapidly, water supplies have become grossly overstretched.
Paragraph 12
“A traditional practice in the dry coastal plains is to use sewage to fertilise fields when water is scarce,” says
Cairncross. “People even smash open sewers or pump water contaminated with raw sewage direct from rivers,”
he says. “Farmers need to grow the kind of crops that have high cash yields and short growing seasons, and
these are often vegetables that are eaten raw.”
Paragraph 13
But while epidemiologists blame poverty and the deteriorating infrastructure for the cholera outbreak, no one
50 can explain why it should have happened suddenly. The conditions that have fuelled the disease have been
worsening for years. “One assumes that cholera must have been introduced periodically during the last 20 or
30 years,” admits Bennett. However, Tulloch in Geneva, says, “The precise origin of the epidemic is irrelevant
because the level of contamination in the environment now is very high.”
Paragraph 14
The bacterium that causes cholera, Vibrio Cholerae, has two main forms or “biotypes”: the El Tor biotype is the
cause of the current epidemic and the classical biotype was responsible for outbreaks earlier this century. The
WHO says Latin America’s current epidemic is part of the seventh pandemic, or world epidemic, which began as
long ago as 1961.
Paragraph 15
El Tor was endemic in Indonesia before it began to spread. Probably carried by travellers, it reached Bangladesh
in 1963, India a year later and the Soviet Union in the mid-1960’s. In 1970, El Tor reached West Africa, a region
60 that had been virtually free of cholera until then. The disease remains endemic in this area, where it is difficult to
distinguish from other causes of diarrhoea. Children are most affected.
Paragraph 16
Bennett says that El Tor spreads rapidly before it is detected, because for every one person to suffer severe
diarrhoea there are eight who have no symptoms or only mild disturbance, and so do not seek medical help. In
contrast, the classical biotype causes severe symptoms in half of those infected.
Paragraph 17
“Malnourished people and those who are carrying many intestinal parasites may be more susceptible than
healthy people,” says Cairncross. “It takes 100 billion vibrios in the gut of a healthy person to cause the disease,
because large numbers are immobilised by acid in the stomach. But in someone whose gut is less acidic
because of a heavy parasite burden, it takes only 1 million organisms.”
Paragraph 18
The PAHO believes good surveillance and speedy reporting by countries is more cost effective than border
70 controls for halting the spread of the disease. The organisation has sent diagnostic equipment to laboratories in
countries at risk and has sent some staff on training courses at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta.
Paragraph 19
The existing vaccine against cholera, which is based on killed vibrios, protects only half of those who receive
it, and then only for a few months. The WHO hopes to start a trial in Brazil of an oral vaccine that contains
fragments of cholera toxin as well as killed vibrios. This vaccine was tested in Bangladesh in the mid-1980’s, with
partial success.

READING SUBTEST – PART A OET – SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
Latin America struggles as cholera spreads
1 So far, the number of people affected by the current cholera epidemic in Latin America is:
a) about 120 million
b) between 160,000 and 120 million
c) between 60,000 and 160,000
d) less than 60,000
2 The number of people who have died from the current epidemic in Peru is:
a) surprisingly high
b) about 1 percent of the population
c) surprisingly low
d) about 50 percent of those affected
3 According to the article, which of the following statements about cholera is FALSE?
a) it usually kills about 50 percent of the people affected by it
b) it has not been seen on such a large scale in that region for more than 100 years
c) the gut of a person affected by it is unable to process liquids
d) 90 percent of those affected do not need to be treated intravenously
4 According to the article, Peru’s water supply…
a) is linked directly to the large number of houses
b) has a constant pressure
c) is chlorinated
d) system is being overhauled
5 The practice of using sewage to fertilise fields…
a) is traditionally carried out throughout the country
b) has been recently introduced
c) has caused the current outbreak of cholera
d) is an old solution to an old problem

OET – SAMPLE PART A – READING SUBTEST
QUESTIONS
6 The current cholera epidemic in Latin America…
a) began in Colombia
b) began in Brazil
c) is part of a world-wide epidemic
d) is of unknown origin
7 El Tor…
a) is NOT the classical biotype of the cholera bacterium
b) was most likely spread by travellers
c) was identified in India after Bangladesh
d) is/was all of the above
8 Which of the following statements about El Tor is TRUE?
a) it was the first cholera bacterium to be detected in West Africa
b) it is not detected as easily as the old biotype
c) it causes severe diarrhoea in all sufferers
d) it has also appeared in isolated cases in Geneva
9 Which of the following is given as THE LEAST USEFUL MEASURE for keeping the disease in check?
a) increased patrols along common borders
b) monitoring areas in which cholera has been detected
c) efficient sharing of information
d) an improved diet
10 From the article, it can be inferred that…
a) WHO is now close to finding an effective preventative vaccine for cholera
b) people are more likely to die from diarrhoeal disease than from cholera
c) up to a quarter of Latin America’s population could die unless trials with a new oral vaccine
succeed
d) the outbreak of cholera in any country will affect its economy as much as its public health
THAT IS THE END OF PART A

TURN OVER AND COMPLETE PART B

READING SUBTEST – PART B OET – SAMPLE
PASSAGE
Trans Fat – Does margarine really lower cholesterol?

Paragraph 1
Butter, as anyone who has not been living in a cave for the past 10 years has probably heard, contains a lot
of saturated fat, which increases the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Margarine, on the other hand, is made
from vegetable oils, which contain cholesterol-lowering polyunsaturated fat. So switching to a diet with only
vegetable fats should lower cholesterol levels, right?
Paragraph 2
“Wrong,” says Margaret A. Flynn, a nutritionist at the University of Missouri. When she performed the
experiment with a group of 71 faculty members – switching in both directions – she found that “basically
it made no difference whether they ate margarine or butter.” The reason, according to a growing group
of nutritionists, could be partially hydrogenated fats. Recent studies suggest that such fats might actually
alter cholesterol levels in the blood in all the wrong ways, lowering the “good” high-density lipoprotein and
10 increasing the “bad” low-density lipoprotein.
Paragraph 3
Partially hydrogenated fats are made by reacting polyunsaturated oils with hydrogen. The addition of
hydrogen turns the oils solid, and some of their polyunsaturated fat is turned into trans monounsaturated fats.
Monounsaturated fat is generally perceived as good, but things are not so simple. “Trans monounsaturates
act in the body like saturated fats,” says Fred A. Kummerow, a food chemist at the University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign. “Almost all naturally occurring monounsaturated fat is of the cis variety, which is more like
polyunsaturated fat.”
Paragraph 4
Flynn’s study is not the first to raise questions about trans fatty acids. Ten years ago a Canadian government
task force noted the apparent cholesterol-raising effects of trans fats and requested margarine manufacturers
to reduce the amounts – which can easily be done by altering the conditions of the hydrogenation reaction.
Paragraph 5
20 Last August two Dutch researchers, Ronald P. Mensink and Martijn B. Katan, published a study in the New
England Journal of Medicine that showed eating a diet rich in trans fats increased low-density lipoprotein and
decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein. In an editorial accompanying the study, Scott M. Grundy, a lipid
researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre at Dallas, wrote that the ability of trans fatty
acids to increase low-density lipoprotein “in itself justifies their reduction in the diet.” Grundy called for changes
in labelling regulations so that cholesterol-raising fatty acids, including trans monounsaturates, are grouped
together.
Paragraph 6
James I. Cleeman, coordinator of the National Cholesterol Education Program, disagrees. “To raise a red
flag is premature,” he says. “Mensink’s audience is the research community – the public needs useable
simplifications.” Cleeman points out that the subjects in Mensink and Katan’s study ate relatively large
30 amounts of trans fats. He believes more typical consumption levels should be investigated before any change
in recommendations is warranted.
Paragraph 7
Furthermore, Cleeman notes that studies like Flynn’s are hard to interpret because subjects were allowed to
eat as they pleased. Flynns’s study, published this month in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition,
found considerable variability among subjects in their blood lipid profiles. “The only way to study the question
properly is in a metabolic ward,” Cleeman says. “Trans fats are a wonderful example of an issue that’s not
ready for prime time.”

OET – SAMPLE PART B – READING SUBTEST
PASSAGE
Paragraph 8
Edward A. Emken, a specialist on trans fats at the Agricultural Research Service in Peoria, Illinois, also
downplays the concern but for different reasons. Although Mary G. Enig, a nutritional researcher at the
University of Maryland, has estimated American adults consume 19 grams of trans fat per day, Emken thinks
40 that figure is too high. According to his calculations, eliminating trans fatty acids from the diet will for most
people make only a tiny change in lipoprotein levels. “If you’re hypercholesterolemic, it could be important, but
if you’re not, then it is not going to affect risk at all,” he concludes.
Paragraph 9
Emken, together with Lisa C. Hudgins and Jules Hirsch, has performed a study to be published in the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, that finds no association between levels of trans fats in fat tissue in
humans and their cholesterol profiles. To Emken, that suggests trans fats are not a major threat for most
people.
Paragraph 10
Nevertheless, trans fats seem destined for more limelight. “How can one defend having cholesterol and
saturated and unsaturated fats listed on food labels but not allow public access to trans information when
such fats behave like saturates?” asks Bruce J. Holub, a biochemist at the University of Guelph in Ontario. “At
50 the very least, one has to ask whether cholesterol-free claims should be allowed on high-trans products.”
– Tim Beardsley

READING SUBTEST – PART B OET – SAMPLE
QUESTIONS
Trans Fat – Does margarine really lower cholesterol?
11 M. A. Flynn’s finding is supported by the proposition that…

a) butter lowers high-density lipoprotein while margarine increases low-density lipoprotein
b) butter contains just as much partially hydrogenated fat as margarine
c) trans monounsaturates behave similarly to most naturally-occurring monounsaturates
d) trans monounsaturated fat increases cholesterol level
12 Recent studies suggest that…
a) partially hydrogenated fats decrease high-density lipoprotein
b) partially hydrogenated fats do not increase low-density lipoprotein
c) both a) and b)
d) neither a) nor b)
13 According to the article,
a) eating butter is not as dangerous for cholesterol levels as was previously thought
b) cholesterol levels in humans can be noticeably reduced by cutting out animal fats
c) eating margarine is healthier than eating butter
d) the benefits of using only vegetable fats in the human diet are arguable
14 Research into trans fats…
a) has been going on for at least ten years
b) has been going on for less than ten years
c) has reached an advanced stage
d) has led to popular support for relabelling of butter and margarine
15 As a result of Flynn’s study,
a) a Canadian government task force recommended the reduction of trans fats in margarine
b) a Canadian government task force recommended that the conditions for the hydrogenation
reaction should be changed
c) margarine manufacturers in Canada changed their practices
d) none of the above

OET – SAMPLE PART B – READING SUBTEST
QUESTIONS
16 Which of the following statements is FALSE?
a) we do not know what conclusions Flynn drew about lipoproteins
b) Mensink and Katan came to the same conclusion about lipoprotein as Flynn
c) Grundy’s recommendation was supported by Mensink and Katan’s findings
d) None of the above
17 James I. Cleeman DOES NOT…
a) agree with Grundy’s recommendation for relabelling
b) dispute Mensink and Katan’s research into the effects of eating trans fats
c) want Mensink and Katan’s work discussed outside the research community
d) want to wait any longer before warning the public
18 Which statement would Cleeman agree with?
a) Flynn’s study is not very valuable because she is hard to understand
b) Trans fats should now be discussed and debated by interested members of the public
c) Flynn’s study was not sufficiently rigorous
d) Flynn’s subjects should have had more food of a more varied nature
19 It has been estimated that American adults consume 19 grams of trans fats per day. Edward Emken…
a) believes that a reduction in this figure could be achieved quite easily
b) is not very concerned about trans fat intake levels for most people
c) does not think that they should consume so much in trans fats
d) thinks that people should eliminate trans fats from their diets
20 According to Tim Beardsley, the writer of the article,
a) Emken, in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, has challenged other
researcher’s claims
b) the levels of trans fats tissue in humans and their cholesterol profiles are not connected
c) the issue of trans fat is likely to receive more, rather than less, attention in the future
d) food products should be labelled with their trans information in addition to the current
information
THAT IS THE END OF THE READING TEST

Subtest
General information Listening
Time allocation
Approximately 60 minutes.

Candidates are required to listen to an audio tape about two health related issues and to answer questions which
test understanding of spoken English. The subtest is not specific to a profession.
The Listening Subtest has two sections:
• Part A: an interview between a health professional (eg. a doctor) and a patient

• Part B: a talk on a general topic related to health, such as a public lecture, or a talk by an expert health
professional.
Candidates must complete both sections of the subtest.
There are approximately 20 questions to answer.
For each section, candidates will be given one minute to look at the questions before listening to the tape.
Candidates will need to write a word or phrase in answer to each question. Questions are to be answered while
the audio tape is being played. The tape will be played once only. There are pauses on the tape for candidates
to finish writing an answer and to enable candidates to read the next question.
The instructions on the tape are the same as the instructions written on the test paper.
The Listening subtest is marked by qualified, experienced English assessors who have been trained in OET
assessment procedures. They will decide if the answers given are close enough to be marked correct.
The Listening subtest is marked in Melbourne. 10% of candidate responses (papers) are randomly selected and
double marked to check assessor reliability.

• an audio tape with two parts, one an interview between a health professional and a patient and the
second, a general topic related to health
• a series of questions related to the passages on the tape
• a listening test answer key (see page 71).

Using the materials
• Make sure an audioplayer or tape recorder is available.
• Allow enough time (60 minutes) to do all the sample listening subtest in one sitting, as in the OET.
• Make sure writing implements are available. Some people prefer to use a pencil because they can rub out
incorrect words and re-write their answer. Others find it quicker and easier to use a pen and to cross out
incorrect words or phrases.
• Check answers against the answer key. Many of the questions have several correct answers. Alternative
answers are indicated by a slash “/”. Minor variations in wording are acceptable provided the key meaning
has been retained.
• A total score of around 65% on these tests (Part A and B combined) should give you a good chance of
getting a satisfactory result.

OET – SAMPLE PART A – LISTENING SUBTEST
THIS TEST IS IN TWO PARTS
Listening Test – Part A

Time allowed: 24 minutes
In this part of the test, you will hear a doctor in a community health centre interviewing Mrs Gunn, a diabetic
patient attending the clinic for the first time.
As you listen, you must make notes about the consultation under the headings given on the answer sheet.
TURN OVER and read through these headings now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this.
You must give as much information as you can under each of the headings provided. There will be pauses
during the consultation for you to complete your notes under the relevant heading. There will also be a few
minutes extra at the end for you to finish writing your answers.
Give your answers in note form. Don’t waste time writing full sentences.
Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY.
TURN OVER

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART A OET – SAMPLE
QUESTIONS Marker’s use

only
Make notes about the consultation under the headings given below.
Give as much information as you can.
The first question has been done for you.
1 Reason for attendance at surgery
• script for prescription drugs
• have her arm looked at
2 Medical History
a) Diabetes
• Item 1
• 2
b) Vision
•
Item 2
• 2
3 Circumstances of burn and work history
•
Item 3
• 2
TURN OVER

OET – SAMPLE PART A – LISTENING SUBTEST

only
4 Dietary habits
•
Item 4
• 4
5 Family history (medical)
•
Item 5
• 2
6 Social relationships (including family)
•
Item 6
• 3
7 Treatment plan: i.e. proposed management of condition
a) Diabetes
•
Item 7
• 3
b) Vision
•
Item 8
• 2
TURN OVER

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART A OET – SAMPLE

only
c) Burn
• Item 9
•
1
• Item 10
• 2
8 History of arthritis (including current factors)
• Item 11
• 3
9 Treatment plan continued
a) Arthritis Item 12
• 1
b) Obesity Item 13
• 1
THAT IS THE END OF SECTION A

OET – SAMPLE PART B – LISTENING SUBTEST
QUESTIONS
Listening Test – Part B

In this part of the test, you will hear a talk on the Victorian Division of the National Heart Foundation (NHF) of
Australia, given by Michael Lynch.
You will hear the talk ONCE ONLY, in sections. You must answer the questions in the spaces provided.
There will be time during the talk for you to read each question, and to complete your answers.
TURN OVER and look quickly through the paper now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this.
You may write as you listen, and you can complete your answers in the pauses between sections.
Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY.
Look at Question 1 now. Question 1 has been done for you.
TURN OVER

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART B OET – SAMPLE

only
The speaker introduces the National Heart Foundation (NHF), an agency which
aims to promote health in the community.
1 What is the agent of change discussed in this talk?
• nutrition
2 In what general way does the NHF aim to reduce premature

cardiovascular disease?
Item 14
• 1
3 List TWO aspects of modern life mentioned that cause insecurity:
•
Item 15
• 2
4 The work of the Education Unit of the National Heart Foundation.
a) Describe how the Education Unit delivers its message to the community.
•
Item 16
• 2
b) The speaker suggests how healthier choices can be made easier.

List the three factors involved in these choices.
•
Item 17
• 3
5 Policy in health promotion.
a) In the speaker’s opinion are the following statements

about health promotion true (T) or false (F). T F
• It should involve the general population in their daily life

Item 18
• It should use a single approach to the problem
1
• It should concentrate on specialist medical knowledge.
TURN OVER

OET – SAMPLE PART B – LISTENING SUBTEST

only
The speaker describes the tenets of the Ottawa Charter, produced in Canada,
and how these aims are carried out.
b) In the spaces provided, complete the following summary of

the aims of the Ottawa Charter:
• To examine government policy in all areas
• To look at places where people work and live in order to

create a more healthy
• To help individuals to become active in health promotion
• To increase involvement of the

in planning and decision-making
Item 19
• To move the focus of health services from simply providing 2
services to trying to make people healthier.
The speaker gives examples of the Education Unit’s work in Melbourne.
6 Describe two recent changes affecting health that have occurred in

places of entertainment and culture in Melbourne.
Item 20
• 2
7 The speaker describes the Primary Schools’ Nutrition Project.
a) List two problems identified by the Education Unit among primary

school children?
• Item 21
•
2
b) List one aim of this project. Item 22
• 1
TURN OVER

LISTENING SUBTEST – PART B OET – SAMPLE

only
c) The NHF was involved in a large street festival in Melbourne. How did the NHF
put its health message across in this street festival?
Item 23
• 1
d) Why is it important to explain health promotion to health professionals?

Item 24
• 1
8 Future challenges for the NHF.
a) What trend in overweight people should the NHF investigate?
b) How does the NHF want General Practitioners to help reduce cardiovascular
disease?
c) By working with other health agencies, what do they hope to produce?
d) Why should the NHF consider helping fast food businesses to introduce
healthy foods?
Item 25
• 4
9 The speaker concludes his talk.
a) What criticism does the speaker make about the way the health budget
is spent?
Item 26
• 1
b) According to the speaker, what is the biggest challenge for health

agencies over the next 10 years?
Item 27
• 1
THAT IS THE END OF THE LISTENING TEST

YOU NOW HAVE TWO MINUTES TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

Subtest
General information Writing
Time allocation
40 minutes. An extra 5 minutes is allowed as reading time.

The Writing subtest is specific to each profession.
This subtest requires candidates to write a letter of referral, transfer or advice based on case notes which are
provided. The case notes relate to a typical situation in each profession.
Candidates are required to write approximately 200 words.
In the OET, the piece of writing is assessed by qualified, experienced English assessors who have been trained in
OET assessment procedures. The assessment is based on the following criteria:
• overall task fulfilment

• appropriateness of language
• comprehension of stimulus material
• linguistic features (grammar and cohesion)
• presentation features (spelling, presentation, layout).
The Writing subtest papers are assessed in Melbourne. All papers are double marked.

• sample writing tasks covering ten health profession areas

• a sample answer for each task (see page 71).
Using the materials

• Allow enough time (40 minutes) to do the sample writing subtest in one sitting. This will give an indication of
the requirements of the OET.
• Set a timer or alarm clock for 40 minutes or ask someone to act as a timer.
• Candidates should select the task relevant to their profession.
• On completion of the letter, check your work.
• Read the sample answer provided in this booklet to establish if the sample answer contains additional points
or information.

WRITING SUBTEST – DENTISTS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Dentists

Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows.
Patient Ms. Rosie Buck

7 Horseshoe Drive
Keilor
Ph: 491 2641
Born on 22.07.1950
Reason for Presenting Pain associated with front tooth.

Unable to bite on the tooth.
Increasing pain; pain control tablets ineffective.
Dental History - Radiographs (x-rays)

Previous dental experience - fillings
- scale and clean (regularly)
- Root canal filling
- Crowns
- Wisdom teeth extraction
Medical History - Bad reaction to local anaesthetic (probably due to adrenaline in anaesthetic)
- Allergic to penicillin
- Used to smoke cigarettes (gave up 7 years ago)
Family and Social History Born in Melbourne. Married. Two brothers: younger brother recently
diagnosed with cancer. He has just finished chemotherapy treatment.
Two children, the oldest having trouble at school.
Regularly attends dental clinic for routine care. Attends with children.
Examination 01.07.1992
All teeth present except wisdom teeth (18, 28, 38, 48)
MOD amalgams in 17, 16, 27, 37, 36, 47, 45, 44
MO amalgam in 15, 25, 46
DO amalgam in 26, 35
Occlusal amalgam in 14
Composite resin filling in 13, 12, 11, 21, 23
Carious lesion in 16, 26, 24, 43, 11
Much supraginginal calculus on most teeth.
Subginginal calculus around most teeth.
Worn biting surfaces on most teeth.

OET – SAMPLE DENTISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
Treatment Record
01.07.1995 Radiographs. Oral hygiene instruction. Treatment plan formulated.
14.07.1995 Gross scaling of teeth. Further oral hygiene instruction.

Amalgam fillings 24, 26
21.07.1995 Fine scaling of teeth. Particularly subginginal calculus. Continue hygiene instruction.
Amalgam filling 16. Composite resin filling 43.
2 ampoules of 2.2 ml Lignocaine.
28.07.1995 Commence root canal treatment on 11. Caries removed on 11.

Temporary filling.
2.2ml Lignocaine. Prescription for Erythmonycin 250 mg.
12.08.1995 Complete root filling 11. Temporary filling.

2.2 ml Lignocaine.
19.10.1995 Post crown inserted on 11. Glass ionemes cement used.

Fine scale. Reinforce oral hygiene.
15.05.1996 Routine dental examination. Scale and clean.
20.12.1996 Routine dental examination. Scale and clean.

Composite resin filling 23.
05.02.1997 Presents with pain on and around post crown on 11. Radiograph taken.
Probing indicates deep pocket on mesial surface of tooth 11.
Tooth sensitive to pressure.
Refer to gum specialist for treatment of gum abscess around tooth 11.
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the specialist, Dr Perry Dontal,
10 Carpenter St, Brighton, 3186, requesting confirmation of diagnosis and treatment.
In your answer:
• Expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences.
• Do not use note form.
• The body of the letter should be approximately 200 words.
• Use correct letter format.

WRITING SUBTEST – DIETITIANS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Dietitians

Patient History James Mann was referred by Dr Smith for advice on a low fat diet for
inflammation of the gall bladder due to gallstones.
Will possibly have surgery for this problem in the future.
Case Notes
25.1.97 Mr James Mann
50 years old
Past Medical History Recent acute attack of cholecystitis

No previous history of gallstones
Social History Works on a factory line

Sedentary
Married
No children at home
Weight History Wt = 90 kg
Ht = 178 cm
BMI = 28 (overweight)
Acceptable weight for height range
63-79 kg
Subjective Information Patient happy to make changes – does not want to experience further pain.
Diet History Breakfast: Bowl of cornflakes and full cream milk

Tea
Morning Tea: 1 jam doughnut, tea
Lunch (from canteen at work):
Meat pie and tomato sauce; mashed potato or chips; mashed
pumpkin; beans; cold meat; salad/vegetables; 2 slices white
bread and butter; flavoured milk
Afternoon tea: Tea
After work: 2 cans of beer; small packet peanuts or crisps
Evening meal: meat or fish or chicken (fried or grilled); potato; mixed
vegetables; ice cream and fruit salad; tea
Supper: None

OET – SAMPLE DIETITANS – WRITING SUBTEST
Dietary Problems Excess fat – whole milk

– fried foods
– pastry
– peanuts
– ice cream
Excess energy
Education Given – Healthy eating

– How to reduce fat intake to approx 50 gm
– Encouraged to aim for Healthy Weight Range in order to:
i) Reduce surgical risk
ii) Reduce risk of developing other conditions, e.g. diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease
– Encouraged to increase exercise
– Review in 2 weeks
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes, write a letter to Dr J Smith, 765 Brunswick Road, Preston,
3072, informing him of your management of the patient.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – DOCTORS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Doctors

Patient History Derek Romano is a patient in your General Practice.
20.3.97
Subjective: 46 year old insurance clerk wants “check up”

smokes 1 pkt cigarettes per day
high blood pressure in past
no regular exercise
father died aged 48 of acute myocardial infarction
married, one child
no medications or allergies
Objective: BP 150/100 P 80 regular

Overweight Ht – 170 cm Wt – 98 kg
Cardiovascular and respiratory examination normal
Urinalysis normal
Plan: Advise re weight loss, smoking cessation

Review BP in 1 month
8.4.97
Subjective: Still smoking, no increase in exercise
Objective: BP 155/100
Assessment: Hypertension
Plan: Commence nifedipine (calcium channel blocker)

20 mg daily
Check blood glucose, serum cholesterol
Cholesterol = 6.4 mmol/L

OET – SAMPLE DOCTORS – WRITING SUBTEST
23.4.97
Subjective: Mild burning epigastric pain, radiating retrosternally. Occurs

after eating and walking.
Objective: BP 155/100
Abdominal and cardiovascular exam otherwise normal.
Assessment: ? Gastric reflux. Non-compliance with anti-hypertensive medication.
Plan: Add Mylanta 30 mls q.i.d.

Increase nifedipine to 20 mg twice daily.
30.4.97
Subjective: Crushing retrosternal chest pain. Sweaty. Mild dyspnoea.

Onset while walking, present for about one hour.
Objective: BP 160/100 P 64 in obvious distress

Few crepitations at lung bases.
ECG – inferior acute myocardial infarction.
Assessment: Acute myocardial infarction
Plan: Oxygen given

Anginine given sublingually
Morphine 2.5 mg given IV stat
Maxolon 10 mg given IV stat
You decide to call an ambulance and send this man to the Emergency Department, at the Royal Melbourne
Hospital.
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the Registrar in the Emergency
Department of the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, 3052.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – NURSES OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Nurses

Patient History Maria Ortiz is a seven-day-old baby. Her mother has been discharged
from the maternity hospital.
Baby Maria Ortiz, 7 days old
Social History Mother Violetta Ortiz

DOB 07/08/1967
Husband Jose, 36 years
Occupation security guard (night shift)
Other children Sam, 5 years (currently not attending school)
Teresa, 3 years
Accommodation Two-bedroom flat (rented)
Nursing Notes Normal birth

Breast fed
Mother anxious about coping with 3 children
Baby sleepy; reluctant to feed
Baby’s weight: birth – 3010 g
Discharge – 3020 g
Father unable to assist with children (night work)
Mother very tired
No car; 20-minute walk to shops
Discharged from hospital 10th April, 1997
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to the maternal and child health nurse
who will provide follow-up care in this case: Ms Josie Hext, Maternal and Child Health Centre, 133
Elm Grove, Westfield, 2692.
In your answer:

OET – SAMPLE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Test – Occupational Therapists

The patient is to be discharged from the City Hospital to a rehabilitation centre today.
Name: Jillian May Jackson
DOB: 23/4/59
Occupation: Librarian. Unable to work for 2 years.
Social: Married. Supportive husband (bank manager)
No children
Diagnosis: 1/52 exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis
Past history: MS for 5 years: gradual deterioration over this time
8.5.97 Initial Assessment
Communication/Presentation Motivated. Optimistic. Speech Ataxia (Dysarthria)
Accommodation 2-storey house; 4 steps at front, 2 steps at back.

Upstairs bathroom and toilet.
Physical Status Mobility: manual wheelchair

Upper Limb Status: ® dominant. Mild upper limb ataxia
Lower Limb Status: severe spasticity. Unable to walk.
9.5.97 Personal Activities of Daily Living
Difficulties with bringing food to mouth, cutting food; all transfers (unable to stand);
dressing/controlled movements; managing permanent indwelling
urinary catheter; sexual activity; using telephone.
10.5.97
Domestic/community ADL Cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping – husband doing these for the
last 12 months? Home help required.
Driving/Transport Unable to drive. Housebound. Difficulty transferring in/out of car.
Recreation Gets bored, depressed. Unable to continue previous hobbies,

interests. Few social contacts.

WRITING SUBTEST – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS OET – SAMPLE
Support Services None previously. ? Home Help or attendant care required.
Other therapy Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy
Assistive Devices Currently in Use None on admission.
11.5.97
Treatment Session on Personal ADL – eating and dressing.
Provided adapted cutlery, plate guard.
Modification of clothing begun. Motivated but progress slow and
laborious.
Labile.
Patient requirements Home Assessment. Recommendation modifications re wheelchair

access.
Assistive Devices.
Intervention in conjunction with Physiotherapy i.e. transfers.
Alternative to writing. ? Computer.
Modification to telephone.
12.5.97 Continued with eating and dressing. Some assistance still required.
15.5.97 For discharge to rehab centre today. Modification of underclothes

complete. Able to dress in a T-shirt independently, requires
assistance with lower limb dressing. Able to feed self using weighted
cutlery. Discharged with this equipment.
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes write a letter of referral to, Ms Dorothy Ross, Occupational
Therapy Department, Metropolitan Rehabilitation Centre, Marks Street, Clayton, 3168.
In your answer:

OET – SAMPLE PHARMACISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Test – Pharmacists

Patient Mrs Charlton, in her late 60’s, is a regular customer of yours. Her neighbour brings in a
prescription for you to dispense. You recognise that the medication is for
treatment of hypertension. According to your records, Mrs Charlton is not currently taking
any medication and has not previously taken this or any other anti-hypertensive medication.
Prescription Dr B Goodrich
234 High Street
Crystal Creek 3111
Ph: 802 9743
Mrs V Charlton
16 White Street
Crystal Creek 3111
Drug X 5 mg
30 tabs
Sig: 1 mane pc
Prescribing information for drug X
Actions: Antihypertensive with a 24 hour action.
Indications As a primary measure in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension and as an adjunct
for use: to other antihypertensive agents in the treatment of severe hypertension.
Contra- Known sensitivity to the drug or others of its class. Drug X should not be used for patients
indications: with severe renal disease or complete renal shutdown or in patients with severe liver disease
and/or impending hepatic coma.
Precautions: All patients should be observed for clinical signs of fluid or electrolyte imbalance including
hyponatraemia. These include thirst, dryness of the mouth, lethargy and drowsiness. With
intensive or prolonged therapy it is important to guard against hypochloraemic alkalosis and
hypokalaemia.

WRITING SUBTEST – PHARMACISTS OET – SAMPLE
Adverse – Gastrointestinal: anorexia, gastric irritation, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhoea,

Reactions: constipation, jaundice, pancreatitis.
– C.N.S.: dizziness, vertigo, paresthesias, headache, xanthopsia.
– Cardiovascular: orthostatic hypotension
– Haemotological: leucopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anaemia.
– Hypersensitivity (dermatological): purpura, photosensitivity, rash, urticaria, vasculitis.
– Other: hyperglycaemia, glucosuria, hyperuricemia, muscle spasm, weakness,
restlessness.
– Impotence has been observed with some drugs in the group when used in high doses.
Interaction: The following have been reported:

– Alcohol & barbiturates: orthostatic hypotension may occur or be aggravated;
– Digitalis: increase digitalis toxicity;
– Ganglionic and peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs: potentiation of effect;
– Insulin: diabetic control may be altered;
– Lithium: lithium toxicity increased;
– Muscle relaxants: neuromuscular block increased;
– Noradrenaline: decreased arterial responsiveness;
– Oral antidiabetic agents: reduced effectiveness;
– Phenothiazines: shock
Overdosage: Symptoms: Symptoms include electrolyte imbalance and signs of potassium deficiency
such as confusion, dizziness, muscular weakness and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Treatment: General supportive measures, including replacement of fluids and
electrolytes are indicated.
Use in Pregnancy Category C.

pregnancy and Drug X should be used with caution by pregnant women and by nursing mothers since
lactation: drugs in the group cross the placental barrier and appear in cord blood. Use may result
in foetal or neonatal jaundice, bone marrow depression and thrombocytopenia, altered
carbohydrate metabolism. In newborn infants of mothers showing decreased glucose
tolerance, and other adverse reactions which have occurred in the adult: when the drug
is used in pregnant women, the potential benefits of the drug should be weighted against
the possible hazards to the foetus.
Australian categorisation definition:
Category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have cause or may be
suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human foetus or neonate without causing
malformations. These effects may be reversible.
Dosage and Administered orally

Administration: Adults: Usual dose: 2.5 to 10 mg once daily. To maintain an oedema-free state or
as adjunct in the management of hypertension, 2.5 to 5 mg once daily. Usual optimum
daily dose: 5 mg, maximum effective single dose is 10 mg. Administer after food to
minimise gastrointestinal side effects. Monitor for dizziness after initial dosage.
In the treatment of hypertension, Drug X may be either employed alone or concurrently

with other antihypertensive with lower dosage of the component drugs and few or less
severe side effects.

OET – SAMPLE PHARMACISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Task
Using the drug information provided, write a letter to Mrs Charlton summarising advice on how to take
her medication, what side effects to be aware of and how to cope with them.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – PHYSIOTHERAPISTS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Physiotherapists

The patient is to be discharged from the orthopaedic ward to a rehabilitation centre where he will attend as an
outpatient.
Patient history Surname: Browning

Given Names: John Louis
Birthdate: 30.10.39
Occupation: Credit Manager
Social: Lives with his wife. Children have moved out.
Diagnosis: Elective total knee replacement on 16.12.96
X-ray Report (19.12.96): L Total Knee Replacement position appears satisfactory
Past history L Knee trouble for many years – osteoarthritis, instability, intermittent locking. Painful
most of the time. Uses a walking stick. Was an A-grade soccer player. Years of knee
pain L > R Keen sportsman in the past. Previously independent.
17.12.96 Resting in bed with a zimmer knee splint.
Treatment Deep breathing and coughing exercises

Bed exercises: static quads, straight-leg raise, foot and ankle
Plan Continue bed exercises, mobilise when able, aim for home
18.12.96 Complaining of pain
Treatment Continue bed exercises

Poor static quadriceps contraction – unable to lift leg
Plan To commence ambulating on Friday
20.12.96 Pain decreased
Treatment Bed exercises as previously – still not able to straight leg raise
Quad exercises ++
Commence active knee flexion = 30º
Commence partial weight bearing with crutches and Zimmer splint – walked 10 metres
with difficulty

OET – SAMPLE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
24.12.96 No change in range of motion or quads strength

Continue bed exercises and walking
Encourage ++
4.1.97 No change. For manipulation under anaesthetic tomorrow.
6.1.97 Having intensive physiotherapy

Knee flexion = 60º
Quads lag – 10º
Walking independently between crutches
Refer to rehabilitation centre for out-patient physiotherapy
Review in out-patient clinic: 6.2.97
Writing Task
Using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to Ms Barbara Blunt, Physiotherapy
Department, St Stephen’s Rehabilitation Centre, Bond Street, Burwood, 3125.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – PODIATRISTS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Podiatrists

Patient history Name: Mrs Emily-Jane Smith

Date of birth: 27.08.1930
Social history Widow: husband died five years ago

Planning to move across town to live with unmarried daughter
Medical history Healthy

Recently diagnosed as a non-insulin diabetic
i.e. Diabetes is being controlled by a combination of diet and medication
21.1.2001 Visit to podiatrist as recommended by doctor.
Reason for visit To check feet due to current medical condition

No problem.
2.7.2001 Visit to podiatrist

Patient reported painless swelling on dorsum of right foot
Diagnosis ganglion
Treatment nil at this time
Recommendation To visit podiatrist for check-up every three months: to monitor ganglion,
possible side-effects of diabetes
Writing Task
Given that Mrs Smith plans to move in one-month’s time, to live with her unmarried daughter in
Blackburn, using the information in the case notes, write a letter of referral to Ms Joanne Smythe:
Podiatrist, 4 Embank Arcade, Blackburn 3130.
In your answer:

OET – SAMPLE RADIOGRAPHERS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Test – Radiographers

Read the letter, the x-ray reports and the patient log below, then complete the writing task which
follows.
D.J. Smith
Medical Superintendent
Bankstown Hospital
Chapel Street
Bankstown NSW 2143
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to complain about the treatment my son received from a radiographer at your hospital on
Saturday, 20/07/97.
My son, Tim, is 6 years old, and I took him to your casualty section after he had fallen off a swing at the
local playground and hurt his arm. By the time I got Tim to your casualty section his elbow had puffed up
like a balloon and was very sore. He could not move his arm and he was screaming with pain.
When we came into the casualty section, the nurse at the front desk saw Tim’s arm and called a doctor.
This was very helpful as your casualty section was very busy and Tim could have been waiting for hours
to see a doctor. When the doctor saw Tim he said that the elbow was broken and out of joint, and he
would need an x-ray picture taken before the elbow could be straightened and put back in place.
We then waited from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm before Tim was taken to the x-ray section. The casualty sister
tried to contact the radiographer 3 times. However, he would not answer his pager. By this time, the
pain in the arm had become worse, spreading down the arm into the fingers. When Tim arrived at the x-
ray section he was taken straight into the x-ray room by the radiographer. I found the radiographer very
rude and his handling of Tim was very rough. Because of all the pain, Tim was finding it difficult to keep
his arm still. After the second x-ray the radiographer became annoyed with Tim and said, “You must co-
operate and keep your arm still, otherwise you are wasting time and films.” With that he put some very
heavy bags on Tim’s arm and then took another two x-rays. All this made Tim scream even more with
pain.
When I got back to casualty the doctor immediately called in a specialist to see Tim. The specialist took
Tim to the operating room where he put some wires in to hold the bones together.
Tim has now left hospital, but he was very frightened when he had to have his arm x-rayed the second
time. Thankfully, this radiographer was more patient and kind.
My family has always used your hospital, and this is the first time I have met any rudeness from a
member of your staff. Also, I have never had to wait such a long time for an x-ray before, especially with
someone in pain. My other son, Roger, broke his arm when he was 3, and there was no waiting for his
x-ray to be done.
I am bringing this to your attention so that you may investigate the matter.
With regards,
John Roberts

WRITING SUBTEST – RADIOGRAPHERS OET – SAMPLE
X-Ray report
Patient: Tim Roberts
Region: Right elbow
MRN: 008 06 69
Date: 20 July 1997
There is a comminuted fracture involving the lower end of the humerus. The proximal humerus is displaced
anteriorly by 10 mm, with the distal fragment being displaced superiorly and tilted 30 degrees dorsally. On
the lateral, there is widening of the proximal radio-ulnar joint. On the AP the fragments are in anatomical
alignment. There is widening of the joint between the head of the radius and the capitulum.
Conclusion: A comminuted fracture of the lower end of the humerus with marked angulation and
displacement occurring at the fracture site. Damage to the radial artery and entrapment of the radial nerve
would have to be considered. A subluxation of the proximal radio-ulnar joint is present.
Dr K Snowgrass
Staff Radiologist
X-Ray report
Patient: Tim Roberts
Region: Right elbow
MRN: 008 06 69
Date: 22July 1997
There is a 5 mm displacement of the fragments with no overlapping. There is 20 degrees posterior tilting of
the distal fragments. There is less widening of the radio-ulnar joint, consistent with a minor subluxation or a
resolving haematoma. Two metallic pins are noted in the lower end of the humerus.
Dr P Phillips
Staff Radiologist
Patient log Radiographer: Peter Brown

Date: Saturday, 20/7/97
Time Examination/Patient Name/Ward/Comments Notification & Time

4.00 Mobile chest. Urgent. KINNEAR J D6a post cardiac surgery. Pager 3.55
Left pneumothorax
4.10 Mobile chest. Urgent. ROWLES L D6a re-positioning of subclavian Pager 3.55
catheter
4.25 Mobile chest. Urgent. HOBBS twin 1 Neonate ICU post insertion Pager 4:15
of chest tube
4.45 Wrist. SMYTHE W Casualty Phone 4.40
# mid radius
4.55 Mobile chest. Urgent. KINNEAR J D6a Pager 4.50
Post insertion of chest tube
5.00 End of shift
Radiographer (Jeff K) has not arrived
5.10 Left leg. RAVEN P Casualty – soccer injury None
5.15 Right shoulder. RYAN J Casualty Phone 4.45
# clavicle

OET – SAMPLE RADIOGRAPHERS – WRITING SUBTEST
5.20 Jeff late for next shift Pager 5.20

Arriving ? 6.30
5.25 Chest FILMER O B3b
Routine pre-op
5.30 Mobile chest. YOUNG L Adult ICU Pager 5.25
Myocardial Infarct
5.40 Mobile abdomen. XIA Y Adult ICY Phone 5.25
Insertion of NG tube
5.55 Right Ankle. HOWARD P Casualty None
# tibia
6.00 Right elbow ROBERTS T Casualty Pager 5.50
# humerus
6.25 Radiographer (Jeff) arrives to take over shift
Writing Task
Assume you are the radiographer (Peter Brown) involved in x-raying this patient. Dr Smith has
received the letter of complaint and has requested you to report to him with an explanation of the
events.
Using the information in the letter of complaint from the father, and the radiographer’s report, write a
letter to Dr Smith explaining your actions.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Speech Pathologists

You are working in a district hospital and have received a medical referral from an affiliated Nursing Home to
re-assess a patient with severe, long-standing swallowing difficulties.
Dysphagia Bedside assessment

Name: Helen Walsh
D.O.B.: 2/12/1965
Aetiology: Motor vehicle accident
No significant L.O.C.
Spinal injury at C2/3 level with dislocation of C2
Aphonia
Dysphagia. G.T. in situ
Onset: 12/4/1997
Physical: Quadraparesis affecting L> R side, arms > legs
Occupation: Bank Clerk (previously)
Assessment Results
Alert, co-operative
Hist. of recur. chest infections
head control, needs posturing
Oral stage R weak & invol. mov’ts of tong.
Lips, cheeks, jaw, S.P. – NAD;
Drool – sev +++;
Pharyn stage V.F. palsy
No eff’v cough – vol. or invol.
No veloph, ele’n
No gag
Spon. sw. observed but infreq.
Delay init’n of vol.sw ++
laryn. elev’n
Asp’n risk +++++
ass’t result = sev. impairments L.M.N., signs C.N. damage: C.N. IX, X and XII
NIL MOUTH

OET – SAMPLE SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Task
Using the information in the assessment summary, write a letter to the referring doctor, Dr. A. Street,
Bayside Nursing Home, Bay City, 3153. Give your assessment of the patient’s swallowing skills with a
recommendation about the patient’s oral eating status.
In your answer:

WRITING SUBTEST – VETERINARIANS OET – SAMPLE
Writing Test – Veterinarians

Date: 2.1.97
Time of presentation: 10 pm
Owner: Mrs Dee
Animal: “Fru-Fru”, a 5-year-old female Terrier cross

(10kg)
History Vomiting and diarrhoea for 3 days. No appetite. Now very weak.
Clinical Findings Temp 38.5 C

10% dehydration estimated
Demeanour lethargic and depressed
Generalised muscle weakness
Weak pulse
Bradycardia (80 bpm)
Other Procedures Clinical Pathology:

Asostix BUN=20mg/dl PCV 48% TP 7.5 mg/dl Glucose 80mg/dl
ECG: very small P waves
tall spiked T waves
prolonged PR interval
Diagnosis Tentative Diagnosis: Hypoadrenocorticism (Addisons Disease)

DDx Acute pancreatitis. Renal failure. Gastroenteritis.
Treatment Pre-treatment Blood Samples collected for Lab analysis tomorrow.

IV indwelling catheter placed.
Given 1 litre 0.9% isotonic saline Doca (Desoxycorticosterone acetate) 2 mg IM.
Prednisolone Sodium Succinate IV.
Advised owner of need for further hospitalisation and monitoring at own vet’s.
Original blood sample to be analysed to confirm diagnosis.
Own vet to advise client of long-term treatment options.

OET – SAMPLE VETERINARIANS – WRITING SUBTEST
Writing Task
You are a vet at an after-hours clinic and you are referring the client back to their own vet the next
morning. Write a letter of referral to Dr Black at Suburbia Veterinary Practice, Suburbia, 3773.
In your answer:

Subtest
General information Speaking
Time allocation:
approximately 20 minutes

This subtest is specific to each profession.
The subtest is a face-to-face interview where candidates are required to participate in two different role play situations
typical of their health profession area. The details of each role play are set out on two cue cards. Candidates take
the role of the health professional while the interviewer takes the role of the patient or client.
This subtest is in three parts:
1. Warm-up conversation
This is not assessed.
The purpose of the warm-up conversation is to explain the format of the test and to help the candidate to relax.
The interviewer will ask about areas of professional interest, previous work, reasons for coming to Australia,
future plans, etc.
2. First role play

The interviewer hands the candidate a role play card which the candidate reads carefully. Any questions are
to be asked and answered before the role play begins. The interviewer will finish the role play after about 5
minutes.
3. Second role play

The above procedure is repeated with a different role play.
The whole interview is recorded. It is important that the candidate and the interviewer speak clearly so that the
assessor can understand everything that is said. Two role plays are provided to ensure the assessment is fair. The
assessment is based on both role plays.
In the actual test, speaking is assessed by qualified, experienced English Language assessors who have been trained
in OET assessment procedures. The assessment is based on the following criteria:
• overall communicative effectiveness
• intelligibility
• fluency
• appropriateness of language
• resources of grammar and expression.

If the interlocutor (person who takes the role of the patient or client) is trained as an assessor, an assessment is made
during the role plays. If the interlocutor is not trained, the assessment is made in Australia after the test.
All candidate responses are double marked. Borderline tapes are marked by a third assessor.

• role play cards for ten health professional areas
• two complete role plays recorded on the audio tape. One of the role plays involves a doctor, and the other
a nurse. It is not possible to provide examples of all professions, but these interviews should provide a clear
idea of the procedures used in the interview.
Using the materials

• Select the relevant role play.
• Copy the information on to two cards.
• Take the role of the health professional.
• Ask a friend to play the role of a patient or client.
• Ask another friend to observe the role play and give you feedback on your performance.
• Read the information on the card carefully.
• You have to deal with the case details as outlined on the card by asking and answering questions put to you
by the patient or client.
• Speak as naturally as possible.
• Remember it is important to be interested in the welfare of the patient and to reassure the patient or relation
of the patient that the treatment being proposed is appropriate.
• Keep to the time limit of 5 minutes (approximate) for each role play.
• Ask a friend who observed for comments and feedback.

OET – SAMPLE DENTISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Dentists

Setting Student Dental Service
Dentist This first-year student is taking advantage of the cost-free check-up which your service
offers. You have just done a complete examination of his/her teeth and extra-oral areas
and have found nothing abnormal. There is some calculus/tartar on the teeth and some
inflammation of the gums.
Task Tell the student the good news: no holes (because of fluoride in the water). Point out that
tartar and gingivitis are present and explain how to brush teeth.
Roleplayer’s Card: Dentists

Setting Student Dental Service
Patient You started university this year and have decided to have a free check-up at the student
dental service. The last time you went to the dentist was 5 or 6 years ago, when your
mother took you along for a check-up. You’ve never had any fillings, and all you can
remember is losing your first teeth.
The dentist has just given your teeth a complete examination.
Task Find out if there is any dental work that needs to be done on your teeth, and also what
you can do to look after your teeth. You hate the taste of toothpaste and feel flossing will
be too difficult.

SPEAKING SUBTEST – DIETITIANS OET – SAMPLE
Candidate’s Card: Dietitians

Setting Outpatient Clinic
Dietitian Your patient is the parent of an 18 month old boy who is underweight. The patient tells
you that the family follow a very healthy diet.
Task Find out what the child eats, and why it is important to the parent that the child stays thin
and has a low fat diet.
Explain to the parent that the child needs more energy to help it grow. Encourage the
parent to add more fat to the child’s diet.
Roleplayer’s Card: Dietitians

Setting Outpatient Clinic
Patient You are the parent of an 18 month old boy. The local health clinic nurse has referred you
to a dietitian because your child is underweight. You are very aware of the importance
of eating healthy food and you and your partner and child follow a low fat diet using only
low-fat dairy products, no butter or margarine and little meat. Your father died of a heart
attack recently and you know that family history is one of the risk factors for developing
heart disease. You are determined to stay healthy and want to make sure your son does
too. You are also determined that your son will not grow up fat. You were fat as a child
and can remember how cruel other children were to you.
Task Tell the dietitian that you and your family follow a very healthy diet. Tell him/her about your
father’s death and your fears of developing heart disease and also you worry that your
son may end up being fat. Resist suggestions that you should introduce more fattening
foods to your son’s diet.

OET – SAMPLE DOCTORS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Doctors

Setting Suburban clinic, 11 pm
Doctor This parent has brought in his/her four-year-old child, Tom, who has been well, except
for one day of mild rhinorrhoea. This evening he developed a cough that sounded ‘like a
dog barking’. You diagnose mild croup.
Task You explain the illness and that there is no treatment. You reassure the parent that it
is common and usually harmless but give instructions as to when to seek immediate
attention.
Roleplayer’s Card: Doctors

Setting Suburban clinic, 11 pm
Patient You have brought your four-year-old child, Tom, in with you. Tom had a mild runny nose
through the day and this evening developed a cough. He went to bed as usual and
awoke with a terrible deep cough. He sounded like a barking dog. You feel very worried
about the cough and his breathing.
Task Seek reassurance from the doctor. Find out if it is dangerous and requires treatment.
Be really anxious.

SPEAKING SUBTEST – NURSES OET – SAMPLE
Candidate’s Card: Nurses

Setting A hospital ward
Nurse You are talking to a 56-year-old patient, a heavy smoker who has just been admitted
with bronchitis.
Task Find out about the patient’s general background: family, habits and general health.
Also respond to the patient’s questions about giving up smoking. Give advice in a
positive and friendly way.
Roleplayer’s Card: Nurses

Setting A hospital ward
Patient You are a 56-year-old smoker who has been admitted to hospital with bronchitis. The
nurse is collecting information from you.
You live in your own home with your wife/husband, who is 50 years old, and you have
three teenage children living at home. You have smoked for 30 years and often had
chest infections.
You would like to give up smoking but have tried several times and have not succeeded.
Task Answer the nurse’s question about your family situation, and ask for advice about how to
give up smoking.

OET – SAMPLE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Occupational Therapists

Setting Aged Care Facility
Occupational You are speaking to the son or daughter of an elderly man who has been admitted
Therapist to hospital for diagnostic and functional assessment after having been found on
several occasions wandering in the neighbourhood, unable to find his way home. The
neighbours have also reported that lights are frequently left on all night in the patient’s
house. However the patient does not acknowledge these things occurring.
The patient has been living alone in the family home for 6 years since his wife died and
has very little contact with people other than his only child, who visits weekly, and his
neighbours.
He is not being very co-operative with hospital staff.
Task Introduce yourself to the son/daughter and explain what you will be doing with his/her
father in the occupational therapy sessions. Give examples of the assessments you will
be carrying out, as well as the reasons for these.
It is important to obtain the son/daughter’s co-operation.
Roleplayer’s Card: Occupational Therapists

Setting Aged Care Facility
Patient Your elderly father has been admitted to hospital for assessment after having been found
on several occasions wandering in the neighbourhood, unable to find his way home.
The neighbours have told you that the lights are frequently left on all night in his house.
When asked, your father does not acknowledge that these things occurred. As a result,
the local doctor has had your father admitted for assessment to a special hospital for the
elderly.
Your father is a widower and has been living alone in the family home for 6 years. He
has very little contact with people other than yourself, and his neighbours. He values
his independence and takes pride in his self-sufficiency. He sees no reason for being
admitted to hospital.
You feel guilty for disrupting (maybe permanently) his highly valued independent way of
life (perhaps you should have taken him to live with you).
Task Find out what the occupational therapist will be doing for your father in the therapy
sessions.
Discuss where your father should live and seek reassurance about the care he will
receive here. Is this really the best place for him?

SPEAKING SUBTEST – PHARMACISTS OET – SAMPLE
Candidate’s Card: Pharmacists

Setting Community Pharmacy
Pharmacist The patient visited the pharmacy four days ago complaining about an itchy rash between
the toes, which you diagnosed as tinea pedis. You sold her/him an antifungal cream to
apply twice a day.
She/he has been doing what you recommended, but there has been no improvement.
Task Explain to the patient that it usually takes several days before the
symptoms are relieved.
Reassure the patient that the product is the best one for the condition.
Encourage her/him to persist with the treatment and to continue using the cream for a
further seven days after the symptoms clear to prevent relapse.
Check whether she/he has been following advice to prevent reinfection and transfer of
the infection to other members of the family. (eg. wash the feet daily and dry carefully
especially between the toes; use a separate towel and wash it separately; wear
absorbent cotton rather than synthetic socks; open footwear if possible.)
Roleplayer’s Card: Pharmacists

Setting Community Pharmacy
Patient You visited the pharmacy four days ago complaining about an itchy rash between your
toes. The pharmacist said you were suffering from “athlete’s foot” and sold you a cream
to apply twice a day. You have followed the instructions, but there is no improvement.
You have been careful to use a separate towel for your feet and not let anyone else use
the towel.
Task Ask the pharmacist to give you something more effective, as the condition is very itchy
and uncomfortable.
Be insistent.

OET – SAMPLE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Physiotherapists

Setting Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Group
Physiotherapist You are a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team, specifically responsible for the
graded exercise program of each participant. You have a new 45-year-old patient, who is
attending for the first time with his/her partner, who is extremely anxious and protective.
Task Give an outline of the program (walking program, monitored exercises, stress
management, group discussion/education over a 6 week period). Respond to the
partner’s anxiety and seek to gain his/her confidence to participate in the rehabilitation
program.
Roleplayer’s Card: Physiotherapists

Setting Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Group
Patient Your 45-year-old partner suffered a heart attack 10 days ago, was admitted to the
coronary care unit, and had an uncomplicated recovery. He/she has now been
discharged and referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group.
Both your parents died of cardiac disease at a relatively young age and you are
extremely anxious and fearful regarding the recovery of your partner, about whom you
feel very protective.
Task Find out some guidelines on physical activity from the physiotherapist in charge of the
rehabilitation group. How effective are they likely to be in this sort of case? What sort of
strain are they likely to put on your partner?

SPEAKING SUBTEST – PODIATRISTS OET – SAMPLE
Candidate’s Card: Podiatrists

Setting Suburban private practice
Podiatrists This otherwise healthy 18 year old is suffering from an onychocryptosis (ingrowing toe
nail) by poor nail cutting which left a splinter of nail in the fibular sulcus of the right hallux.
The splinter of nail needs to be removed, and antiseptic measures need to be taken to
clear the infection.
Task Explain to the patient that you are going to remove the offending splinter of nail from the
fibular sulcus after administering a local anaesthetic injection to the hallux. An antiseptic
dressing will then be applied to contain the infection.
Inform the patient:

– your treatment will resolve the immediate problem
– condition may recur, due to toe nail shape
– if so, a partial nail avulsion is possible (to effect a permanent
cure without drastically altering the shape of the nail).
Roleplayers Card: Podiatrists

Setting Suburban private practice
Patient You are 18 years old. The nail of the big toe of your right foot has been causing you
some irritation on the inner side, so you cut a section of the nail away to relieve the
irritation. A few days later you noticed that the side where you had cut the nail away was
red and painful. When you examined the area, you noticed some pus.
Task Seek a remedy for the problem. You are concerned that the pain is preventing you from
playing basketball, and that wearing any shoe is uncomfortable. However, you’ve never
had an anaesthetic and are very apprehensive about the process. You want the problem
fixed once and for all.

OET – SAMPLE RADIOGRAPHERS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Radiographers

Setting Pre-procedure waiting area
Radiographer The patient is 58 years old, and has been suffering from pain in both lower legs.
Clinical notes: Bilateral Claudication; left greater than right; absent pulses below l. knee;
possible bilateral peripheral vascular disease.
Examination required: Lumbar aortagram and bilateral femoral angiogram.
You will be carrying out the x-ray procedure together assisted by a radiologist and a
nurse.
Task • Check the patient’s identity

• Check that the patient has completed a consent form
• Explain the procedure as follows:
– administration of the local anaesthetic on the groin area, insertion of a thin
plastic catheter into the femoral artery, which is then passed into the main artery
of the abdomen, injection of contrast using a pump and a series of pictures to
follow the contrast down the legs
– positions and instructions during procedure (lying very still, flat on back, holding
breath when instructed)
– the need to press on the groin to seal the artery for 10 mins after procedure
– the need to lie flat in bed for 4 hrs; best rest for 24 hrs (to avoid developing a
large haemotoma).
Roleplayer’s Card: Radiographers

Setting Pre-procedure waiting area
Patient You are 58 years old. Over the last 12 months, you have developed pain in both lower
legs when you walk any distance. Recently, the pain has been much worse, particularly
in the left leg and has occurred more quickly (i.e., over a shorter distance).
Your doctor told you that he “needs some pictures of the blood vessels of your legs” and
got you to sign a form to allow the procedure.
You are surprised that the blood vessels show up in x-rays and you don’t quite know or
understand what the form was for.
Task Find out what is actually being done. It seems to be a lot of fuss.
Be anxious about the procedure; question why it must be done and what are the side
effects, if any.
Be reluctant to co-operate.

SPEAKING SUBTEST – SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS OET – SAMPLE
Candidate’s Card: Speech Pathologists

Setting Early Intervention Centre Outpatient Clinic
Speech You are talking to the parent of a 2-year old girl with Cerebral Palsy – Spastic
Pathologist Quadriplegia.
Patient is always fed on her mother’s knee and tilted back.
She is small and obviously underweight.
She has no speech and limited vocalisations.
Task Ask about how and what the child is usually fed. Give the parent a basic understanding
of how to feed the child (hold upright, head in the middle). Provide one or two practical
ideas about appropriate posture and types of food for the parent to take home and
implement immediately.
Roleplayer’s Card: Speech Pathologists

Setting Early Intervention Centre Outpatient Clinic
Patient You are the parent of a 2-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy. She is severely disabled and
completely unable to eat or drink unassisted. She is bottle fed and eats only pureed
food. You (and your spouse) always feed her on your knee, tilted back.
Task This is your first visit to a Speech Pathologist. You are very concerned about your
child’s weight. You are anxious to do the best for your child, but are worried by what
the therapist tells you to do: in the past you have tried to feed your daughter in a high
chair but she has coughed, lost most of the food, and nearly choked, on more than one
occasion, which frightened you. How can you be sure to avoid a repeat of this, and
what should you do if she does start choking again?

OET – SAMPLE VETERINARIANS – SPEAKING SUBTEST
Candidate’s Card: Veterinarians

Setting Suburban clinic
Veterinarian Your client has an 11-year-old entire male dog. The client thinks it has diarrhoea
because he/she has noticed a watery discharge from the anus.
Task Ask your client to explain the symptoms. Get further history. (Any strain on passing
faeces? Any bones fed to the animal?) Tell the owner your diagnosis (constipation
secondary to the feeding of bones and a prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland));
explain what should be done. Advise an enema under general anaesthetic if medical
treatment is unsuccessful. Recommend castration at some point in the future. Explain
why.
Give advice about diet for the dog. No bones.
Roleplayer’s Card: Veterinarians

Setting Suburban clinic
Patient You have an 11-year-old uncastrated male dog, Shep. The dog is quieter than normal
and is not eating. You have noticed a watery discharge from his behind and you tell the
vet he has diarrhoea.
If asked, you did notice that he had been straining to pass faeces and yes, you do feed
him bones.
Task Answer the vet’s questions and find out what is wrong with the dog. You feel stupid
because you thought he had diarrhoea. You tell the vet that you have always given the
dog bones and never had any trouble before.
Your are concerned that the dog is old and will not stand up to an anaesthetic for an
enema or for the castration. You do not want to have the dog lose its manhood, and
reject the idea of castration for the dog.

Answers
Reading
Part A 72
Part B 72
Listening
Part A 73
Part B 76
Writing
Dentists 78
Dietitians 79
Doctors 80
Nurses 81
Pharmacists 83
Physiotherapists 84
Podiatrists 85
Radiographers 86
Veterinarians 88

ANSWERS – READING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE
Answer Key
Part A – Latin America struggles as cholera spreads
1 b paragraphs 1-3
2 c paragraph 3
3 a paragraphs 3-6
4 c paragraphs 9-11
5 d paragraph 12
6 c paragraphs 1-14
7 d paragraphs 14-15
8 b paragraphs 13-16
9 a paragraph 18
10 b paragraph 7-19
Part B – Trans Fat
11 d paragraphs 1-3
12 a paragraph 2
13 d paragraphs 1-4
14 a paragraphs 1-5
15 d paragraphs 4-5
16 b paragraphs 2-5
17 a paragraph 6
18 c paragraphs 6-7
19 b paragraph 8
20 c paragraphs 9-10

OET – SAMPLE ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST
Note: Variations in vocabulary and grammar are acceptable, provided the meaning is the same as the
answers given below.
A slash “/” indicates alternative answers e.g. “monitors urine at home/with sticks” means “monitors
urine at home” OR “monitors urine with sticks”.
Brackets “(……)” indicate optional details e.g. “(reading) glasses for 20 years” means “glasses for 20
years” is enough.
Marker’s use
only
Part A – Consultation with a diabetic patient
2 Medical history
a) Diabetes
One mark for any two of the eight points listed below
One mark for a further two of the eight points listed below
(You MUST get 2 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given)
• 10 years
• Husband also diabetic
• (prescribed/took) tablets soon after diagnosis
• No problems with sugars/infections
• Monitors urine at home/with sticks
• Monitors urine irregularly/once a week Item 1
• Monitors urine if she feels unwell/off colour
2
• Sometimes high sugar with extra checks
b) Vision
One mark each for any two of the three points listed below
• (reading) glasses for 20 years/glasses before diabetes Item 2
• Specialist check 5 years ago
• Vision seems OK/doesn’t think diabetes has affected sight
2
3 Circumstances of burn and work history

One mark for any two of the seven points listed below
One mark for a further two of the seven points listed below
• Burn on arm
• Burn 3 days ago
• Burnt from accident (scald) at work/in kitchen
• Spilt soup from heavy tureen/pot
• Repeated burns in her job Item 3
• Hurries too much/is careless at work
• Good job/likes job/doesn’t feel under pressure at work 2

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE
Marker’s use
only
4 Dietary habits
One mark each for any four of the nine points listed below
• Dietary advice 20 years ago (from hospital)
• No special diet
• Tries not to have/keeps off sugar
• Buys diabetic cordial/jam
• Overweight (25 years)
• Can’t lose weight/has trouble losing weight
• Tastes food in kitchen Item 4
• Eats cream cakes at tea
4
• Unaware of consequences of careless diet
5 Family history (medical)

One mark each for any two of the four points listed below
• Grandmother had diabetes
• Grandmother died of gangrene (of foot) Item 5
• Husband has poor vision
2
• Husband’s health is worse than hers
6 Social Relationships (including family)

One mark each for any three of the six points listed below
• 4 children
• Children all married/she has grandchildren
• She and husband live alone/gets on well with husband
• Lives near one daughter/doesn’t get on well with one daughter Item 6
• Feels close to daughter in country/likes visiting daughter in country
• Active (social) life
3
7 Treatment plan
a) Diabetes
One mark each for any three of the five points listed below
• Need to monitor urine (more often)
• (Possible) monitor blood sugar (levels) with machine/glucometer
• Need for better understanding (of diabetes/of importance of diet) Item 7
• Education program/classes at hospital/evening classes (after work)
3
• Prescription for/continue Daonil
b) Vision
• Arrange eye check Item 8
• Regular eye checks needed
2
• Need to look out for gradual changes

Marker’s use
only
c) Burn
One mark for the three points listed below
• Dress properly/proper dressing
Item 9
• Burn cream
• Change (dressing) every day/daily 1
• Guard against/watch for infection Item 10
• May need antibiotics (if infection occurs)
2
• Probably about 1 week to heal
8 History of arthritis (including current factors)

One mark each for any three of the eight points listed below
• Knee pain/arthritis in knee
• Long time/10 years
• Indocid/Voltarin/other anti-inflammatorys not effective
• Controlled with Orudis/only Orudis is effective/can only take Orudis
• Takes one tablet a day for about a month/several weeks
• Single tablets don’t help/need to take tablets for (long enough) period Item 11
• Knees ache after work/work makes pain worse
• Weight is a factor
3
9 Treatment plan continued
a) Arthritis
One mark for either of the following points listed below Item 12
• Take/continue Orudis if painful/if necessary
• Short term basis/don’t take continuously/permanently 1
b) Obesity
One mark each for any one of the three points listed below
• Dietary education Item 13
• Classes (at hospital) for weight loss/to control weight
• Advised to lose weight 1

ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE
Marker’s use
only
Part B – Talk on National Heart Foundation

Item 14
2 How to reduce premature cardiovascular disease
1
• (Primary) prevention (approach)/(through) education
3 Causes of insecurity
One mark each for any two of the six points listed below
• Rapid change/institutions or conventions changed/redefined
• Neighbourhoods not safe/secure
• Food not seen as so nutritious
• Doctors don’t have (all the) answers/less faith in doctors
• Shopping now regional, not local/storekeepers no longer Item 15
provide advice
2
• Lack of people to trust
4 The work of the Education Unit of the NHF
a) Delivering the message

One mark each for any two of the six points listed below
• (Visits) schools/worksites
• Training people/training in heart lung resuscitation
• Telephone/personal contact
• (Promotion through) sponsorship Item 16
• Community activities
• Regional networks/centres 2
b) Factors involved in healthier education

One mark each for any three of the four points listed below
• Good/healthy food (easy to find)/choice of healthy food
• Not smoking Item 17
• Exercise (freely available)
3
• More opportunities for a healthy lifestyle
5 Policy in health promotion
a) Statements about health promotion

One mark for the following three correct answers
• T Item 18
• F
• F
1
b) Aims of the Ottawa Charter

One mark each for the two points listed below Item 19
• Environment/society
2
• Community/general population

Marker’s use
only
6 Recent changes in places of entertainment and culture

One mark each for the two points listed below Item 20
• Healthier catering/(introducing) healthier food supply
2
• (Introducing) smoke-free/non-smoking areas
7 Primary Schools Nutrition Project
a) Problems among primary school children

• Lack of nutrition advice Item 21
• (Being given) poor food
• (School) canteens supply poor (oily/fatty/high sugar/low fibre) foods
2
b) Aim of Primary Schools Project

One mark for either of the points listed below Item 22
• Good food preparation/selection skills
1
• How to choose healthy food
c) Street festival in Melbourne Item 23

One mark for the point below
1
• Windows project/painted healthy food on shop windows
d) Health promotion and health professionals

• Move/change/re-orient health to community (based model)
• (Give) control of health back to people
1
8 Future challenges for the NHF

One mark for each of the four points below
• Increased obesity with age/throughout life span
• Give nutrition advice (to patients) Item 25
• Consistent guidelines/messages/advice about nutrition
4
• Because many in target group eat “fast” foods/visit them a lot
9 a) Criticism of health budget

• Directed (too much) to illness/hospitals/medical centres
1
• Need a population approach to health
b) The biggest challenge for health agencies

• Make healthier choices easier
• Give back health to the community
1

ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE
Dentists – Letter of Referral
Dr Perry Dontal 5 February, 1997

10 Carpenter Street
Brighton 3186
Dear Dr Dontal
Re: Ms Rosie Buck
Ms Buck presented at my surgery today, 5/2/97 complaining of pain on and around the upper right central
incisor. This tooth has a post crown which was constructed on 19/10/95. Until now the tooth has been non-
symptomatic.
My radiograph indicated that the tooth is now split, and I believe that the cause of the pain is an infection in
the gum.
Please note that Ms Buck is allergic to penicillin. Also, the last time I gave her a local anaesthetic (Lignocaine)
she had a reaction, which I suspect is a sensitivity to adrenaline.
Please would you examine the gum around the tooth and treat appropriately. I have enclosed the radiograph
of the tooth.
Thank you for seeing Ms Buck for me.
Yours sincerely,
D.K. (Dentist)

OET – SAMPLE ANSWERS – WRITING SUBTEST
Dietitians – Patient report
Dr J Smith 25 January, 1997

765 Brunswick Road
Preston 3072
Dear Dr Smith
Re: Mr James Mann
Thank you for referring your patient Mr James Mann for advice on a low fat diet for cholecystitis.
I first saw the patient on 25.1.97 when he weighed 90 kg.
As Mr Mann is 178 cm tall, this gives him a BMI of 28 which is classified as overweight.
Patient’s usual diet is quite high in fat and energy and he also leads a sedentary lifestyle which has contributed
to his being overweight. However, he basically has a regular eating pattern and is happy to make changes to
his diet.
I have advised Mr Mann on a balanced diet with an emphasis on lowering fat intake to approx 50 g. and I
have also advised him to increase his activity in order to allow gradual weight reduction to approximately 79 kg
which will give him a BMI of 25.
I will be reviewing Mr Mann in two weeks time.
In the meantime should you require any further information about this patient please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Yours sincerely,
Dietitian

Doctors – Letter of Referral
The Registrar 30 April, 1997

Emergency Department
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Flemington Road
Parkville 3052
Dear Doctor,
Re: Mr Derek Romano
I am writing to refer Mr Romano, a patient of mine to you. Mr Romano, is 46 years old and is an insurance
clerk, he is married with one child, and is suffering from his first episode of ischaemic (or cardiac) chest
pain. The patient first attended me six months ago. His risk factors include: hypertension, smoking (one
packet per day), obesity, strong family history (father died of an acute myocardial infarction aged 48) and
hypercholesterolemia (Total cholesterol = 6.4 mmol). He has no known allergies.
After persistently elevated blood pressure readings around 150/100, patient was commenced on nifedipine
and this was recently increased to 20 mg twice daily. He also uses Mylanta for reflux oesophagitis. A
cardiovascular examination on 23.4.97 was normal.
Today Mr Romano presented following a minimum of one hour of crushing, retrosternal chest pain. He felt
nauseated and sweaty with mild dyspnoea. Examination revealed a distressed and anxious man with a
pulse of 64 (sinus rhythm) and blood pressure of 160/100. Crepitations were noted on chest auscultation.
Electrocardiography revealed changes consistent with an inferior myocardial infarction.
Oxygen was given and one anginine sublingually followed by morphine 2.5mg intravenously. His pain has now
settled but I consider he requires admission to the Coronary Care Unit for stabilisation. I will telephone later to
check on his condition.
Yours sincerely,
Dr X

Nurses – Letter of Referral
Ms Josie Hext 10 April, 1997

Maternal and Child Health Centre
133 Elm Grove
Westfield 2962
Dear Ms Hext,
Re: Mrs Violetta Ortiz
I am writing to refer Mrs Violetta Ortiz and her baby, Maria, to you. Mrs Ortiz was discharged from our hospital
after seven days on 10 April, 1997. The baby is progressing quite well, but has only gained a small amount of
weight. Her birth weight was 3010g, and on discharge it was 3020g.
The baby is breast fed, but sleepy and reluctant to feed, and Mrs Oritz is anxious about managing her three
children. She has a boy, Sam, who is 5 years and not yet at school, and a 3-year-old girl, Teresa, as well as
the new baby. Mrs Ortiz receives little assistance from her husband, Jose, who works at night. The family
lives in a two-bedroom high-rise flat.
Should you require any further information regarding Mrs Ortiz please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Olive Tring
Charge Nurse

Occupational Therapists – Letter of Referral
Ms. Dorothy Ross 15 May, 1997

Occupational Therapy Department
Metropolitan Rehabilitation Centre
Marks St
Clayton 3168
Dear Ms. Ross,
Re: Ms. Jillian May Jackson
I am writing to refer Ms. Jillian May Jackson to you. Ms. Jackson, a 32 year old married woman with a 5 year
history of multiple sclerosis, was admitted to City Hospital on 06/05/1997 with a one week history of rapid
deterioration in function.
Her husband, Mr. Jackson, a bank manager, is very supportive. They have no children.
Patient’s problems were identified as: lower limb spasticity requiring a wheelchair for mobility; upper limb
ataxia; loss of bladder control, requiring a permanent indwelling catheter.
Specifically, Ms. Jackson demonstrated difficulty in eating, dressing, writing and communication, toileting,
transfers, grooming and sexual activity. She has not undertaken domestic chores for the last 12 months.
Transport and recreation are also areas of difficulty. A home visit is essential. At discharge on 15/05/1997, Ms.
Jackson was eating independently with supplied adaptive cutlery and dressing her upper body with adapted
clothing. Assistance was required with lower limb dressing and other personal tasks due to difficulty within
transfers and coordinated movement.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about this patient.
Yours sincerely,
Frances Sagan
Occupational Therapist

Pharmacists – Letter of Advice
Browns Pharmacy
29 Ferguson St
Crystal Creek 3111
6 June, 1999
Mrs. V Charlton
16 White St
Crystal Creek, 3111
Dear Mrs. Charlton,
Dr. Goodrich has prescribed Drug X to bring your raised blood pressure under control.
You will need to take one tablet each morning after breakfast. It is important to take the tablets after food so
as to prevent stomach upsets.
You may find that this medicine causes dizziness, especially when you stand up quickly. Take extra care to
move slowly from lying to sitting or sitting to standing positions, especially when you first start taking these
tablets. This effect can be worsened by alcohol.
In addition, report any skin reaction, such as a rash, itch or sun sensitivity to your doctor, and see your doctor
if you experience unusual thirst, dryness of the mouth, lethargy or drowsiness.
Do not stop taking the tablets without consulting your doctor.
Please feel free to contact me should you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Pharmacist

Physiotherapists – Letter of Referral
Ms. Barbara Blunt 6 January, 1997

Physiotherapy Department
St. Stephen’s Rehabilitation Centre
Bond St
Burwood 3125
Dear Ms. Blunt,
Thank you for agreeing to take over the physiotherapy management of Mr. John Browning.
Mr. Browning, a 52 year old Credit Manager, was admitted to hospital for an elective left total knee
replacement on 16 December, 1996, following many years of chronic pain. He has a past history of
osteoarthritis, instability and intermittent locking of the left knee following a career as a soccer player. He lives
with his wife and was previously independent but walked with a walking stick.
Post-operatively the X-ray report showed a good position.
Mr. Browning commenced walking with crutches and a Zimmer splint, partial weight bearing on 20 December,
1996, but he had persistently poor quadriceps strength and difficulty gaining knee flexion. A manipulation
under anaesthetic was performed on 5 January, 1997, and he now has 60 degrees knee flexion and a
quadriceps lag of 10 degrees. He walks independently with crutches.
Mr. Browning has an appointment with the specialist on 6 February, 1997.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require any further information about this patient.
Yours sincerely,
Amy Brown
Physiotherapist
Royal York Hospital

Podiatrist – Letter of Referral
Ms. Joanne Smythe

4 Embank Arcade
Blackburn 3130
Dear Ms. Smythe,
I am writing to refer Mrs Emily-Jane Smith, a patient of mine, to you.
Mrs Smith is a 70 year old widow who has recently been diagnosed as a non-insulin dependent diabetic.
Her diabetes is currently being controlled by a combination of diet and medication.
On her Doctor’s recommendation patient first visited my rooms on 12th January, last, for me to check her
feet. At this time there were no problems.
Then on 24th July patient visited me again for her six monthly check-up. During this visit patient reported a
painless swelling on the dorsum of her right foot which I diagnosed as a ganglion. At this time, although no
treatment was given I recommended that Mrs Smith visit a podiatrist every three months for the monitoring
of this condition and any other side-effects resulting from her diabetes.
Reason for this referral is that Mrs Smith intends to move house in one month’s time, to live with her
unmarried daughter in Blackburn.
Should you require any further information about Mrs Smith’s condition please do not hesitate to contact
me.
Yours sincerely,
Marilyn Gibson
Podiatrist

Radiographers – Reply to a letter of complaint
26 July, 1997
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing in response to your letter concerning Mr. Robert’s letter of complaint. In addition, for your
information, I have included a copy of a portion of the patient log for Saturday 20 July.
In the letter from Mr. Roberts there is a statement that his son was kept waiting in Casualty from 4:30 to
6:00 because the casualty sister was unable to contact me on the pager. As you can see from the log, the
pager was working. I received only one page from Casualty at 5:50 for the patient. When I have had to X-ray
Casualty patients prior to Tim, Casualty either contacted me by phone or sent the patient around to the X-ray
department. I cannot explain why the other two pagers from Casualty were not received by me.
Mr. Roberts states that I was rude and handled Tim roughly. The day was very busy, and this, combined with
the next radiographer appearing late for the next shift, may have combined to make me appear rude. Because
Tim was in so much pain I attempted to X-ray his arm without any immobilisation. However, because he was
moving so much, I eventually had to use sandbags to keep his arm still. I did place the sandbags carefully
because it was obvious that Tim had a “nasty” fracture and I did not wish to worsen his condition. I did ask
Tim to keep his arm still and explained that the X-ray would be finished more quickly if he kept still.
I do hope this information is helpful in your investigation of this patient’s father’s complaint.
Yours sincerely,
L. Krauss

Speech Pathologists – Letter of Assessment
Dr. A. Street 12 June, 1997

Bayside Nursing Home
Bay City 3153
Dear Dr. Street,
Re: Ms. Helen Walsh
Thank you for your referral for Dysphagia assessment of your patient Ms. Helen Walsh. Oral-motor evaluation
indicated significant lower motor neuron impairments involving cranial nerves IX, X, XII. The oral stage of the
patient’s swallowing was mildly impaired, particularly due to reduced tongue mobility and control. Pharyngeal
stage of swallowing was severely impaired: no gag reflex, no voluntary or involuntary cough, patient unable to
cope with her saliva, infrequent spontaneous swallowing and markedly decayed swallow reflex with minimal
laryngeal elevation. Assessment results indicated severely impaired protective mechanisms to cope with any
oral intake, and hence she is at great risk of aspiration pneumonia.
It is highly advisable to maintain Ms. Helen Walsh nil orally and to continue gastrostomy feeding. Ms. Walsh
appears to exhibit a very poor prognosis for return to oral feeding.
If you require any further information or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
A. Bendall
Speech Pathologist

Veterinarians – Letter of Referral
Dr. Black 3 January, 1997

Suburbia Veterinary Practice
Suburbia 3773
Dear Dr. Black,
Mrs. Dee’s dog, “Fru-Fru”, presented here at 10 pm last evening, with a history of inappetence, vomiting and
diarrhoea for the last three days and with weakness tonight.
Clinical examination revealed depression, lethargy, generalised muscle weakness, a normal temperature, a
very weak pulse and a braducardia (HR 80 bpm). I estimated 10% dehydration.
Available blood tests were performed confirming dehydration, and revealing a uraemia and mild
hypoglycaemia. An ECG demonstrated small P waves, tall spiked T waves and a prolonged PR interval.
A tentative diagnosis includes acute pancreatitis, renal failure and gastroenteritis.
Given the history, ECG changes and the severity of the clinical signs I elected to begin treatment for Addisons
Disease. Base-line blood samples were taken for you to submit to the laboratory.
The dog was admitted, had an IV catheter placed and was given 1 litre of 0.9% isotonic saline. 2 mg Doca
was given by IM injection and 200 mg Prednisolone Sodium Succinate given IV.
The owner is aware that her dog needs further hospitalisation and monitoring with you. I have indicated that
you will discuss the long term treatment options with her.
Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Graham Bell
Veterinarian

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Candidate Information

& Sample Materials

Sample test information 9

What is the OET?

Which professions does the OET cover?

What does the OET assess?

The OET does not attempt to assess professional knowledge.

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 5

Test materials and conditions

Where is the OET conducted?

Who assesses the OET?

6 OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

* A percentage of papers are triple marked

How are OET results reported?

What is a satisfactory result?

What if a satisfactory result is not obtained?

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 7

Sample Test Materials

• Sample Reading subtest with answer key

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 9

Test format and procedure

The sample materials

Using the materials

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 11

12 OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 13

Latin America struggles as cholera spreads

14 OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 15

Latin America struggles as cholera spreads

a) about 120 million

b) between 160,000 and 120 million

c) between 60,000 and 160,000

d) less than 60,000

b) about 1 percent of the population

d) about 50 percent of those affected

a) it usually kills about 50 percent of the people affected by it

c) the gut of a person affected by it is unable to process liquids

d) 90 percent of those affected do not need to be treated intravenously

4 According to the article, Peru’s water supply…

a) is linked directly to the large number of houses

b) has a constant pressure

d) system is being overhauled

5 The practice of using sewage to fertilise fields…

a) is traditionally carried out throughout the country

b) has been recently introduced

c) has caused the current outbreak of cholera

d) is an old solution to an old problem

16 OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

6 The current cholera epidemic in Latin America…

c) is part of a world-wide epidemic

a) is NOT the classical biotype of the cholera bacterium

b) was most likely spread by travellers

c) was identified in India after Bangladesh

d) is/was all of the above

8 Which of the following statements about El Tor is TRUE?

a) it was the first cholera bacterium to be detected in West Africa

b) it is not detected as easily as the old biotype

c) it causes severe diarrhoea in all sufferers

d) it has also appeared in isolated cases in Geneva

a) increased patrols along common borders

b) monitoring areas in which cholera has been detected