OET Speaking: Clinical Role-Play Scenarios 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a role-play you must 'address the patient's concerns'. Which question best elicits hidden concerns?
- Is there anything in particular that's been worrying you? (Correct answer)
- You don't have any questions, do you?
- Everything is fine, right?
- Shall we finish now?
Correct answer: Is there anything in particular that's been worrying you?
An open, invitational question encourages the patient to voice worries.
Question 2: An anxious patient asks 'Is it cancer?'. The most appropriate response is to:
- Acknowledge the fear and explain what tests are needed to find out (Correct answer)
- Say definitely not without any evidence
- Say probably yes to be honest
- Change the subject
Correct answer: Acknowledge the fear and explain what tests are needed to find out
Acknowledging fear and giving honest, measured information builds trust.
Question 3: Which phrase best shows active listening during the consultation?
- So if I've understood correctly, the pain started last week? (Correct answer)
- Anyway, moving on
- That's not important
- Let me tell you about something else
Correct answer: So if I've understood correctly, the pain started last week?
Summarising and checking back demonstrates active listening and confirms accuracy.
Question 4: A patient says they cannot afford their medication. The best response is to:
- Discuss possible alternatives or support options together (Correct answer)
- Tell them to find the money somehow
- Ignore it and prescribe anyway
- Suggest they stop the treatment
Correct answer: Discuss possible alternatives or support options together
Collaboratively exploring solutions addresses the barrier and shows empathy.
Question 5: When delivering difficult news, the recommended pace is to:
- Give a warning shot, then deliver news in small chunks with pauses (Correct answer)
- Deliver all the information at once
- Avoid eye contact and speak quickly
- Wait for the patient to ask first
Correct answer: Give a warning shot, then deliver news in small chunks with pauses
A warning shot and chunked information let the patient absorb difficult news.
Question 6: Which response best demonstrates cultural sensitivity in a role-play?
- Asking if there are any preferences I should be aware of for your care (Correct answer)
- Assuming their beliefs based on appearance
- Telling them how things are done here
- Ignoring cultural factors entirely
Correct answer: Asking if there are any preferences I should be aware of for your care
Asking about preferences respects individual cultural and personal needs.
Question 7: A parent is angry about a long wait. The best de-escalation response is to:
- Acknowledge the frustration and apologise for the wait (Correct answer)
- Defend the clinic and blame staffing
- Tell them to be patient
- Walk away to calm down
Correct answer: Acknowledge the frustration and apologise for the wait
Acknowledging feelings and apologising defuses anger and rebuilds rapport.
OET Speaking: Clinical Role-Play Scenarios 3
During a role-play you must 'address the patient's concerns'.
Which question best elicits hidden concerns?