OET Speaking

OET FEBRUARY 2015
CANDIDATE CARD MEDICINE

NO. 1
SATING Community Health Centre
DOCTOR This 63-year-old patient is enquiring about the need

for a tetanus vaccination. He/she cut his/her right
foot while working in the garden recently. He/she
cleaned the wound but is worried about contracting
tetanus.
TASK Find out the reasons for the patient's enquiry.

Check for any symptoms of tetanus 'lockjaw' (é.g.,
muscle stiffness and spasms in the neck, especially
stiff jaw, 4-21 days after injury).
• Explain why tetanus is a serious disease (e.g.,
affects nervous system, muscles, etc.).
• Reassure the patient that the consultation was a go

idea (booster required every I O years: immune syst
may not work as welt with age). Recommend a tetanus
vaccination if required (if previous vaccination wa
more than ten years ago, advise the patient to have
another booster).
• Encourage the patient's gardening hobby (outdoor

exercise).
• Advise on suitable footwear to avoid future gardeni
injuries (strong, covering the feet, thick soles,
etc.).
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 201
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 MEDICINE

OET FEBRUARY 2015
SETTING Community Health Centre
PATIENT You are 63 years old and in good health. You enjoy
fresh air and sunshine. You rarely need a doctor. Six
days ago when you were digging in the garden, a rusty
nail went through your rubber sandal and slightly
penetrated the sole of your right foot. You cleaned the
wound with antiseptic and covered it with a sterile
dressing. Yesterday you read a newspaper article about
people over 50 getting tetanus from simple garden
wounds.
TASK • Be hesitant and apologetic (you do not usually 'bother'

doctors). Explain the reason tor your visit.
• If asked, you have no symptoms (only slight

tenderness around the wound). Ask if tetanus is a
serious condition.
• Find out if you need a tetanus vaccination. You had
one when you were a child. Was the article
exaggerating? Didn't the vaccination you had give
permanent immunisation?
Ask if it's safe for you to continue
gardening at your age. Accept the doctor's
suggestions.

OET FEBRUARY 2015
CANDIDATE CARD NO. 2 MEDICINE
SETTING Suburban Medical Clinic
DOCTOR An overweight 76-year-old patient is seeking advice

about hip pain. He/she has experienced worsening pain
in the right hip for a number of years. Lately, he/she
has begun using a walking stick for support for
everyday movements and activity. He/she is anxious
about possible reasons for the increased pain and
likely treatment recommendations. Be reassuring.
TASK Explain possible causes of the symptoms: various,

including osteoarthritis (most likely), bursitis,
tendinitis, referred pain from back.
• Give reasons for the worsening symptoms (e.g., cause
remains untreated, etc.).
• Inform the patient that hip pain is quite common in
people over 65; most common cause is arthritis.
• Explain that physical exarnination and X-ray (for
arthritis) are required for diagnosis.
• Discuss treatment options: depends on diagnosis (for
arthritis — weight loss, modification of activity,
paracetamol, NSAlDs, physiotherapy, referral for hip
replacement if conservative treatment fails).
• Tell the patient what happens now: diagnostic
examination/>(-ray; follow-up to confirm diagnosis,
treatment plan and treatment monitoring.
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 20

OET FEBRUARY 2015
PATIENT You are 76 years old and overweight. You have had pain in your
right hip for years. Recently the pain has become more
intense, and is affecting your ability to perform
everyday movements and tasks. You have recently
started using a walking stick to maintain mobility.
You are worried about what this means. You want
information and reassurance.
TASK Ask the following questions:

- What might be causing your hip pain? Could it be
arthritis?
- Why is the pain getting worse?
-Is this problem common?
What should be done to diagnose the problem?
- What treatment might follow? - What should happen
now?
Cambridge Boxhitl Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

OET FEBRUARY 2015
DOCTOR Your patient describes two syncopal episodes that have occurre
in the last three months. The patient has come to se
you because he/she is worried that it might happe
again. The episodes were not witnessed and you do no
know if they were truly syncopal, whether they wer
convulsions, or even if they were real. You wan
him/her to see a neurologist.
TASK • Explain that further investigation is necessary for diagnosi

and that you must do an ECG (electrocardiogram) he
in the surgery. You also want to do a CT scan
his/her head and some basic blood tests.
• Convince the patient that he/she should visit a

neurologist, as a cautionary measure. Reassure
him/her and explain what tests the neurologist will
run, including an electroencephalogram (EEG).
• Without alarming him/her, insist that he/she needs

to make time to see the neurologist. Persuade the
patient not to drive until the situation is clearer
(as any car insurance will not cover the patient in
the event of an accident until things are sorted
out).
ROLEPLAYER CARD MEDICINE

NO. 3
OET FEBRUARY 2015
PATIENT You are a real estate agent and work long hours. You
can't take time off work because you have some very
important business deals coming up in the next coup\e
of weeks. Two days ago, you fainted and blacked out
for a couple of minutes, Three months ago, the same
thing happened. You were hoping that the problem would
clear up on Its own but now you are worried that it
might be something serious.
TASK • Explain your situation and ask the doctor what he/she thinks is
wrong with you.
• Find out about the kind of tests that the specialist might
order.
• Insist that you have to put off seeing a specialist
for at least two weeks.
• Be resistant to the idea of not driving but eventually agree

to the doctor's advice.

OET FEBRUARY 2015
CANDIDATE CARD NO. MEDICINE
4
SETTING Suburban Clinic
DOCTOR An elderly patient has come to you after an acute episode

diverticulitis. He/she
had acute onset of pain in the left iliac fossa an
rectal bleeding for which he/she was hospitalised. Th
hospital report sent to you indicated no perforation
abscesses, peritonitis or fistula, The patient i
extremely anxious as he/she was not given an
information about the condition on discharge.
TASK • Reassure the patient that the hospital report indicates n

perforation, etc.
Explain to the patient that the condition could
recur.
Stress the importance of dietary modification t
avoid constipation. However, excessive use o
aperients (purgatives) should be avoided.
• Explain why the antibiotic treatment was prescribe

(bacterial infection of the colon can caus
diverticular disease).
• Advise the patient to return if rectal bleeding o
bad abdominal pain recurs; a surveillance colonoscop
might be the next step if bowel habit alters o
bleeding returns.
@Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 20

OET FEBRUARY 2015
SEITING Suburban Clinic
PATIENT You are an elderly patient who was recently hospitalised

following an acute episode of pain (in the lower left
abdomen) and rectal bleeding due to diverticulitis (you
have a long history of constipation). On discharge, you
were told to consult your doctor but were given no
further information regarding the diagnosis or future
prospects. You are extremely worried that this
condition will recur, and you have heard of people
dying from perforations in such cases.
TASK • Seek reassurance from the doctor about what the hospital found.
• find out if you are likely to have another episode.

• Get advice on controlling the condition and preventing
recurrence.
• Ask the doctor to explain why the hospital gave you
antibiotics.
• Be difficult to reassure, as it was a very frightening

experience, but be prepared to listen to the doctor's
advice.

OEt ÉEBRUARY
NO. 5
SETTING Medical Clinic
DOCTOR This 41 -year-old patient has been experiencing pain and

swelling in the right shoulder. He/she usually plays
cricket in his/her spare time, which involves swinging
a bat and throwing a ball. You have examined the
shoulder and diagnosed bursitis (small fluid-filled
sacs usually between the muscles, tendons or bones).
TASK • Ask when the patient first began experiencing the pain and if
the patient injured the shoulder.
• Explain why it is unlikely the patient injured the
shoulder while playing (e.g., would have felt pain
during game, etc.).
• Explain your diagnosis and what could have caused the
bursitis (e.g., overuse, repeated pressure, etc.).
• Persuade the patient to rest the shoulder and not to
resume playing cricket until the swel!ing has gone
down.
Suggest other ways to help manage the condition in
the long-term (e.g., physiotherapy, joint protection
techniques, etc.).
FEBRUARY 2015
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment
NO. 5
PATIENT You are 41 years old and play cricket in your spare time,
which involves a lot of swinging of the bat and
throwing of the ball. You have been experiencing pain
in your right shoulder lately. Today, it seerned
swollen and you decided to see the doctor.
TASK • Explain that you first experienced the pain a day

after playing cricket. You think you injured your
shoulder while playing.
Ask what could be wrong with your shoulder.
• Express relief that the shoulder isn't injured. You

thought you had pulled a muscle! Ask when you can
play again.
• Be resistant to rest the shoulder. You don't see how

this can help.
• Eventually agree to follow the doctor's
recommendations.
FEBRUARY
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment 2015
CARER Your a-year-old son is growing a lot faster than his

classmates. His older brother had not reached that
height by the same age. You have taken him to see the
doctor because you are concerned that he may have a
growth disorder. The doctor qonfirms that the boy's
weight, height and measurements are in the 90th
percentile (i.e., at the high end of normal) for his
age.
TASK• Express anxiety about your son's growth. You think there must be
a problem.
• When asked, explain that you and your spouse were
both average height as children.
Calm down when the doctor explains your son could be
experiencing precocious puberty. Perhaps, this is
simply a growth spurt.
• Express confusion when the doctor suggests seeing a
specialist. If your son is within normal limits, why
not wait to see if his growth spurt slows down
before following up further?
• Accept the doctor's suggestion to see a specialist.
@ Carnbridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

NO. 6
DOCTOR You are talking to the parent of an a-year-old male patient.

The parent is concerned that he 's growing a lot faster
than his classmates. His older brother had not reached
that height by the same age. The boy looks older than 8
years and has a deep voice. His weight, height and
measurements confirm that he is in the 90th percentile
(i.e., high end of normal) of the standard growth
chart.
TASK • Reassure the parent that being in the 90th

percentile range is not necessarily a problem.
• Determine how tall the boy's parents were when they
were children.
• Discuss the possibility of precocious puberty (high
level of hormones that causes growth spurt).
• Suggest a referral to a specialist (e.g., paediatric
endocrinologist).
• Sensitively explain why the referral may be necessary
(e.g., child may develop 'gigantism' if his condition
is related to excess growth hormone; pituitary
adenomas in childhood don't usually stop unless
surgically removed, etc.).
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015
FEBRUARVÅ015
ROLEPLAYERCARD NO'I MEDICINE
SETTING Suburban Medical Practice
PATIENT You are fifty years old. You have come to see your
doctor for a routine health ¯ check. You have gained a
lot of weight since you last saw your doctor, you have
been working long hours at a computer. As you work
from home, and the job is quite boring/ you Knee.
tendtosnackaflot;pn, Yoi%l fathå} diöd' cake%lfld
kisquits. héårt attack You also in his have .fifties.a
bit of
TASK arthritis iB your
• Answer the' döåör's questipti$„abput your dié€Ånd

lifestyle: you do not have any
psychbtögical issues/you éå€:iÅkbZåWay food,t ähd snack
often.
• Insist that your weight is beyond your control.

• Resist any suggested changes. Point out that
exercising is difficult due time constraints as well
as the arthritis in your knee.
• Reject any suggestion that you may be at risk of

heart disease Or are sure what. happened to your
father will not happen to you.)
•. You do not-want to see a specialist, but

eventually agree to see a dietitian.
@Cambridge Boxhill Langu e Assessment MARCH 206
CANDIDATECARD NO. 1 MEDICINE

SETTING Suburban Medical Practice
DOCTOR A fifty-year-old patient has come to see you for- a

rootine health check. You notiée that he/she has
gained a lot of weight since last presenting. You
his/her BMI is 35 (obese). You know this patient has
a family history of heart; that in his fifties:
TASK • find dot aböutdiéf faptoys; inveStlGåte any possible
psychological
• Convince this patient that he/she must lose weight.
• Suggest lifestyle changes the patient can make to

facilitate weight loss
(e.g., exercise, change diet, etc.). Accept no
excuses regarding sedentary work routine or limited
mobility.
• Impress upon him/her the risks associated with

obesity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes type
Il etc.).
• Suggest a referral to a dietitian, or possibly a

psychologist.
O Cambridge Boxhitl Language Assessment MARCH 2015

ROLEPLAYERCARO MEDICINE
NO. 2
SETTING Suburban General Practice
PATIENT You are a 33-year-old who generally enjoys good health. You
have noticed swollen glands in your neck over the last
several months, but they are painless and do not
bother ypu,much. However, you„potice that .vyhen drink
alcohol, they become a
bit pajnf91Yånd yogr arÆlö(is internet and found that
these symptom}'Såggesf Hod"in's of cancer, and you
are very worried.
TASK • When asked about syrhptor6$.%P•

— You håVé been a"bit haoré'titéd' than usual.
— You think you might have lost weight but you are
not sure.
— You notice night sweats particularly when you drihk
alcohol.
— There is no family history of Hodgkin's lymphoma as
far as you know.
• Ask what tymphadenopathy is and what causes it.
• Express concern. You want to know exactly what is
causing your lymphadenopathy.
• Agree to have the blood tests, but insist that
he/she also refers you to a specialist.
@ Cambri Boxhill Lan uAssessrnent MARCH 2015
CANDIDATE CARD NOA MEDICINE

SETTING Suburban General Practice
DOCTOR A 33-year-old patient presents complaining of enlarged
cervical and axillary lymph nodes that become worse
after drinking alcohol. The patient has looked on the
internet and is convincedrit is Hodgkin's
lymphprna, ,He/she is very upset and anxious. On
examinatiön{you find no evidence of 'enlarged spleen
or liver, but there is ymphadenooåfh% in thå cerMéaI
nodes. You äté unable to feel any axillary nodes or
supraclavicåla'thödes.
TASK
• QuestiåQßhe patient ahout 4SSöciåfed symptoms
(e.g., fatigue, weight loss, night sweats)'åhd
family' hi'töry.
• Reassure the patient that it is unlikely to be
serious and explain your findings to him/her
(iymphadenopathy in cervical nodes).
• Explain what lymphadenopathy is (e.g., swelling of
lymph nodes) and what might cause it (e.g.,
infection, etc,).
• Suggest blood tests to investigate possible causes
(e.g., complete blood-count to
show infection, etc.).
• Agree to consider referring him/her for specialist
opinion after the test results are returned.
NO, 4
PATIENT You are 62 years old and worry about your health. Three
months ago, you commenced one tablet of standard
aspirin daily to keep your heart and blood healthy.
You are sure that the aspirin is working because your
blood pressure has never been better. However,
feeling lethargic and irritable.
are here
TASK • Tell the doöfbäthåt, sioöe Urirnenqipg aspirin three months ago,
your blood pressUkei9 excellent,f but h U,äteiiWÖrried
about stomach pains.
• Become anxious when the doctor tells you to stopi the

aspirin: "How will I keep my blood pressure down
without it?"
• You are not convinced that the aspirin is causing

your recent symptoms (many of your friends take it
and they have no problems). Instead, you think you
might have a stomach cancer and demand further
investigations.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MARCH 2015

DOCTOR Your 62-year-old patient worries about his/her health.

Three months ago, he/she commenced one tablet of
standard aspirin daily, to keep the heart arid blood
healthy. The patient reports his/her blood pressure
has never been better.
Howeverb{lately the patie[lt lethargic end irritable.
One month ago, he/she sfåited hqvjng mild-rnådérafé
stomach" pgind;iHe/she presents today for a routine
advice 90, the recent symptOms.
TASK • period Without aspirin as lt.may be causing gastric

inflamrüqtipn/ulcerat!én. Sljggé$€ihaf the patiént
may also need anti-acid medication and proton-pump
inhibitors.
• Reassure the patient - blood pressure regulation
relies on a number of factors (e.g., regular
exercise, low sodium diet, etc.). Aspirin is not a
necessary medication for this patient (nil
cardiovascular disease/diabetes/renal disease).
• Try to convince the patient that it is unlikely

he/she has stomach cancer. A gastroscopy can be done
to exdude cancer should his/her symptoms persist.
DOCTOR Your 50-year-old patient is an office worker who broke

his/her right arm during a fall six weeks ago. The
fibreglass
cast was
due to be
removed
this wåek
but X-rays
about reveal
•Ask
low vitarhin D that_the
break)s no!
yet healed. The patient ha? a medical history of
asthma
and has Vé6r; on osteoporosis.
TASK and other risk factors (e.g.,

intakélldW caiciukå iritäke, etc.).
• Tell the patient you suspect he/she may have
osteoporosis,
• Explain osteoporosis (e.g., condition where bones
become less dense and more likely to break, etc.).
• Refer the patient for bone mineral density testing at
the local hospital.
• Explain the Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DD<A)
method of bone testing (e.g., X-ray beams of different
energy, detects bone and soft tissue separately, safe
and painiess, usually takes a few minutes, etc.).
•Reassure the patient that there are no complications
with DO<A testing aside from .a small radiation dose.

NO. 5
PATIENT You are a 50-year-old office worker who broke your right arm
during a fall six weeks ago. -me fibreglass cast was
due to be
removed
this week but
the break is
healing
slpwer
than the doctor
anticipated. For the past three months, you have been
takihß 'å corticoeerbid-bä$bö"
TASK • When %rpmptéd, merptiön thathYOW h4ve little Ikhéwledge about

the condition but know thåi your mothbi idevdlåped
déteoporoSiS åt age 55. You do not get much calcium
(e.g., milk) and don't spend much time in type sun.
You have no known medical risk factors besides
taking corticosteroids.
• Ask the doctor to explain more about osteoporosis.
• Ask how the doctor can be sure you have
osteoporosis.
• Ask the doctor to explain the test (bone mineral
density testing). You are anxious to know what it
involves.
• Find out if there are any complications with Dual
Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DD<A) testing.
O Cambri e Boxhilluage Assessment MARCH 2015

SETTING PATIENT
TASK
@ Cam e Boxhill • Wherh 9ked, Fnit sornéfrephwater while swimming
Langu
on a hikihß trip twOWeéks ågb'.
Suburban
Clinic
• Ask the doctor to explain what contaminated water
means exactly (e.g., contaminated with what?).
You are 31 • Ask how you can know for sure what is causing your
years old sickness.
and
• Express anxiety. Ask about getting prompt
returned
treatment.
two weeks
ago from a • Push the doctor to give you specific treatment,
hiking trip for example anti-diarrhoeal agents (rather than
with your symptomatic treatment)
friends, • Agree to follow the doctor's advice and wait to
where you take the anti-diarrhoeal agents until you know the
went cause is not infective.
swimming in
a water
hole (a
natural
hole where
water
collects).
Since then,
you have
experiepced
9tomach
cramps,
nausea,
diarrhoea
and
dizitægg.
At firsf,
thé'fjU{but
it has been
going on
for so long
ihat
dedideq;td
see a
doctor.
{fti}
Assessment MARCH 2015
CANDIDATE MEDICINE
CARTNO. 6
DOCTOR This 31 -year-old, othetwise healthy patient has been

experiencing stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhoea and
dizziness
it was thfiiå, for two
weeks since
swirnrriing
in a water
hole (a
natural hole
where water collects) on a hiking trip. He/she
originally thought are persisting.
TASK • Questiéhithe påient togeteyrp ne if he/she sWå!löwed any

contaminated water.
• Explair{Whåt 'contafnihånts i ih Cöntahhinated Water
are (e.g., micro-organisms from animal or human waste,
etc.).
• Recommend tests to confirm the cause (e.g., stool
sample microscopy, culture and sensitivity, parasites,
ova and cysts, test for Norovirus, etc.).
• Recommend symptomatic treatment for now (e.g.,
antiemetics, etc.) and waiting until the test results
come back for specific treatment.
• Advise against anti-diarrhoeai agents until tests
confirm there is no infective (bacterial or viral)
cause for the diarrhoea.
• Highlight the need to maintain adequate hydration.
OET MAY 2015

NO. 1
SEITING Suburban Medical Clinic
DOCTOR Your 41 -year-old patient has come for a review appointment

The patient was recently diagnosed with bipola
disorder (a psychiatric condition characterised b
extreme mood changes). He/she ha
been prescribed sertralin
(Zoloft) and his/her condition ha
stabilised. The patient wishes t
discontinue treatment.
TASK • Discuss how the medication is working.
• Ensure the patient has not been experiencing troubl
sleeping, suicidal thoughts or other potential side
effects.
• Explain the importance of continuing to take the
medication as prescribed (e.g., stopping medication
can cause return of symptoms, etc.).
• Tty to convince the patient to continue the
treatment (e.g., medication appears to be working,
etc.).
• Reassure the patient, who is anxious that people
will think differently of him/her if they find out
about his/her bipolar disorder.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MAY 2015

OET MAY 2015
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. t MEDICINE
PATIENT You are 41 years old and were recently diagnosed with bipolar
disorder (a psychiatric condition characterised by
extreme mood changes). You havo been on a medication
called Zoloft (ser-traline) for a week now, and are
feeling great. In fact, you feel so much better that
you don't think you need to continue taking your
medication.
TASK Explain to your dOctor how much better you feel since you began
taking Zoloft.
• Maintain that the medication has worked very well and

you are not experiencing any side effects, trouble
sleeping or suicidal thoughts.
• Suggest that, since you feel quite normal again,

there is no need for you to continue taking your
medication.
• Be resistant to continuing the medication. You do not

want people to find out you have a psychiatric
disorder as they may think differently of you.
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MAY 2015

OET MAY 2015
DOCTOR This 29-year-old lawyer has been experiencing heart

palpitations. The patient is extremely busy, eats fast food very
often and consumes large amounts of coffee. Both his/her physical
examination and ECG are normal.
TASK • Ask the patient about his/her heart palpitations.

Suggest that the patient's symptoms could be cause
by stress and anxiety. Empathise with the patient'
situation but inform him/her that the symptoms ar
not due to coronary problems (e.g., ECG and physica
exam normal, etc.).
• Give suggestions to help the patient manage the

heart palpitations (e.g., stress management,
reduction in caffeine intake, etc.). Include a
healthier diet as a suggestion.
• Recommend ways of eating healthier (e.g., making

healthier choices in restaurant, etc.) and explain
that these arc important for long-term health.

NO, 2
OET MAY 2015
SETTING Suburban Ciinic
PATIENT You are a 29-year-old lavwer. You have been having heart
palpitations (it feels like your heart is beating
very hard) at least three times a week. Recently,
this occurs almost every night. You are extremely
busy and do not have time to cook so you eat at fast
food restaurants at least five times a week, You
also drink several cups of coffee a day. You know it
is unhealthy, but you are not overweight.
TASK • Tell the doctor about your heart palpitations (it

feels like your heart is pounding or beating
irregularly for a few minutes).
Express disbelief when the doctor suggests your
symptoms are caused by stress/anxiety. You think
that your symptoms are due to a heart condition.
Ask the doctor if there is anything you can do to
stop your heart palpitations.
• State that you do not have time to cook healthy
food.
• Reluctantly agree to try avoiding unhealthy food.

OET MAY 2015
NO. 3
DOCTOR Your patient is a music journalist and goes to a lot o

live rock concerts. The patient has been experiencing
tinnitus. He/she felt faint yesterday, but did not los
consciousness. The patient seems very concerned about
this.
TASK • Find out about the patient's history of tinnitus.

• Discuss the possible causes Of tinnitus (e.g.,
exposure to loud noise) and symptoms (e.g., loss of
equilibrium/balance, etc.). Explain that the tinnitu
could have developed without the patient noticing.
• Offer to refer the patient to an ENT (ear, nose,
throat) specialist and caution the patient against
things that could worsen his/her condition (e.g.,
loud noise can result in hearing loss, etc.).
• Wam the patient that tinnitus may be impossible to
cure and stress the importance of protecting the ear
from loud music.
• Persuade the patient to at least try wearing ear
plugs.

OET MAY 2015
PATIENT You are a music journalist. You go to a lot of live rock

concerts. You have noticed a loud ringing in your ears
and it has worsened over the past month. You thought it
would go away eventually, but it has not. Yesterday you
felt taint, but did not lose consciousness. You are
very concerned you may have a serious health problem.
You know about tinnitus but this seems to have come on
quickly and you are worried about fainting.
TASK • Answer the doctor's question about your history of tinnitus

(loud ringing, etc.),
Express concern. Ask how the condition could have

progressed so quickly.
Ask about treatment.
• Tell the doctor you cannot avoid loud noise. You are
a music journalist so listening to loud music is part
of your job (and you like it).
• Reluctantly agree to wear ear plugs to protect your

ears from loud music.
@ Cambridge Boxhilt Language Assessment MAY 2015

OET MAY 2015
NO. 4
SETTING Emergency Department
DOCTOR Your patient is a 26-year-old student who returned from an

overseas vacation recently. The patient has felt as
though he/she has had flu symptoms for a couple of
days, but has not had a sore throat or cough. His/her
friend has convinced the student to present to the
Emergency Department (ED) to be assessed for malaria.
TASK • Ask the patient about travel in the past two weeks,
and ask about mosquito exposure.
• Find out about the symptoms (e.g., temperature,

headaches, joint aches, rash, etc.).
• Discuss possible diagnoses (e.g., malaria, dengue

fever, etc.) but explain that it is probably a non-
specific viral disease.
• Reassure the patient that there is no need for

admission to the ED but suggest some basic blood
tests in the ED and follow-up with the patient's
general practitioner (GP).
• Persuade the patient to stay in the ED now for blood

tests.

NO. 4
OET MAY 2015
SETTING Emergency Department
PATIENT You are a 26-year-old student who recently returned from an

overseas vacation. You have felt as though you have
had flu symptoms for a couple of days, but have not
had a sore throat or cough. Your friend believes you
may have malaria and has convinced you to present to
the Emergency Department (ED) to be assessed.
TASK • Answer the doctor's questions: you have just been on a three-
week trip to a tropical area and returned three days
ago; you were bitten by many mosquitos,
• Tell the doctor that you have had some flu-like

symptoms (slight temperature, headaches, joint aches
but no rash) for a few days and always feel worse by
the end of the day.
• Express concern that you will have to spend more time

in the ED. •Explain that you have several work and
study commitments and don't have time to be sick.
• Reluctantly agree to stay in the ED and have some

blood tests to exclude other diseases, and agree to
outpatient follow-up with a general practitioner (GP).
C Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MAY 2015
OET MAY 2015
NO. 5
SETTING Clinic
DOCTOR This 65-year-old retired academic opted for early retirement

because he/she was finding it difficult to manage
his/her workload. There is a fairly strong history of
early-onset Alzheimer's disease in his/her family. The
patient has come to discuss the possibility of genetic
testing with you.
TASK Ask the patient if he/she has any questions about

dementia generally, and If the patient is familiar
with the symptoms of Alzheimer's.
• Discuss the possibility that the patient may be
experiencing other forms of impaired cognitive
performance, such as depression.
• Persuade the patient to see a clinical
neuropsychologist before considering having genetic
testing and explain the reason for this (e.g.,
formal cognitive evaluation and assessment of the
possibility of depression as a component, etc.).
• Explain that prior to any future genetic testing
the patient will need to have specialist geneti
counselling (counseling from health professional
with specialist training in genetics an
counselling) to consider possible outcomes of th
testing.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MAY 2015
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. MEDICINE

5
OET MAY 2015
SETTING Clinic
PATIENT You are 65 years old. You opted for early retirement from an
academic job because you were finding it difficult to
manage your workload. You have a family history of
early-onset Alzheimer's disease (your father and your
older sister both have the condition). You have come
to the doctor to discuss the possibility of genetic
testing for inheritable forms of Alzheimer's.
TASK • State that you are familiar with the symptoms but
would like genetic testing because of your family
history.
• Be surprised and a little affronted when the doctor

suggests that there are other possibilities for
impaired cognitive performance, including depression.
• Reluctantly agree to see a clinical neuropsychologist

before considering genetic testing.
Agree to undergo genetic counselling before any

testing (if testing is deemed necessary).

OET MAY 2015
NO. 6
SETTING Clinic
DOCTOR Your patient is 50 years old and has come to enquire about
Boostrix vaccine (combined diphtheria, tetanus an
acellular pertussis (dTpa) vaccine). The patient'
daughter is going to have a baby and she i
encouraging the patient to get the vaccine, as she ha
heard that some illnesses can be fatal for infants
The patient's daughter believes that if the patient i
vaccinated, it will help protect the baby from thes
illnesses. The patient has come to discuss the matte
with you.
TASK • Ask the patient about his/her reason for presenting today.
Expiain what a Boostrix vaccine consists of (e.g.
diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough), and that it i
recommended for adults in close contact wit
newborns.
• Persuade the patient to have the injection and give
reasons why whooping cough may be fatal to an infant
(e.g., severe relentless coughing, hypoxic encephalopathy,
may lead to brain damage and even death, etc.).
Explain that the risks of diphtheria and tetanus ar
low but the vaccine is a three-in-one injection.
• Suggest that the patient return next week for the vaccine.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MAY 2015

OET MAY 2015
NO. 6
SETTING Clinic
PATIENT You are 50 years old and have come to enquire about a Boostrix
vaccine. Your daughter is going to have a baby and she
is encouraging you to get the vaccine, as she has heard
that some illnesses can be fatal for infants. Your
daughter believes that if you are vaccinated, it will
help protect the baby from these illnesses. You think
that your daughter is being overanxious and have come
to discuss the matter with the doqtor.
TASK • State that your daughter would like you to have the
Boostrix vaccine but you think she is being
overanxious.
• Tell the doctor that you prefer not to have

unnecessary injections, especially an injection of
three dangerous diseases.
• Argue that you are not out in public very often and
don't catch diseases. You don it think you are at any
risk of diphtheria or tetanus.
• Reluctantly agree to return next week to have the

Boostrix vaccine to protect your daughter's baby from
whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessrnent MAY 9015

OE
T
NO. 2
SEITING General Practice Surgery
DOCTOR This 55-year-old unmarried clerk is returning to your

surgery today for a follow-up visit after a two-month
period of hypertension for which he/she was briefly
hospitalised. The patient is moderately overweight and
inactive. His/her last two BP readings (taken by a
community nurse) were 150/102 and 162/108. A
prescription for atenolol (to treat hypertension) was
issued one month ago. Today, on examination, you find
that the patient's BP reading is 160/100.
TASK Explain your concern about the patient's condition

and find out if he/she has been following the
treatment plan.
Talk over any concerns and encourage the patient to

continue with the prescribed medication.
•Advise the patient of the dangersof not treating the

hypertension.
Convince the patient to start thé medication immediately.
SETTING General Practice Surgery
PATIENT You are a 55-year-old overweight, unmarried clerk who

was briefly hospitalised two months ago with high
blood pressure. You have since had two visits from the
community health nurse and one doctor's appointment,
and each time your blood pressure was very high. you
were prescribed a drug by your doctor a month ago, but
you have not started the tablets yet as"you dp ilöt
like to rely on medication. You know thatyödJ need to
control your weight and increase your exercise but you
TASK also believe that natural therapies will restore your
health.
You are reluctantly returning the surgery today for

a follow-up visit. You are feeling quite anxious,
fid.'
Admit that you have not started the medication
and state your reasons.
Be firm about your views and difficult to
convince.
• Eventually agree to follow the treatment plan.
@Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment JULY 2015

ET
NO. 4
SETTING 24-hour Clinic
DOCTOR An elderly patient has just presented with severe flank pain.
He/she looks pale, and is walking with difficulty due
to the pain. You take a urine specimen and discover
blood in the urine. You suspect renal calculi (kidney
stones).
TASK • Advise the patient that he/she, needs to go to hospital

immediately.
Explain the possible diagnosis andWhy hospitå
treatment is necessary (e.g., kidney stone may have
moved into ureter, etc.).
• Explain what is likely to happen in the hospital
(e.g., X-ray to find the position of the stone, laser
treatment to break up the
stone, open surgery very
unlikely, etc.)• the patient,-who is.terrified of
hospitals and.resistant_tagoingö-by, answering his/her
questions.
• Assurethe patient that he/she will not be given

penicillin.
• Gain permission to call an ambulance for him/her.
o
NO. 4
SETrlNG 24-hour Clinic
PATIENT You are elderly. You woke up this morning with severe pain in
your back (right side) just below the rib cage. You
rubbed some antispasmodic cream into the muscles but
hour clinic, where
Try to persuade Youare terrifiedof hospitals

it did not seem to help. You now suspect appendicitis.
You present to a 24specimen and insists on calling for
an ambulanée.
TASK as you believe peopléQälways get Worse or die when they get
admitted into hospital — you do not want to go to
hospital at any cost.
• Find out why the doctor is so insistent on sending you
to hospital. Find out what will happen if you don't
go. You just want some pain relief.
• Ask for a detailed description of what is likely to
happen in hospital: What wiil• they do? How tong will
you be in there? Do you need surgery?
• Explain that you are allergic to penicillin and maybe
also other medications you don't know about.
• Agree reluctantly to the doctor calling an ambulance.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment JULY 2015

DOCTOR Your patient has come to see you about his/her 16-
year-old son whom he/she suspects is taking illegal
drugs. The boy is not present.
Ask his/her son is takng

TASK •
• Find out more about the boy (his lifestyle,
friendship group, studies, etc.).
• find out what your patient would like you to do. Ask
whether it would be possible for the boy to come to
see you in person.
Suggest referring the boy to an adolescent
psychologist for assessment and appropriate
treatment.
• Explain to the parent some of the possible effects

of marijuana (e.g., can affect alertness,
concentration, coordination, etc.).

NO. 1
CARER You suspect that your 16-year-old son is taking drugs (you found
drug-taking equipment for marijuana hidden in his room).
You're very worried. He is unwilling to see counsellors
and denies that a problem exists. You are desperate for
the doctor to provweg solution.
TASK • Introduce the'éitÜatioÆyoÜr qn,$tays in his (Qom and

sleeps whole days at a time; Åé often feels
td&sick.båitdhd classes;vhe has lost weight.
• Answer questions about your son's social

behaviour: he has changed from being a social,
lively person to a bit of a loner; he doesn't have
any close friends any more and has become more and
more Withdrawn.
• Find out what the doctor recommends doing to help your

son.
• Find out how marijuana can affect young people.
C Cambridge Boxhifl Language Assessment SEPTEMBER 2015

.2
NO. MEDICINE
CANDIDATE CARD 2
DOCTOR You are talking to a parent of a six-year-old boy who has

had a sore throat and fever for two days. The
parent noticed blood in the boy's urine tnis
morning.
boy looks unwell and has a temperature of 38.500. His
throat is swollen and red m and there js exudate on.the
tQQ$il*: full wprd confirms blood in the urine. You
diagnos&bactaia! pnsiliitis with ' kidtie9 inootüåhéÖt
(Boststreptococcal
TASK • Explaintoparent tbe réSüfts of the urine test and the

diagnosis.
•Explaiå.!hat ting chi14.æquif9$ futthé€investigåtipn and an
urgent appointment with å paediatrician,
Explain that you would like to Start a course of
antibiotics (penicillin).
Address the parent's concerns about the use of
antibiotics for a •simple' throat infection by
explaining the connection between the infection and
the blood in the urine (e.g., the body produces extra
antibodies to fight the infection, and these settle
in the kidneys causing inflammation, etc.).
•Answer the parent's questions about the next steps in the

treatment of his/her son (e.g., refer to a paediatrician to
monitor urine and blood pressure and make
sure recovery is complete, etc.).
Assessment SEPTEMBER 2015
OE
CARER You are the parent of a six-year-dd boy. He has had
a sore throat and a fever for two days. This
morning you noticed some blood in his urine. At the
surgery, your son has provided a urine san-Oe for
testing. You are anxious because the conditiqo
seems to bemore sore thrpnt. are opposed to
the use of
antibioticé for childhood(hfectiörfé
TASK Ask fOrthe reeulfs of t!" ut;né test.

• Expressoypur concern éboyttt% 'bl&3d in yowgpn's urine. Find
out if he might
have a kidney problem.
Resist giving your child the prescribed antibiotics, as
you cannot see tr.e connection between tho throat
infection and the blood in the urine.
Ask for an explanation of why this is required.
Eventually agree to using the medication, as the
situation appears to warrant it. Find out what are
the next steps to take.
@ Camb Boxhil Language Assessment SEPTEMBE* 2015

NO. 3
DOCTOR A parent has brought in his/her nine-year-old daughter who

underwent-a tonsillectomy a week ago. The daughter has
been using oxycodone quite liberally for post-operative
daughter'ssymptoms.
cdååipationand recommend
pain, and is now suffering severe constipation. The
child has no history qf*vere constipqtion
aneyou.havqalready examined the child.
TASK • Explain
• Outlinééffqctive
alternaüve pain relief.
• Discuss whether the parent should avoid giving
ooycodone to his/her daughter in the future (e.g.,
side effects are common but usually mild and short-
lived, etc.).
• Persuade the parent to be less liberal with the
pain medication (e.g., tonsillectomy pain usually
improves after first few days, etc.).
• Answer questions about the benefits ot ice-crearn
(e.g. eating normally helps the throat to heal, etc.)
and salt water gargles (e.g., can relieve a sore
throat, important not to swallow, etc.).
@Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment SEPTEMBEF 2015

3
CARER You have brought your nine-year-old daughter in to see
the doctor. She had her tonsils removed a week ago and
was given oxycodone for pain relief. As she has been in
considerable pain, she has been taking it frequently.
Now she has been of severe constipation. 'Gdhstipation.
TASK • find out whåfid.æusing thåéönstip@tion andi What can be done about-
it.
• Ask whether this type of pain-killer (oxycodone)

should be avoided in future.
• Argue that your daughter wouldn't need so much
pain medication if she wasn't in so much pain.
• Ask if gargling with salt water is helpful.

• Ask if it would be good for your daughter to eat
ice-cream.
O Cambridge Boxhjl Language Assessment SEFTEM3ER 2015

PATIENT You are a 52-year-old smoker. Over the last six months, you have
experienced occasions of breathlessness and chest pajn
on exertion. You are worried about the pain because your
father died of a heart attack at 53.
TASK éiscomfort that sometimes occurs when

• Briefly happening more
often. The-pain settles after a few minutes of rest.
• State that you are worried about having a heart
attack.
• Seek the doctor's advice on doing physical
activities.
• Get upset when the doctor advises you to stop
smoking. You understand why it is important but
you have failed many times before to stop smoking.
@Cambridge Boxhiliu e Assessrnent SEPTEMBER 2015

SETTING Clinic
PATIENT You are a 34-year-old dancer Who has had a Baker's cyst
(a cyst on the back of the knee) for a few months. At
the time of diagnosis, you and the doctor decided to
keep it under observation. A few months have passed and
you are convinced it is larger althbügh there åröno new
at your planned review
consuttåfion i,th-your
TASK
• Tell th#octdr-fhat yp$thiÅkYbur looks]låkéer. As a dancer
it matters how
you 108kånd perfoihi.•
• Answer the doctor's questions about your new syrnptoms,
• Explain that you have a busy performance schedule coming

up and want to be sure that the cyst won't grow any
more. You are following the recommended treatment (i.e.
physio, ice, supportive footwear, etc.) and it isn't
working. You want to know all the options for treatment.
• Reluctantly agree to follow the doctor's advice.
O Cambridge Boxhill Larguage Assessment SEPTEMBER 2015
OET
SETTING Clinic
DOCTOR Your 34-year-old patient, a dancer, has had a Baker's
cyst (a popltteal cyst on the back of the knee) for a
few months. At the first presentation you decided to
observe it. You are now reviewirpg the patient who
believes the cyst-is increasing in size. HoWeVör, you
d?.termined that it has not increased.
TASK • Ask thé:eatjehi agout p;ssjbl? symptong/?.g., pain,
reduced movement, etc.).
Explain that you want to continue to observe the cyst

(e.g., no symptoms or enlargement, etc.). Encourage
the patient to continue with the current treatment
(i.e., physio, ice, supportive footwear, etc.).
Language Assessment
• Discusspossible future treatment (e.g.. review by a
sports physician, oähopaedic surgeon and a knee
arthroscopy to evaluate/treat underlying injury or
degenerative change, etc.).
• Suggest another review in three months.

Boxhill
SEPT8v1BER 2015
MEDICINE
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 6
SEITING Local Clinic
PATIENT You are a recently retired 65-year-old person with an
active lifestyle. You usually sleep well overnight.
Lately, you are waking at night with cramps in your
calves. You are disturbing you! spouse so you have
decided to consult your doctor.
TASK • Explaip„ that a/étmoroegutar per week) and occur during
the night: are gettihå• Worse and affecting YOU?'Sleep.
• Tell the doctor that you are in good health and have
a good diet (e.g., plenty of water, fresh foods,
exercise, etc.).
• Tell the doctor you heard that cramps are caused by lack
of vitamins or minerals; ask if this is true.
• Complain that your spouse will not cope with another
disturbance and you need some suggestions to remedy the
problem immediately.
• Agroe to consult a physiotherapist and to return for
review if there is no improvement.
SEPI-EMBEfi 2015
O Cambridge Boxhdl Assessrnent
Langu
MEDICINE
CANDIDATE CARD NO. 6
SETTING Local Clinic
DOCTOR Your patient is a recently retired 65-year-otd person with an
active lifestyle. He/she
usually sleeps well overnight. Increasingly, the patient is waking with
cramps in the
calves and is now disturbing his-her ppouse. The patient is
seeking your advice.
• find
TASK out why the patient has see yoUnow.
• Ask theØatient about generar höålth and well±ihg (e.g., e%rcise, diet,
etc.).
Explain that significant mineral deficiencies are not a common cause in
otherwise
healthy people and it is more likely that overexertion may contribute to
cramping
(e.g.. excessive exercise, musde injury/fatigue, etc.).
• Provide some recommendations for treatment (e.g., ice
pack, regular stretching, massage, etc.).
Encourage the patient ¯ to visit a physiotherapist and
to return for review in the future if necessary.
Language Assessment
OET AUGUST 2014
PATIENT You are a 42-year-old financial adviser. You have a

stressful job and frequently travd overseas on
business. A few months ago, a colleague suggested
that you take sleeping pills to help regulate your
sleep and ease your anxiety. Your doctor prescribed a
benzodiazepine. You are now running out of pills and
so today you have come to request another
prescription from your doctor.
TASK
• Admit to taking sleeping pills every night.

Explain to the doctor that work is very busy the
pills make you relaxed and more able to cope.
• Request another prescription for sleeping pills. Get

upset when the doctor refuses to prescribe you more
sleeping pills. Ask: "How will I cope?"
Explain that you will stop the pills once work
slows down but that you want to continue taking
Camoridge Boxhiil them while you are busy. Be reluctant to tn/ non-
Language medical intervention because the pils have been so
effective,
• Eventually, agree to the doctor's advice.
Assessment AUGUST
OET AUGUST 2014

sETlNG Sucurcar
DOCTOR a Z2-year-c'ä as."seg. HeShe has a stressi-i a-C za.es

dusness. A few mcnths ago. a cc—awe she take
seeping ;yks —c regulate Seec ease anx=y.
carne see you anc you prescnoed a benzcd.azeoine. Toe oaten: has out of pi'S and so
today he/she has come to reguesz vescript»on.
TASK Ask the patient how often he/she takes the sleeping
pills.
Language Assessment
OET AUGUST 2014
• Explain to the patient that long term nightly use of
any steeping pill is not recommended (use of pills
does not cure sleep problem; risk of drug dependency).
• Tac#ully refuse to prescribe another prescription.
• Convince the patient to try non-medical interventions
- e.g., regular exercise, control workload (learn to
say 'no'), reduce alcohol/caffeine, etc.
• Caution against stopping the pills suddenly (risk of
withdrawal symptoms) gradually decrease the dose and
consider other strategies for coping with his/her
anxiety.
G Cambridge Boxhill AUGUST 201 a

NO. 2
SETTING General Practice
Language Assessment
OET AUGUST
PATIENT You are an 1 8-year-old basketball player. You had a
sudden severe pain at the front of your left knee dunng
practice. An ice pack was applied and you were driven
to the surgery by the team coach. Your knee is swelling
and becoming very painful especially if you try to walk
or put your weight on it. You have been experiencing
pain in your knee for the last few days especially when
you run or play sport. You don't remember injuring
yourself, though your knee has been making a
dicking/popping sound and sometimes locks. You want to
play on the weekend.
TASK Explain your current symptoms. Explain that you

think the problem is just 'growing pains
Ask the doctor to fix your knee so that you will be
able to play in the competition.
Ask for a spray to numb the pain and for painkillers.
TO} to convince the doctor that you will recover
quickly because you are young and fit.
Be insistent as you want to play on the weekend, but
eventually agree to follow the doctor's advice.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment AUGUST 2014
SETTING General
Practic
DOCTOR You have just examined the patient, an 18-year-old basketball

player who has been brought to your surgery today by
the team coach because of severe left knee pain, You
diagnose a meniscus tear (torn cartilage).
• Take a brief history from the patient.

• Explain the likely diagnosis of a meniscus tear in a
way that he/she will
OET AUGUST 2014
ROLEPLAYER understand,
CARD MEDICINE
NO. 3 • Discuss immediate treatment (e.g. RICER regime —
SETTING Rest,Clinic
Suburban Ice, Compress, Elevation and Referral to
physiotherapist).
PATIENT • Explain
You are a 24-year-old school teacher.
why pain medication is not Over the last
effective
three months you have been experiencing throbbing
on its
own.
headaches on the left side of your head, particularly
• Explain
around the why
templeyouarea.
are They cause sothe
referring muchpatient
you have to lie down; they also frequently cause
pain that
to a
physiotherapist
nausea. Paracetamol(e.g.,
does notappropriate
relieve the exercise
symptoms. plan,
You
recovery
notice thatstrategy, specific
the headaches cometreatments, etc.).
after you have been
drinking red wine. You remember that your mother who
• Advise
died ten why
years ago had
he/she mustsimilar headaches.
not play She took
sport until the apain
strong medication
has resolved andcontaining
explain barbiturate. You are
what the consequences of
becoming frustrated and worried.
ignoring this advice could be.
TASK • Ask the doctor about possible causes. Express concern about the
possibility of something serious, like a tumour.
AUGUST 2014
• Ask about hereditary factors.

DOCTOR You are a general practitioner. The patient is a 24-

year-dd teacher who has come to your surgery today
complaining of severe one-sided headaches. These
headaches lead to nausea and have been occurring over
the last three months. The patient reports a family
history of severe headaches. A trigger seems to be red
wine consumption, suggesting migraine.
TASK • Take a history of the complaint and explain the

need for a neurological examination (to check for
signs of neurological disease).
• Reassure the patient and discuss why you believe

migraine is the likely cause.
• Talk about the treatment options for migraine —
preventative as well as abortive, and deal with the
patient's questions about medication (barbiturates
are
Language Assessment
OET AUGUST
• Request a prescription tor the same kind of
medication your mother used to take. Insist that this
medication worked for her.
Cambridge
Boxhii
Language
Assessment
l
OETAUGUST
habit-forming and not used much nowadays).

OET AUGUST 2014
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 4
MEDICINE
SETFING Hospital Emergency Department
PATIENT You are visiting Australia. You are quite upset because, about
two hours ago, your five-year-old daughter was bitten
on the face by a dog owned by the friends you are
staying with, You washed the wound under cold running
water and stopped the bleeding with a sterile dressing.
If asked, you think your daughter had a tetanus
SETTING Hospital Emergency Department
DOCTOR The patient is a five-year-old girl. She and her

family are in Australia visiting friends. She has a
small, superficial dog bite wound on the side of the
face, near the hair line. You are speaking to her
parent.
TASK Calm the parent. Find out the circumstances of the

bite and first aid given.
• After examination, reassure the parent that the
wound needs only cleaning and closure, and explain
how you will do this. Antibiotics are not necessary
— low risk of infection (e.g., a recent wound, the
face has an excellent blood supply, etc.).
Check on the child's tetanus immunisation status and
explain whether a booster is needed (NOTE: Australia
is free of rabies).
• Advise the parent on care of the wound — recommend a

review after 48 hours, Advise on the need for
constant supervision of children near dogs.
Assessment AUGUST
OET AUGUST 2014
vaccination last year.

OET AUGUST 2014
PATIENT You have an appointment to see your local genera

practitioner to discuss an unusual symptom you hav
noticed in your eight year old daughter. Although you
daughter seems well, blood has begun appearing in he
urine. You are concerned, but not overty so, since yo
assume that there is some simple explanation.
TASK Explain to the doctor why you have come to see him/her.
• Tell the doctor that your daughter seems well,
energetic, has been eating well and has not had a
infection lately.
DOCTOR A parent comes in to ask about his/her eight-year-old

daughter because he/she has noticed an unusual
symptom. Although the child seems well, blood has
started appearing in her urine. The parent is
concerned, and becomes increasingly anxious as the
consultation progresses.
TASK • Ask the parent about his/her daughter's recent symptoms

general health.
• Respond to the parent's concerns. Include the

following information: - Blood in the urine is not
usual symptom for a young child, - It may not be
serious, but is worth investigating.
• It is too soon to say what this symptom might
indicate.
• The child will have to have a blood test initially,
to be performed immediately.
• The results of the blood test will be available in
hours, and the patient should book another
appointment as soon as possible to discuss them.
• This symptom could indicate some problem with the
child's kidney function.
Language Assessment
OET AUGUST 2014
• Be sympathetic and reassuring.

Cambridge aoxhi{l Language
Assessme
nt
• SorhiA AUGUST2014
OET AUGUST 2014
SEFVING Suburban Medical Clinic
PATIENT You have an appointment to receive the results of an

ultrasound carried out on your a-year-old daughter.
Your doctor was GG(RGarned about your daughters right
kidney when he/she examined her abdomen yesterday. She
has had vague abdominal pains for several weeks, and
the prolonged nature of her symptoms, rather than
their severity, had led you to bring her to the
doctor. When the doctor tells you that the ultrasound
shows your daughter has kidney cancer, you feel numb,
but try to think of questions to ask.
TASK • Greet the doctor politely and ask the following questions:
- What did the ultrasound show?
- What does this mean? How common is this cancer?
What is its prognosis?
- Who will co-ordinate the treatment plan?
- Does the doctor have any suggestions about
specialists?

Suburban Medical Clinic
DOCTOR You are working at a suburban medical clinic, A parent has

returned to receive results of an ultrasound performed
by his/her 8-year-old daughter yesterday. The chid had
presented with vague abdominal pains of several weeks'
duration and on examination you felt a right loin
mass, which is why you ordered the ultrasound. Tae
uitrasound shows that the child has Wilms' tumour
(kidney cancer) and needs to Ce seen by a specialist
urgently.
TASK • Be sympathetic and reassuring to the parent. Give

him/her the following information:
- The results have been received and the news is not

Language Assessment
OET AUGUST 2014
good.
- They indicate that the child has kidney cancer
(Wilms' tumour).
- This form of kidney cancer is the most common seen
in children, and can be affectively treated in most
cases, with a good prognosis.
- The child needs to see a specialist (paediatric
oncologist) as soon as possible to devise a
treatment plan.
- Tell the parent you will arrange an appointment
with a specialist straight away.
AUGUST
Cambridge Eoxhill Language Assessment 2014
OET SEPTEMBER
2014
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 MEDICI

NE
SETTING Intensive Cara Unit at Children's Hospital
PATIENT You are the parent of a a-year-old girl who is

currently being treated in the ICU for anaphylactic
shock after an emergency admission yesterday. Your
daughter suddenly became ill at a children's birthday
patty, She seems to be out of danger today; you want
to find out more about what caused the problem and
what can be done to prevent (or treat) it in future.
Yesterday you were panicky, but today you are calmer,
although still feeling rather upset.
TASK • Ask the doctor for an interpretation of the

situation. Include the following questions.
- Is your daughter going to be all right?
- Did something she ate or drank at the party cause
her illness?
- If so, how can you tell what caused the symptoms?
- Is this an allergic reaction? What does this mean?
- Will she always have this problem?
- How can you avoid this situation in future (at
kindergarten, staying *'ith friends/fami[y, at
home)?
• If it
happens
again, what
should you
do?
SETTING Intensive Care unit at

Children's Hospital
DOCTOR Toe parent of a

a-year-
Language Assessment
OET SEPTEMBER
20M4
oid gid
seekrg
adv"ce
and a
Sag-oss
of full
test
results)
foijowing
the
emerge—cy
admission
cf resher
yesterday
. She was
suttehng
trom
anaph'y•a
ct.c an-
ost
cetarpy
as a of a
food ailergy.
She is
currentty
recovehrg aft
— of
adrenalin
e. The
parent
appears
calm.
TASK • Be sympathetic and

reassuring.
• Include the
following
information
in your
response to
Fisher
guestons:
OET SEPTEMBER
2014
• symptoms
could have
been caused
by
food/dhnk
at party.
• confirmatio
n of
allergen to
be done by
administrat
ion of
diagnostic
tests.
• explanation
of allergy:
i.e.,
immune
response
(non-toxic
substance
treated as
toxic by
immune
system),
sometimes
life-
threatening
.
• outlook:
many
children
outgrow
allergies.
• future
prevention:
avoid
allergen
(when
identified)
; inform
supervising
adults of
OET SEPTEMBER
20M4
ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 3 DENTISTRY
OET SEPTEMBER
2014
Private Dente
OET SEPTEMBER
2014
TASK • Excian the
tee? •d (e.g..
piague, bleeding etc.).
Explain the
jmpcra-•ce
of good ore
trygiene to
fie health
of the
foetus
(e.g.,
penodontjts
Lirked
premature
and bw birth
weight).
Suggest was to ensure

mouth hnses, tongue scraptng, nutritious meals,
etc.).
• Answer questions about the risks with amalgam

fillings (e.g., mercury vapor, etc.) and
C
Cambridge antibiotics during pregnancy. Emphasise the
importance of avoiding X-rays during first
trimester.
Language Assessment SEPTEMBER 2014
good eral hygiene (e.g.,
brushing, flossing,
antimicrobial
Boxhill
SETTING Private Dental Practice
PATIENT You are 18

years old and
suffering from
constant dry
mouth and hay
fever during
the hot
season. To
compensate,
OET SEPTEMBER
20M4
you have been
chewing gum,
Your favourite
brand of gum
contains a lot
of sugar. You
chew about six
pieces of gum
a day on
average.
TASK • Answer the dentist's

questions about your gum
chewing,
You are
shocked that
your oral
hygiene
appears
poor. Ask
the dentist
the reason
for this,
You brush
your teeth
once a day.
Ask the
dentist what
you can do.
You do not
want to stop
chewing gum.
Agree to try
sugar-free
gum and ask
if there is
anything
else you can
do.
Agree to see
your doctor
about hay
fever
medication.
OET SEPTEMBER
2014
Privat
Dental
Practi
SETTING
DENTIST Tnis 1 a-year-Od

patent is
presenting
with poor cd
try-gene.
The oaten: s
showing ea<y
signs of gum
disease. It
Jocks iike
nas been ea
%g a cf
sugar and —
she has a
history of
dry mouth
and ray
fever
nnzs,i- You
notice the
patient
has .urn (a
type of
caneyjs.•.ee
z s tr
penods of
time).
TASK • Find out

if the
patient is
chewing gum,
how often
he/she is
chewing it
OET SEPTEMBER
20M4
and f it has
sugar.
Inform the
patient of
the
condition of
his/her
teeth.
Explain that the sugar
content of the patient's gum
is contributing to his/her
earty
periodontitis (e.g., high sugar intake leads
plaque buildrup, chronic gingival inflammat
eventually early periodontitis, etc.).
Suggest alternatives to chewing sugary gum
sugar-free gum, drinking water, etc.),
Recommend that the patient see his/her doc
medication to reduce the symptoms of his/
fever.
@Cambridge Boxhiil Language Assessment SEPT

ÖCTOÉÉÅ
NO. 1
PATIENT You are a 49-year-old accountant With six-month onset

rheumatoid arthritis (HA), an autoimmune disease that
causes pain and swelling of the joints. Your symptoms
of joint pain and fatigue have been well-managed with
NSAlDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). However,
one week ago, you experienced a 'flare' (a period when
joints are more inflarned and painful). You smoke I O
cigarettes per day. You are seeking advice from your
doctor on the anticipated course of the illness and
appropriate management.
TASK • Tell the doctor you are confused and do not understand why the
arthritis doesn't
'go away'. Ask "Is there a cure for RA?"
• Reject the doctor's strategies for coping with RA -

you are only interested in aggressive medical
treatment to make the disease 'go away'.
• Become upset when the doctor tells you to stop smoking

completely (e.g., your previous attempts were
unsuccessful, your job is stressful, smoking helps you
to relax).
• Reluctantly agree to see a specialist.

@ Cambridge Boxhilt Language Assessment OCTOBER 2014

DOCTOR Your patient is a 49-year-old accountant, diagnosed

six months ago with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The
symptoms of joint pain and fatigue have been well-
managed with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs), but one week ago, he/she experienced a 'flare'
(period when joints are more inflamed and painful).
OET OCTOBÉÅ 2014
The patient smokes 10 cigarettes per day. He/she is
seeking your advice on the anticipated course of the
illness and appropriate management.
TASK • Explain that RA is a chronic disease, which will not just 'go
away' (e.g., no cure, remits and relapses, current
flare will probably settle but more quickly with
medication, etc.).
• Provide strategies for coping with
RA (e.g., rest, sleep, modify diet, sensible
exercise — long walks, massage, hot treatment,
etc.).
• Provide reassurance — early diagnosis and
intervention are important for improving patient
outcomes.
• Advise the patient to stop smoking.
• Offer to refer the patient to a rheumatologist for
specialist advice and possible coflisone treatment.
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 2014

OCTOBER
DOCTOR Your patient is a 39-year-old factory worker whose

boss has ordered atl workers to have the fiu
vaccination. Your patient is anxious about having the
flu vaccination, as his/her uncle had a bad reaction
to the vaccine five years ago. However, he/she has
recently applied for promotion and so feels under
pressure to satisfy the boss. He/she seeks your
advice.
TASK Explain that anyone can have the vaccine but it is strongl
recommended in at-risk populations (young children
pregnant women, elderly, reduced immunity, healthcar
workers). Most 'flu-like' illnesses are not influenz
and immunised workers witl still get coughs/colds.
Explain that the vaccine is relatively safe, compared wit
complications of flu (e.g., pneumonia, inflammation o
brain/heart, etc.).
Reassure the patient that the boss cannot access
medical records without the patient's consent.
Convince the patient that he/she alone must decide o
whether or not to have the flu vaccination.

NO. 2
OET OCTOBÉÅ 2014
PATIENT You are a 39-year-old factory worker. Your boss has

ordered all workers to have the flu vaccination. Your
boss believes that prevention of illness is essential
for optimising workplace productivity. You are
anxious about having the flu vaccination, as your
uncle had a bad reaction to the vaccine five years
ago. You have recently applied for promotion and so
feel under pressure to satisfy your boss. You seek
the advice of your doctor,
TASK • Ask the doctor if it is essential for you to have the flu
vaccination.
Explain your fear Of having the vaccine. Ask about

the likelihood of side effects.
• Teli the doctor you are concerned about the privacy of

your medical records: "Will my boss be able to seek
information from my medical records on whether or not
have been vaccinated?"
• Seek reassurance as you are worried your boss will not

promote you if you are not vaccinated.

OCTOBER
NO. 3
SETTING Suburban Cinic
DOCTOR Your patient is a 58 year old company accountant with

demanding job. He/she is overweight and doesn'
exercise regularly. Recently, your patient has bee
feeling unusually tired, has lost a few kilograms an
his/her vision is a bit blurry. The patient feel
overworked and thinks the long hours on the compute
are causing eye strain and he/she needs readin
glasses. Your patient's spouse urged him/her to se
the doctor about the eye issues.
TASK • Explain that the blurred vision might be caused by diabetes
• Recommend
tests for diabetes (includin
on-the-spot random blood glucose
finger prick). Reassure the patient that the tests ar
straightforward.
Explain why you think it might be diabetes (positive

risk factors: history of being overweight, inactive,
recent onset of lethargy, blurred vision and weight
loss).
• Recommend a referral to an ophthalmologist. Try t

convince the patient to undergo testing for diabetes.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 201

3

OET OCTOBÉÅ 2014
PATIENT You are a 58 year old company accountant with a demanding job.
You are overweight but don't get much opportunity tor
regular exercise. Recently, you have been feeling more
tired than usual and your vision is a bit blurry. You
have also lost a few kilograms. You feel stressed and
overworked. You think that long hours working at your
computer is straining your eyes and you need reading
glasses. Your spouse has urged you to see the doctor
about your eyes.
TASK • Request an eye examination, as you need prescription lenses.
• Express disbelief when the doctor suggests that

diabetes (raised blood sugar levels) might be causing
your vision problems.
• Initially refuse to undergo testing for diabetes.

Accuse the doctor df over-testing. Insist: "l simply
need reading glasses!"
• Admit to having symptoms that might suggest your

blood sugar levels are raised. Reluctantly agree to
further tests.
O Cambndge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 2014

OCTOBER

NO. 4
PATIENT You are a 50-year-old insurance broker. Your recent divorce

has been stressful. You need a holiday to restore your
energy and improve your spirit. However, your boss has
refused your request for vacation leave (he would
prefer you to take leave later in the year when
business is quieter). You have come to see your doctor
today to request a medical certificate that will allow
you to have two weeks off work.
TASK Explain that you need a two-week höliday from work

to recover from your recent divorce.
• Become angry when the doctor refuses to write a

medical certificate. Insist that stress is an illness
and you are entitled to take sick leave.
• Insist that a really good holiday is just what you

neod to restore your energy and make you feel better.
• Be reluctant to see a psychologist for stress

management, but eventually agree to make an
appointment.

OET OCTOBÉÅ 2014
DOCTOR Your patient is a 50-year-old insurance broker whose recent

divorce has been stressful and wants a holiday to
restore energy and spirit. However, the company boss
has refused a request for vacation leave, Your patient
has come to see you today to request a medical
certificate that will allow him/her to have two weeks
off work.
TASK • Refuse to issue a medical certificate as your patient is not

depressed.
• Explain that iSsuing a deliberately false or

misleading certificate represents professional
misconduct.
• Emphasise that misuse of sick leave is a serious

matter (e.g., going on vacation while pretending to
be sick might have consequences if the boss should
question the medical certificate).
• Acknowledge that stress affects health and try to

convince him/her to see a psychologist for stress
management by emphasising the long-term benefits of
therapy.

OCTOBER
DOCTOR A three-year-old boy has been stung by a bee. Last

year, the boy's cousin experienced a severe allergic
reaction after being stung by a bee, requiring hospita
isation and emergency management. The boy's parent has
rushed down to your surgery, as he/she is extremely
worried about the risk of developing anaphy axis (a
dangerous allergic reaction). The boy has a largo red
swelling on his arm and appears to be in a lot of pain
TASK • Gently refuse to organise for the child to be admitted to

hospital.
• Reassure the parent (e.g., localised response;
already half an hour after the sting and no signs o
systemic illness — hives, wheezing, shortness of
breath, faintness or weakness, etc.).
• Convince the parent to observe the son at home.

Offer the following advice on care at home:
• ice to soothe pain and reduce swelling.
• cleanthe affected area to avoid infection.
- treat itching with over-the-counter antihistamine
(e.g., Benadryl).
@ Cambridge 30xhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 201

NO. 5
OET OCTOBÉÅ 2014
PATIENT Your three-year-old son has just been stung by a bee while
playing in the garden. Last year, your sister's child
experienced a severe allergic reaction after being
stung by a bee, requiring hospitalisation and
emergency management. You have rushed down to the
doctor's surgery, as you are extremely worried that
your own son is at risk of developing anaphylaxis (a
dangerous allergic reaction). Your son is developing a
large red swelling on his arm and appears to be in a
lot ot pain.
TASK • Request that the doctor organise for your son to

be admitted to hospital for observation, just to be
safe,
• Become upset when the doctor does not agree that

your son needs hospitalisation. Ask: "How can you be
sure that he will be alright?"
• Reluctantly agree to observe your son at home. Seek

advice on home care.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBE-R 2014

OET OCTOBER
DOCTOR You are speaking to the parent of a five-year-old girl, Linda,

who presents with a barking cough, sneeze and fever.
Yesterday you diagnosed mild croup and recommended
symptom relief and that the parent seeks medical
attention should symptoms worsen. The parent has come
to see you again today and is very worried that
Linda's condition is getting worse.
TASK • Ask about Linda's symptoms.
• Suggest steroid treatment.
Explain the possible side-effects of the steroid treatm

(e.g., suppression of the immune syst
predisposition to infection, etc.).
• Reassure the patient that steroids are the best

treatment tor mild croup and give reasons why (e.g.,
antibiotic will not eliminate viral infection, etc.)
• Offer to review Linda's case in 24 hours.

O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 2014

OET NOVEMBER 2014
SETTING Suburban Cinic
PATIENT You are the parent of a five-year-old girl, Linda. Linda has a
barking cough, a fever and is sneezing. Yesterday the
doctor diagnosed mild croup and recommended symptom
relief, that you maintain observation and seek medical
attention should symptoms worsen. You are very worried
and have come to see the doctor again as you think she
is getting worse.
TASK • Describe your daughter's symptoms and your concern that she is
getting worse.
• Ask about the possible side-effects from using

steroids.
• Express concern about the possible side-effects.
• Demand an antibiotic for Linda, as you believe this

will eliminate the infection and help her get better.
Agree reluctantly to steroid treatment and to bring

Linda back for review in 24 hours.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment OCTOBER 2014

OET NOVEMBER 2014

NO. 1
PATIENT You are 27 years old and have a 2cm cut on your upper left
thigh from falling on a sharp piece of metal three
days ago. You bandaged the leg yourself at the time,
as you didn't think it required medical attention.
However, last night the area was very sore, red,
swollen, and you had difficulty sleeping. The doctor
has examined the cut, and when he/she pressed on the
wound, it was painful.
TASK • Inform the doctor that you have only taken

paracetamol for the pain. You have changed the bandage
three times, each after showering.
Tell the doctor that you had a tetanus injection
once as a child.
Ask if the doctor can give you some antibiotics.
Tell the doctor you do not want the wound cleaned as
this sounds painful. Eventually agree to let the
doctor clean the wound.
• Ask why you need another tetanus injection.
• Seek clarification on the phrase 'surgical
debridement'.
O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment NOVEMBER 2014
CANDIDATE CARD NO. MEDICINE

1
OET NOVEMBER 2014
SEINING Medical Clinic
DOCTOR This 27-year-old patient is presenting with a painful, red

and swollen 2cm cut on his/her upper left thigh.
Three days ago, the patient fell and cut his/her
thigh on a piece of metal. You have examined the cut
and determined that it is infected and wili require
treatment.
TASK • Ask if the patient has taken anything for the wound, applied
any medications to the area, and if the patient has
been immunised against tetanus,
• Explain that the cut seems to be infected and will
require treatment (e.g., antibiotics, etc.).
• Convince the patient that it is necessary to clean the
wound and give reasons why (e.g., foreign bodies
present, etc.).
• Suggest another tetanus injection as the last
dose was a long time ago.
Explain that you want to see the patient tomorrow to
review the wound, and that if it continues to
deteriorate, surgical debridement (e.g., removal of
unhealthy tissue, etc.) might be necessary.
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment NOVEMBER 2014
DOCTOR This 29-year-old patient ate a whole fish in a restaurant two

days ago and thinks that he/she may have a fish bone
caught in his/her throat. You have examined the
patient's throat and not found any bone, but think
that the patient may have scratched his/her oesophagus
as it is inflamed and swollen.
TASKAsk the patient when the pain started.

OET NOVEMBER 2014
Explain that the patient may have a
scratched oesophagus.
• Assure the patient that the bon
is not likely to be caught in his/her throat (e.g.
scratch can be as painful, etc.).
• Explain the symptoms thc patient may experience if
bone is caught in the throat (e.g. vomiting
difficulty swallowing, etc.).
• Persuade the patient that the discomfort should g
away on its own.
• Provide reassurance that if the pain or discomfor
doesn't settle within a few days, an X-ray can b
performed, and if needed a referral can be made to
gastroenterologist.

OET NOVEMBER 2014
NO. 2
PATIENT You are 29 years old. Two days ago, you ate a whole fish in a
restaurant. Since then, it feels like there has been a
fish bone caught in your throat. Your throat feels
irritated and no matter how much water you drink, you
can't seem to dislodge it. The doctor has examined
your throat.
TASKConfirm that the pain began

during dinner.
• Argue
that the bone has to be in
there. It realty feels tike it is stuck there.
• Ask how the doctor can tell that the bone is not
there.
• Ask if it will get better soon — it is very
uncomfortable.
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment NOVEMBER 2014

OET NOVEMBER 2014

DOCTOR Your patient is a 49-year-old accountant, married with

two children. He/she presented three weeks ago with a
one-month history of rectal bleeding, diarrhoea and
2kg weight loss. You requested a colonoscopy and today
the patient is returning for the results.
Unfortunately, the patient has a tumour in the
descending colon and the biopsy result confirms
cancer.
TASK • Tell the patient the biopsy results (2cm tumour, confined
bowel wall) and
recommend urgent referral to a surgeon.
• Explain that management of the illness after surger

may include chemo/radiotherapy, depending on th
spread of the tumour (but only with patient'
consent).
• Explain that a colostomy is unlikely as the tumou

is confined to descending colon.
• Encourage the patient to be optimistic about surger

(e.g., success rates are usually high; biops
indicates that tumour is limited to bowel wall).
ROLEPLAYER CARD No. 3 MEDICINE

OET NOVEMBER 2014
PATIENT You are a 49-year-old accountant, married with two teenage

children. You presented three weeks ago with a one-
month history of rectal bleeding, mild diarrhoea and
2kg weight loss. The doctor requested a colonoscopy
and today you are returning for the results.
Unfortunately, the doctor tells you that you have a
tumour in the bowel wall and the biopsy confirms
cancer. The doctor recommends urgent referral to a
surgeon.
TASK • Become stunned by the news. You cannot believe that you have
cancer. How Will you manage this?
• Tell the doctor that your aunt died five years ago of bowel cancer
and you saw her suffer during chemotherapy. Make it clear you don't
want chemo/radiotherapy.
• Express your concern about surgery: "Will I need a colostomy (stoma

and bag)?"
• Seek reassurance that surgery will be beneficial: "Will surgery cure
the cancer?"
Cambridge BoxhiJl Language Assessment NOVEMBER 2014

OET NOVEMBER 2014
DOCTOR Your patient is a 54-year-old widow/er with advancing moto

neurone disease. The son wants to become you
patient's enduring medical power of attorney (MPOA)
someone who makes medical treatment decisions for
person should that person lose the capacity to mak
those decisions. Your patient is not close to his/he
son, feels pressure to appoint him as MPOA, and want
adv ce.
TASK Explain that it is not necessary to appoint a MPOA and he/sh

can appoint someone other than his/her son.
• Provide reassurance — no one can appoint themselves

as MPOA for another person. The patient must have th
capacity to understand the implications and
consequences of appointing MPOA (otherwise it is not
legally valid).
• Reassure the patient that he/she will be supported

during illness (MPOA cannot arrange euthanasia or
refuse palliative care).
• Offer to prepare an advance care plan for the patien

so he/she can document his/her end of life choices;
ensure he/she has a will.

4
OET NOVEMBER 2014
PATIENT You are 54 years old with advancing motor neurone

disease. Your son wants to become your enduring
medical power of attorney (MPOA), someone who makes
medical treatment decisions for you should you lose
the capacity to make those decisions yourself. You
have never been very close to your son who lives
interstate (your spouse died three years ago). You
feel under pressure and seek advice from your doctor
on appointing a medical power of attorney.
TASK • Ask for the doctor's advice: "Is it necessary that

I appoint a medical power of attorney?"
Tellthe doctor you think your son

will appoint himself as your medical power of
attorney without your consent, as your mental health
declines. This is making you anxious.
thyroiditis,
• Express concernan autoimmune
that yourdisease which arrange
son might
destroys the orthyroid
euthanasia refuse gland rangecare
palliative of for
symptoms
you.
(including weight gain, depression, fatigue and
C Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment NOVEMBER 2014

privacy. Ask: 'Dp have
I
MEDICINE
rhythms). Your endocrinologist has advised you
to inform your two adult as the condition is
hereditary. However, you have some concerns and
doctor's advice.
TASK
e Disagree that your children would benefit

from early diagnosis and late and
unavoidable onset genetic disease;
'ignorance is bliss'),
• Express concern that knowledge of the family

history might affect access to life and
health insurance policies. Be reluctant to
disclose diagnosis to your children.
@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment

OET NOVEMBER 2014
DOCTOR Your 49-year-old patient has been recently diagnosed wit

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease whic
destroys the thyroid gland and leads to a range o
symptoms (including weight gain, depression, fatigu
and irregular heart rhythms). The endocrinologist ha
advised your patient to inform his/her two adul
children, as the condition is hereditary. Your patien
has some concerns and seeks your advice.
TASK • Reassure the patient that his/her medical records remain

confidential. As the condition is neither life-
threatening nor preventable, disclosure is not
urgent or enforceable,
• Encourage disclosure and give reasons (e.g., carefu

lifestyle management might prevent early onset
disclosure ensures accurate diagnosis at onset o
illness).
• Reassure the patient you cannot advise on insuranc

policies but think that there are many benefits t
be gained from disclosure.
• Try to convince the patient to consider disclosur

and offer referral to a genetic counsellor.
OET NOVEMBER 2014
to
your
OET NOVEMBER 2014
PATIENT You are 35 years oid and have recently started to experience
terrible stomach cramps after having milk and dairy
products. You have been having milk and yogurt every
morning for years, but for some reason they are making
you feel sick now. You recently got over a bout of
gastroenteritis, which lasted three days.
TASK
Argue that you cannot be lactose intolerant, There is
no history of it in your family and you have never
had any problems before.
Find out how long this lactose intolerance will last.

DOCTOR This 35-year-old has recently started having difficulty eatin

foods that contain milk and milk products. He/she i
experiencing stomach cramps and nausea. You suspec
secondary lactose intolerance.
TASK Question the patient about his/her symptoms

(e.g., flatulence, diarrhoea, etc.). Find out if
the patient has experienced any stomach problems
(e.g., gastroenteritis) recently.
Explain your diagnosis - secondary lactose
intolerance (e.g., gastroenteritis affects lining of gut, etc.).
•Respond to the patient's argument that he/she cannot

be lactose intolerant as there is no history of
OET NOVEMBER 2014
lactose intolerance in the patient's family (e.g.,
secondary lactose intolerance not hereditary, etc.).
•Discuss when the condition can be expected to
subside (e.g., several weeks as the lining of the
gut heals, etc.).
Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment NOVEMBER 20
OET NOVEMBER 2014

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OET FEBRUARY 2015

CANDIDATE CARD MEDICINE

DOCTOR This 63-year-old patient is enquiring about the need

TASK Find out the reasons for the patient's enquiry.

affects nervous system, muscles, etc.).

• Reassure the patient that the consultation was a go

• Encourage the patient's gardening hobby (outdoor

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 1 MEDICINE

TASK • Be hesitant and apologetic (you do not usually 'bother'

• If asked, you have no symptoms (only slight

O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

DOCTOR An overweight 76-year-old patient is seeking advice

TASK Explain possible causes of the symptoms: various,

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 2 MEDICINE

TASK Ask the following questions:

Cambridge Boxhitl Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

TASK • Explain that further investigation is necessary for diagnosi

• Convince the patient that he/she should visit a

• Without alarming him/her, insist that he/she needs

ROLEPLAYER CARD MEDICINE

might be something serious.

• Be resistant to the idea of not driving but eventually agree

O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

DOCTOR An elderly patient has come to you after an acute episode

TASK • Reassure the patient that the hospital report indicates n

• Explain why the antibiotic treatment was prescribe

@Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 20

ROLEPLAYER CARD NO. 4 MEDICINE

PATIENT You are an elderly patient who was recently hospitalised

• find out if you are likely to have another episode.

• Be difficult to reassure, as it was a very frightening

O Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

DOCTOR This 41 -year-old patient has been experiencing pain and

TASK • Explain that you first experienced the pain a day

• Express relief that the shoulder isn't injured. You

• Be resistant to rest the shoulder. You don't see how

CARER Your a-year-old son is growing a lot faster than his

@ Carnbridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

CANDIDATE CARD MEDICINE

DOCTOR You are talking to the parent of an a-year-old male patient.

TASK • Reassure the parent that being in the 90th

@ Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment FEBRUARY 2015

• Answer the' döåör's questipti$„abput your dié€Ånd

• Insist that your weight is beyond your control.

• Reject any suggestion that you may be at risk of

•. You do not-want to see a specialist, but

CANDIDATECARD NO. 1 MEDICINE

DOCTOR A fifty-year-old patient has come to see you for- a

• Convince this patient that he/she must lose weight.

• Suggest lifestyle changes the patient can make to

• Impress upon him/her the risks associated with

• Suggest a referral to a dietitian, or possibly a

O Cambridge Boxhitl Language Assessment MARCH 2015

TASK • When asked about syrhptor6$.%P•

@ Cambri Boxhill Lan uAssessrnent MARCH 2015

CANDIDATE CARD NOA MEDICINE

• Become anxious when the doctor tells you to stopi the

• You are not convinced that the aspirin is causing

Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment MARCH 2015