Subtest

General information

Listening

Time allocation
Approximately 60 minutes.

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 CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

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

OET SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Markers use
only

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

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)

Diabetes

Item 1

b)

Vision

Item 2

Circumstances of burn and work history

Item 3

TURN OVER

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OET CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

OET SAMPLE

PART A LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS

Markers use
only

Dietary habits

Item 4

Family history (medical)

Item 5

Social relationships (including family)

Item 6

Treatment plan: i.e. proposed management of condition

a)

Diabetes

Item 7

b)

Vision

Item 8

TURN OVER

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LISTENING SUBTEST PART A

OET SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Markers use
only

c)

Burn

Item 9

Item 10

History of arthritis (including current factors)

Item 11

Treatment plan continued

a)

Arthritis

b)

Item 12

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

OET SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Markers use
only

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?

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)

Describe how the Education Unit delivers its message to the community.

Item 16

b)

The speaker suggests how healthier choices can be made easier.

List the three factors involved in these choices.

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.

F
Item 18

TURN OVER

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OET SAMPLE

PART B LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS

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

OET SAMPLE

QUESTIONS

Markers use
only

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?

d)

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

Item 24

Item 23

Future challenges for the NHF.

a)

What trend in overweight people should the NHF investigate?

b)

How does the NHF want General Practitioners to help reduce cardiovascular
disease?

c)

By working with other health agencies, what do they hope to produce?

d)

Why should the NHF consider helping fast food businesses to introduce
healthy foods?

Item 25

The speaker concludes his talk.

a)

What criticism does the speaker make about the way the health budget
is spent?

b)

Item 26

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
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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

OET SAMPLE

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)

b)

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

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

OET CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Item 1

Item 2

Item 3

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

OET SAMPLE
Markers use
only

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

Item 5

Item 6

Treatment plan
a)

b)

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Item 4

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 7

Item 8

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

OET SAMPLE

Markers use
only
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

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

Item 9

1
Item 10

Item 11

Treatment plan continued

a)

b)

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

Item 12

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 13

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

OET SAMPLE
Markers use
only

Part B Talk on National Heart Foundation

2

Item 14

How to reduce premature cardiovascular disease

(Primary) prevention (approach)/(through) education

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

b)

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 16

Item 17

Policy in health promotion

a)

b)

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Item 15

The work of the Education Unit of the NHF

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

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ANSWERS LISTENING SUBTEST

OET SAMPLE

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

b)

c)

d)

Primary Schools Nutrition Project

a)

Item 20

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

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)

b)

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

OET CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS

Item 21

2
Item 22

1
Item 23

Item 24

Item 25

Item 26

Item 27

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