OET Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield OET facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which behaviour best builds rapport at the start of a consultation? → Greeting the patient by name and introducing yourself
2. When notes contain conflicting or repeated information, the writer should: → Select the most current and clinically relevant version
3. At a staff training day, you hear two trainee doctors participating in an activity. What does the activity give practice in? → prioritising patients
4. A doctor advises, "Cut back on salt, but there's no need to eliminate it entirely." What is the recommendation? → Reduce salt intake
5. What is the main reading focus of Part B questions? → Identifying the main point or purpose of the text
6. You hear a dietitian discussing a patient's. What exactly is she up to? → addressing the patient's obesity misunderstanding
7. A patient says they don't trust hospitals. What is the most constructive reply? → I hear that hospitals worry you — would it help if I explained each step before we do it?
8. Which question best helps you decide if a case note is relevant? → Does the reader need it to provide safe, effective care?
9. Which habit slows down skimming and should be avoided? → Subvocalizing every word
10. What is the primary purpose of the writing section in the OET? → To assess the ability to write professional medical letters
11. A patient with Type 2 diabetes is discharged after a hypoglycemic episode. Which aspect is MOST important to emphasize in the discharge letter to the GP? → The circumstances triggering hypoglycemia and any medication adjustments made
12. You hear a nurse calling a patient's condition with a doctor. What made the registrar think the patient was seriously ill? → Abnormal vital signs were reported
13. A patient becomes tearful when you explain a new diabetes diagnosis. What is the most appropriate immediate response in an OET role-play? → Acknowledge their emotion and pause before continuing
14. When deciding which case notes to include in an OET referral letter, what is the single most important factor? → The relevance to the recipient and purpose of the letter
15. Approximately how long do candidates get to prepare before each role-play begins? → About 3 minutes
16. When writing case-note data into a referral letter, what should a nurse do with abbreviations? → Expand them into full words for clarity
17. How should patient information from the case notes generally be presented in the letter? → Transformed into full, cohesive sentences
18. What kind of recording is used in OET Listening Part C? → Two presentations or interviews on health topics
19. A patient refuses recommended treatment. What is the best communication strategy? → Explore their concerns and provide balanced information
20. Effective skimming in Part A primarily supports OET candidates by: → Helping them manage the strict time limit
21. What does appropriate use of silence achieve in a patient consultation? → It gives the patient space to process emotions and gather their thoughts.
22. In OET Listening, how many parts make up the sub-test? → Three (A, B and C)
23. An OET letter to a GP for follow-up should prioritise notes about: → Ongoing management, monitoring needs, and follow-up actions
24. The main request of a referral letter should be expressed using what kind of language? → Polite, clear request phrasing such as 'I would appreciate your assessment'
25. What is the primary focus of the speaking section in the OET? → To assess communication skills in a healthcare setting
26. How many criteria are used to assess the OET Writing sub-test? → Six (purpose, content, conciseness, genre/style, organisation, language)
27. A patient says, "I'm allergic to penicillin, and I think shellfish bothers me too, but I'm not certain." Which allergy is the patient sure about? → Penicillin
28. Which response best confirms a shared plan at the end of the consultation? → So we've agreed you'll start the new medication and return in two weeks
29. During the Speaking sub-test, how many role-plays does a candidate complete? → Two
30. A handover note says: 'Mr Lee remains nil by mouth pending review.' What does this instruct staff to do? → Give him nothing to eat or drink