OET Nursing flashcards
OET Nursing · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- OET Listening item count
- Listening contains 42 items across three parts: 24 note-completion items in Part A, 6 multiple-choice items in Part B, and 12 multiple-choice items in Part C.
- OET Listening play rule
- Every recording is played once only. Part A runs continuously, while Parts B and C include pauses that allow time to read the questions before each extract.
- Part A note completion
- Part A is based on a recorded healthcare consultation. Answers are short phrases of one to three words that fit the printed note headings and follow the recording order.
- Self-correction rule
- When a speaker corrects a detail, only the corrected value is marked correct. Writing both the original and corrected value in one blank is marked wrong.
- Part B extract length
- Part B extracts last about one minute and each carries a single three-option multiple-choice question, usually asking for the main point or required action.
- Part C extract structure
- Part C extracts last about three to four minutes and each carries two three-option questions. The pair usually targets different sections of the same recording.
- Listening spelling tolerance
- Minor spelling errors are accepted in Listening answers unless the word becomes unrecognisable or ambiguous. Drug names should be written as heard.
- Listening score scale
- Listening raw marks out of 42 are converted to a scaled score from 0 to 500 in 10-point increments. The conversion is set per test version.
- OET Reading item count
- Reading contains 42 items across three parts: 20 matching items in Part A, 6 multiple-choice items in Part B, and 16 multiple-choice items in Part C.
- Part A time limit
- Part A of Reading has a strict 15-minute limit. The booklet is collected at that point, and Parts B and C share the remaining 45 minutes.
- Part A matching rule
- Part A prompts are matched to four short workplace texts. A text may answer more than one prompt, and some texts may not be used at all.
- Part C question order
- Part C questions follow the order of the text, and each of the two long texts carries eight four-option multiple-choice questions.
- Part B question focus
- Part B questions target the main purpose, required action, or intended audience of a short workplace text, not supporting detail.
- Reading negative marking
- Reading has no negative marking. Every item should be answered, because an unanswered item scores zero while a guess may score one.
- Paraphrase matching rule
- In Reading, correct answers usually paraphrase the text. Options that repeat exact wording from the text are often distractors rather than answers.
- Part A keyword marking
- Before scanning Part A texts, mark one distinctive keyword per prompt. Prompts do not follow text order, so scanning replaces sequential reading.
- OET Writing task
- Writing is a single 45-minute task producing a referral, transfer, or discharge letter of 180 to 200 words from case notes.
- Writing six criteria
- Writing is scored on Purpose, Content, Conciseness and Clarity, Genre and Style, Organisation and Layout, and Language. Each criterion is judged against the whole letter.
- Purpose statement rule
- The opening sentence must name the patient, state the reason for writing, and indicate the action required from the recipient.
- Content selection rule
- Only information relevant to the recipient's continuing care belongs in the letter. Incidental findings and details the recipient already holds are omitted.
- Letter salutation rule
- Use Dear Mr, Ms, Mrs, or Dr with the surname when a name is given. Use Dear Sir or Madam only when no recipient name is provided.
- Sign-off pairing rule
- Close with Yours sincerely when the recipient is named and Yours faithfully when the recipient is unnamed. The pairing must stay consistent with the salutation.
- Note expansion rule
- Note fragments must be rewritten as full sentences with linking words. Copying abbreviations and bullet fragments verbatim lowers the Language criterion.
- Referral letter purpose
- A referral letter is addressed to the clinician or service receiving the patient and states the reason for referral plus the specific request.
- OET Speaking format
- Speaking is a recorded role-play of about 20 minutes with two tasks. Each task is preceded by two to three minutes of preparation time.
- Role-play card contents
- Each card states the setting, the interlocutor's role, the candidate's role, and four to six tasks that the candidate must accomplish during the interaction.
- Speaking nine criteria
- Speaking is scored on overall communicative effectiveness, intelligibility, fluency, coherence and cohesion, appropriateness of language, and resources of grammar and expression, with related indicators.
- Speaking score scale
- Speaking is reported as a band score from 0 to 500 in 10-point increments, separate from the Listening, Reading, and Writing scores.
- Consultation opening rule
- Open the role-play with a greeting, your name and role, and a statement of purpose. This establishes the frame for the interaction.
- Teach-back technique
- Confirm understanding by asking the patient to repeat the plan in their own words rather than asking a yes or no question.
- Emotion-first response
- Acknowledge the patient's feeling before giving information. Ignoring distress lowers the appropriateness of language and overall effectiveness scores.
- Safety-netting close
- End by summarising the agreed plan, stating what to do if symptoms worsen, naming whom to contact, and inviting further questions.