Language: Requests & Instructions
Subject: The elderly
Length: 7:31 (mins)
In this quick video tutorial, we look at the topic of the elderly and the language of requests and instructions. The right language can make the difference between being polite or impolite.
Click here to download a worksheet to practice the language of requests and instructions.
Language: Simple past, present perfect or present perfect progressive?
Subject: Drug abuse
Length: 7:41 (mins)
In this quick video tutorial we use the topic of drug abuse and the use of the grammar tenses simple past, present perfect or present perfect progressive.
Watch the video and then test your knowledge with this short quiz.
There are 9 criteria OET uses to decide your score when you do the speaking test. Knowing the criteria can help with your preparation. A study partner is an excellent way to prepare or with an expert OET speaking practice coach who can give you honest feedback, strategies and an estimated OET grade.
OET SPEAKING CRITERIA
It is expected that you will have an accent. However, your pronunciation, word
stress and rhythm should still be clear and easy to understand.
Language: Simple past or present perfect?
Subject: Depression
Length: 5:56 (mins)
In this quick video tutorial we use the topic of depression and the use of the grammar tenses simple past vs. present perfect.
Watch the video and then test your knowledge with this short quiz.
Concluding your letter
Thank you for continuing the care of ... (patient name OR this patient)
OR
I would appreciate your further assessment and management OR treatment...
I would be grateful for your opinion regarding ... (e.g. future management)
OR
I would appreciate if you could see ... (this patient OR name) as soon as possible for further manage.
I would appreciate if you could keep me informed about his further management.
The OET Candidate considers aspects of language proficiency such as vocabulary, grammar, spelling, punctuation.
Health professionals are concerned with linguistic features only to the extent that they facilitate or obstruct retrieval of information. This criterion examines whether the language is accurate, used appropriately and whether it interferes with reading comprehension or speed.
The language of a professional letter need not be elaborate. However, overly simplistic sentences usually do not relay information as efficiently as possible, nor do they convey the appropriate tone and register. Additionally, too many errors in structure, spelling and punctuation can distract from efficiently retrieving information.
Language for mentioning prescribed medications and other treatment, describing surgical procedures, effects of treatments.
Pay attention to the tenses and how the sentences are structured.
Mentioning prescribed medications and other treatment
Mr. St. Paul was prescribed OR was treated with ... (medication + dosage)
OR
He was given ... (treatment 1 + treatment 2 +...)
OR
I prescribed ... (treatment 1) followed by ... (treatment 2), in addition to OR combined with... (treatment 3)
I advised him on ... (management of problem OR action to take)
Describe surgical procedure
An arthroplasty was performed
OR
He underwent ... (surgery OR procedure)
Describe effect of treatment
Initially he responded well to ...(treatment)
OR
Unfortunately his (symptoms) flared up again.
After (event or reaction), his medication was changed to ... (medication)
Mentioning recovery
Good outcome
He has been able to...(activity e.g. shower) without assistance
OR
His post operative recovery was...
Health professionals can more quickly retrieve information from letters that are structured and logically organised.
SCENARIO:
38 y.o Regina Alton developed type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Referred to the endocrinologist.
FEVER
He was all right when I left him, two hours ago, with no sign of a temperature
All of these are common for patients to use and can be turned into questions.
SICKNESS
Phrasal Verb
keep (sth) down - to be able to eat or drink something without vomiting:
VISION
Commonly accepted abbreviation
Describing routine medications
Her current medications include / are ...
OR
She also uses ... (medication) for ... (symptom OR illness)
Mentioning effects or side effects of medication
(Patient name or He / She) has OR has not responded to.. (medication)
OR
(Symptom) was (not) relieved by (oral medication e.g. Zantac)
Her complaint usually settles with... (medication OR activity)
The medication caused significant ... (symptoms)
Mentioning risk factors
He has significant risk factors, such as...
OR
His (cardiovascular) risk factors include ... (e.g. smoking, obesity, family history of...)
OR
She has smoked 15 cigarettes a day for the past (time)
OR
Other risk factors include...
Please note that she is...