Subtest

General information
Time allocation
Approximately 60 minutes.

Listening

Test format and procedure

Candidates are required to listen to an audio tape about two health related issues and to answer questions which test understanding of spoken English. The subtest is not specific to a profession. The Listening Subtest has two sections: Part A: an interview between a health professional (eg. a doctor) and a patient Part B: a talk on a general topic related to health, such as a public lecture, or a talk by an expert health professional.

Candidates must complete both sections of the subtest. There are approximately 20 questions to answer. For each section, candidates will be given one minute to look at the questions before listening to the tape. Candidates will need to write a word or phrase in answer to each question. Questions are to be answered while the audio tape is being played. The tape will be played once only. There are pauses on the tape for candidates to finish writing an answer and to enable candidates to read the next question. The instructions on the tape are the same as the instructions written on the test paper.

Assessment procedure
The Listening subtest is marked by qualified, experienced English assessors who have been trained in OET assessment procedures. They will decide if the answers given are close enough to be marked correct. The Listening subtest is marked in Melbourne. 10% of candidate responses (papers) are randomly selected and double marked to check assessor reliability.

The sample materials

The sample materials consist of: an audio tape with two parts, one an interview between a health professional and a patient and the second, a general topic related to health a series of questions related to the passages on the tape a listening test answer key (see page 71).

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Using the materials

Make sure an audioplayer or tape recorder is available. Allow enough time (60 minutes) to do all the sample listening subtest in one sitting, as in the OET. Make sure writing implements are available. Some people prefer to use a pencil because they can rub out incorrect words and re-write their answer. Others find it quicker and easier to use a pen and to cross out incorrect words or phrases. Check answers against the answer key. Many of the questions have several correct answers. Alternative answers are indicated by a slash /. Minor variations in wording are acceptable provided the key meaning has been retained. A total score of around 65% on these tests (Part A and B combined) should give you a good chance of getting a satisfactory result.

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OET SAMPLE

PART A LISTENING SUBTEST

THIS TEST IS IN TWO PARTS

Listening Test Part A

Time allowed: 24 minutes

In this part of the test, you will hear a doctor in a community health centre interviewing Mrs Gunn, a diabetic patient attending the clinic for the first time. As you listen, you must make notes about the consultation under the headings given on the answer sheet. TURN OVER and read through these headings now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this. You must give as much information as you can under each of the headings provided. There will be pauses during the consultation for you to complete your notes under the relevant heading. There will also be a few minutes extra at the end for you to finish writing your answers. Give your answers in note form. Dont waste time writing full sentences. Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY.

TURN OVER

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LISTENING SUBTEST PART A QUESTIONS

Make notes about the consultation under the headings given below. Give as much information as you can.

OET SAMPLE Markers use only

The first question has been done for you.

Reason for attendance at surgery

script for prescription drugs have her arm looked at

Medical History a) Item 1 Diabetes

b)

Vision Item 2

Circumstances of burn and work history Item 3

TURN OVER

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OET SAMPLE QUESTIONS

4 Dietary habits

PART A LISTENING SUBTEST Markers use only

Item 4

Family history (medical) Item 5

Social relationships (including family) Item 6

Treatment plan: i.e. proposed management of condition a) Item 7 Diabetes

b)

Vision Item 8

TURN OVER

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LISTENING SUBTEST PART A QUESTIONS

OET SAMPLE Markers use only

c)

Burn

Item 9

Item 10

History of arthritis (including current factors) Item 11

Treatment plan continued a) Arthritis

Item 12

b)

Obesity

Item 13

THAT IS THE END OF SECTION A

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OET SAMPLE

PART B LISTENING SUBTEST QUESTIONS

Listening Test Part B

Time allowed: 28 minutes In this part of the test, you will hear a talk on the Victorian Division of the National Heart Foundation (NHF) of Australia, given by Michael Lynch. You will hear the talk ONCE ONLY, in sections. You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. There will be time during the talk for you to read each question, and to complete your answers. TURN OVER and look quickly through the paper now. You will have ONE MINUTE to do this. You may write as you listen, and you can complete your answers in the pauses between sections. Remember, you will hear the interview ONCE ONLY. Look at Question 1 now. Question 1 has been done for you.

TURN OVER

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LISTENING SUBTEST PART B QUESTIONS

The speaker introduces the National Heart Foundation (NHF), an agency which aims to promote health in the community. 1 What is the agent of change discussed in this talk? 2

OET SAMPLE Markers use only

nutrition

In what general way does the NHF aim to reduce premature cardiovascular disease?

Item 14

List TWO aspects of modern life mentioned that cause insecurity: Item 15

The work of the Education Unit of the National Heart Foundation. a) b) The speaker suggests how healthier choices can be made easier. List the three factors involved in these choices. Describe how the Education Unit delivers its message to the community. Item 16

Item 17

Policy in health promotion. a) In the speakers opinion are the following statements about health promotion true (T) or false (F). It should involve the general population in their daily life It should use a single approach to the problem It should concentrate on specialist medical knowledge. Item 18 T F

TURN OVER

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OET SAMPLE QUESTIONS

PART B LISTENING SUBTEST Markers use only

The speaker describes the tenets of the Ottawa Charter, produced in Canada, and how these aims are carried out. b) In the spaces provided, complete the following summary of the aims of the Ottawa Charter: To examine government policy in all areas To look at places where people work and live in order to create a more healthy

To help individuals to become active in health promotion To increase involvement of the in planning and decision-making Item 19 To move the focus of health services from simply providing services to trying to make people healthier.

The speaker gives examples of the Education Units work in Melbourne. 6 Describe two recent changes affecting health that have occurred in places of entertainment and culture in Melbourne. Item 20

The speaker describes the Primary Schools Nutrition Project. a) List two problems identified by the Education Unit among primary school children? Item 21

b) List one aim of this project.

Item 22

TURN OVER

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LISTENING SUBTEST PART B QUESTIONS

c) The NHF was involved in a large street festival in Melbourne. How did the NHF put its health message across in this street festival?

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Item 23

d) Why is it important to explain health promotion to health professionals?

Item 24

Future challenges for the NHF. a) b) How does the NHF want General Practitioners to help reduce cardiovascular disease? What trend in overweight people should the NHF investigate?

c) d) Why should the NHF consider helping fast food businesses to introduce healthy foods? By working with other health agencies, what do they hope to produce?

Item 25

The speaker concludes his talk. a) What criticism does the speaker make about the way the health budget is spent?

Item 26

b) According to the speaker, what is the biggest challenge for health agencies over the next 10 years?

Item 27

THAT IS THE END OF THE LISTENING TEST YOU NOW HAVE TWO MINUTES TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS 32
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OET SAMPLE

ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

Note:

Variations in vocabulary and grammar are acceptable, provided the meaning is the same as the answers given below. A slash / indicates alternative answers e.g. monitors urine at home/with sticks means monitors urine at home OR monitors urine with sticks. Brackets () indicate optional details e.g. (reading) glasses for 20 years means glasses for 20 years is enough.

Markers use only

Part A Consultation with a diabetic patient

2 Medical history a) Diabetes One mark for any two of the eight points listed below One mark for a further two of the eight points listed below (You MUST get 2 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) 10 years Husband also diabetic (prescribed/took) tablets soon after diagnosis No problems with sugars/infections Monitors urine at home/with sticks Monitors urine irregularly/once a week Monitors urine if she feels unwell/off colour Sometimes high sugar with extra checks Vision One mark each for any two of the three points listed below (reading) glasses for 20 years/glasses before diabetes Specialist check 5 years ago Vision seems OK/doesnt think diabetes has affected sight

Item 1

b)

Item 2

Circumstances of burn and work history One mark for any two of the seven points listed below One mark for a further two of the seven points listed below (You MUST get 2 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) Burn on arm Burn 3 days ago Burnt from accident (scald) at work/in kitchen Spilt soup from heavy tureen/pot Repeated burns in her job Hurries too much/is careless at work Good job/likes job/doesnt feel under pressure at work

Item 3

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

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Dietary habits One mark each for any four of the nine points listed below Dietary advice 20 years ago (from hospital) No special diet Tries not to have/keeps off sugar Buys diabetic cordial/jam Overweight (25 years) Cant lose weight/has trouble losing weight Tastes food in kitchen Eats cream cakes at tea Unaware of consequences of careless diet Family history (medical) One mark each for any two of the four points listed below Grandmother had diabetes Grandmother died of gangrene (of foot) Husband has poor vision Husbands health is worse than hers Social Relationships (including family) One mark each for any three of the six points listed below 4 children Children all married/she has grandchildren She and husband live alone/gets on well with husband Lives near one daughter/doesnt get on well with one daughter Feels close to daughter in country/likes visiting daughter in country Active (social) life Treatment plan a) Diabetes One mark each for any three of the five points listed below Need to monitor urine (more often) (Possible) monitor blood sugar (levels) with machine/glucometer Need for better understanding (of diabetes/of importance of diet) Education program/classes at hospital/evening classes (after work) Prescription for/continue Daonil Vision One mark each for any two of the three points listed below Arrange eye check Regular eye checks needed Need to look out for gradual changes

Item 4

Item 5

Item 6

Item 7

b)

Item 8

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c) Burn One mark for the three points listed below (You MUST get 3 points to receive one mark. NO half marks given) Dress properly/proper dressing Burn cream Change (dressing) every day/daily One mark each for any two of the three points listed below Guard against/watch for infection May need antibiotics (if infection occurs) Probably about 1 week to heal

Item 9

1
Item 10

History of arthritis (including current factors) One mark each for any three of the eight points listed below Knee pain/arthritis in knee Long time/10 years Indocid/Voltarin/other anti-inflammatorys not effective Controlled with Orudis/only Orudis is effective/can only take Orudis Takes one tablet a day for about a month/several weeks Single tablets dont help/need to take tablets for (long enough) period Knees ache after work/work makes pain worse Weight is a factor Treatment plan continued a) Arthritis One mark for either of the following points listed below Take/continue Orudis if painful/if necessary Short term basis/dont take continuously/permanently Obesity One mark each for any one of the three points listed below Dietary education Classes (at hospital) for weight loss/to control weight Advised to lose weight

Item 11

Item 12

b)

Item 13

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

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Part B Talk on National Heart Foundation

2 How to reduce premature cardiovascular disease (Primary) prevention (approach)/(through) education 3 Causes of insecurity One mark each for any two of the six points listed below Rapid change/institutions or conventions changed/redefined Neighbourhoods not safe/secure Food not seen as so nutritious Doctors dont have (all the) answers/less faith in doctors Shopping now regional, not local/storekeepers no longer provide advice Lack of people to trust The work of the Education Unit of the NHF a) Delivering the message One mark each for any two of the six points listed below (Visits) schools/worksites Training people/training in heart lung resuscitation Telephone/personal contact (Promotion through) sponsorship Community activities Regional networks/centres Factors involved in healthier education One mark each for any three of the four points listed below Good/healthy food (easy to find)/choice of healthy food Not smoking Exercise (freely available) More opportunities for a healthy lifestyle Item 14

Item 15

Item 16

b)

Item 17

Policy in health promotion a) Statements about health promotion One mark for the following three correct answers T F F Aims of the Ottawa Charter One mark each for the two points listed below Environment/society Community/general population

Item 18

1
Item 19

b)

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST Markers use only

Recent changes in places of entertainment and culture One mark each for the two points listed below Healthier catering/(introducing) healthier food supply (Introducing) smoke-free/non-smoking areas Primary Schools Nutrition Project a) Problems among primary school children One mark each for any two of the three points listed below Lack of nutrition advice (Being given) poor food (School) canteens supply poor (oily/fatty/high sugar/low fibre) foods Aim of Primary Schools Project One mark for either of the points listed below Good food preparation/selection skills How to choose healthy food Street festival in Melbourne One mark for the point below Windows project/painted healthy food on shop windows Health promotion and health professionals One mark for either of the points listed below Move/change/re-orient health to community (based model) (Give) control of health back to people

Item 20

Item 21

2
Item 22

b)

1
Item 23

c)

d)

Item 24

Future challenges for the NHF One mark for each of the four points below Increased obesity with age/throughout life span Give nutrition advice (to patients) Consistent guidelines/messages/advice about nutrition Because many in target group eat fast foods/visit them a lot a) Criticism of health budget One mark for either of the points listed below Directed (too much) to illness/hospitals/medical centres Need a population approach to health The biggest challenge for health agencies One mark for either of the points listed below Make healthier choices easier Give back health to the community

Item 25

Item 26

b)

Item 27

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