Sample Test 5

LISTENING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PARTS A, B & C

www.occupationalenglishtest.org
© Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment – ABN 51 988 559 414
LISTENING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PART A: QUESTIONS 1-12

11 (bouts of) nausea

22 lower back
3
3 pre(-)school teacher
4
4 cervical cancer
5
5 (a) hysterectomy
6
6 recruitment consultant
7
7 driving (any distance)
89
8 iron(-)deficiency anaemia
1
iron(-)deficiency anemia
9 adopted
110 scarring (on the arm)
1
11 knees
12 thirsty

PART A: QUESTIONS 13-24

113 vaccinated
3
14 energy
1
415 headache
116 fuzzy
5
17 words
1
6
18 palpitations
1
19 arrhythmia
720 vitamin D
121 hips
8
22 numbness
1
923 yoga
224 resistance bands

1
LISTENING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PART B: QUESTIONS 25-30

25
2 C feeling unsteady when he's attempting to mobilise.
5
26 C the sensitivity associated with a health condition he's developed
2
27
6 B gaining an awareness of how some equipment is used.
28
2 A helping the patient to regain independence in everyday tasks
7
29 B he's likely to experience long-term side effects.
2
30 C triggered the resurgence of a health condition.
8

PART C: QUESTIONS 31-36

3
31 A an imprecise use of the term in the media.
1
32 A may be a useful way of clarifying a key point for patients.
3
33
2 C no noticeable symptoms are associated with its gradual accumulation.
34
3 B lifestyle factors that aren't usually associated with it.
3
35 B Patients are likely to tolerate it better than existing options.
3
36 C Wrong assumptions may sometimes be made about it.
4

PART C: QUESTIONS 37-42

3
37 C remain focussed on providing them with the best possible service.
7
38 A a belief that they're somehow to blame for their weight.
3
39
8 B is able to accommodate the needs of people of all sizes.
40
3 C the physical layout of hospitals can't accommodate them easily.
9
41 B She outlines some principles to minimise any issues.
4
42 A involving patients in decisions about their everyday care.
0

---

END OF KEY

2
 Sample Test 5

LISTENING SUB-TEST – AUDIO SCRIPT

L E
P
A M
S

www.occupationalenglishtest.org
© Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment – ABN 51 988 559 414
OCCUPATIONAL ENGLISH TEST. LISTENING TEST.

This test has three parts. In each part you’ll hear a number of different extracts. At the
start of each extract, you’ll hear this sound: ---***---.

You’ll have time to read the questions before you hear each extract and you’ll hear
each extract ONCE ONLY. Complete your answers as you listen.

At the end of the test, you’ll have two minutes to check your answers.

Part A. In this part of the test, you’ll hear two different extracts. In each extract, a
health professional is talking to a patient. For questions 1 to 24, complete the notes
with information you hear. Now, look at the notes for extract one.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Extract one. Questions 1 to 12.

You hear a primary-care doctor talking to a patient called Hayley Dove. For
questions 1 to 12, complete the notes with a word or short phrase. You now have
thirty seconds to look at the notes.

PAUSE: 30 SECONDS

---***---

M: So, Mrs Dove. I have your notes here, but it would be good to hear things from
your perspective: how all this started, what treatments you've had - anything you
think I should be aware of.
F: Well, ... where to begin? I should explain that I'd been suffering with endometriosis for
quite a long time, ever since my son was born actually and he's at university now.
So, I was used to a certain level of discomfort - you know feeling bloated a lot of the
time, getting the occasional bouts of nausea and feeling quite a bit of fatigue.
Anyway, after a while, I also started to get pain in my lower back, and that gradually
got worse and worse. I was working as a pre-school teacher in those days and had a
young family of my own - it was a tough time. In the end I had to give up my job.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, I was eventually diagnosed with cervical cancer.
 I was fairly lucky, I guess, it hadn't advanced too much and I was advised to have a
hysterectomy. Although I was out of action for a while, it all went relatively smoothly.
And, of course, it also sorted out my other problems - so for a while I was relatively
well. My kids were at school by this time, so I was able to start my own business,
working online as a recruitment consultant. I'd put both illnesses behind me, and I was
feeling very positive.

M: But then you started to develop other symptoms?

F: That's right. Those feelings of fatigue started coming back. I'd find I was exhausted
after a full day of online meetings. If I did have to go anywhere and do anything, like
attend the occasional conference - especially if involved in driving any distance - that
would just wipe me out. So, something obviously wasn't right. Anyway, I went to see
the doctor and he said that it sounded like I might have iron-deficiency anaemia, and
he did some blood tests. But when the results came back, I was really surprised to
find I actually had iron overload and the next step was to test for haemochromatosis.
And, of course, that came back positive. The first thing the doctor asked was whether
anyone else in the family had ever had it because it can be genetic. Anyway, I didn't
know for sure because I was adopted as a baby and I'd only recently traced my birth
mother and started to get to know her. Anyway, she was able to confirm that some
cousins whom I'd never met had indeed got the same thing.

M: I see. So, have you been having treatment??

F: Yes, I was told that the only option was venesection. That came as a bit of a shock
and I had it every week initially, then once a month and I've been going every three
months for some years now. I mean, it's fine. It hurt a bit at first, but I'm left with quite a
bit of scarring on the arm where the needle goes in - but it's something I can live with.
For the last few years, I've been back to my usual energetic self.

M: So, what brings you here today?

F: Well, I've started to develop some other problems - and I'd just like to have them
checked out. I mean, I'm not getting any younger, so these could be completely
unconnected with the blood problem. Anyway, the first thing is that I've started to get a
bit of stiffness in my joints - it's particularly noticeable in my fingers, but I think it's there
in my knees too. Then, I also seem to be getting more thirsty than usual - and it doesn't
seem to be related to how much I drink. And the other thing is that I get a bit short of
breath sometimes, even when I haven't been doing anything particularly strenuous -
you know just walking the dog or washing the car and it suddenly comes on. None of
these things is a big deal, but I've just noticed the change.

M: Sure. I'll ask you a bit more about those symptoms in a moment, but what I'd like... [fade]
PAUSE: 10 SECONDS

Extract two. Questions 13 to 24.

You hear a physiotherapist talking to a patient called Marvin Chainey. For questions
13 to 24, complete the notes with a word or short phrase. You now have thirty
seconds to look at the notes.

PAUSE: 30 SECONDS

---***---

F: So, Marvin, I understand you've been referred to me because you're experiencing

some symptoms of long Covid - and your doctor's suggested that some
physiotherapy could help.

M: That's right

F: I've got your notes here, but as we haven't met before, could you just run through for
me, how all this started, any treatment you've had and anything else you feel I
should be aware of.

M: Yeah sure. It all started when I caught Covid-19. I mean, I hadn't been vaccinated, so
maybe it was worse than it might've been - but who knows. Anyway, I had it pretty
bad, but not bad enough to go to the hospital. I had the usual flu-like symptoms that
turned into a dry cough. It completely wiped me out - I never felt so sick in my whole
life, but I got over it and in time the symptoms pretty much disappeared. I was
coughing for about a month, but otherwise I thought I'd beaten it.

F: I see. So, when did the Long Covid symptoms start?

M: I'd say..., like six weeks afterwards - the cough had gone, but I still wasn't feeling
a hundred percent. Looking back, the whole experience had, kind of, sapped my
energy. I didn’t feel like going to the gym like I used to do before because I was
getting out of breath just doing ordinary things – like carrying groceries. Then other
stuff started happening. I wasn’t sleeping properly and so I was tired pretty much the
whole time. Like, I’d wake up with a headache and it would go on all day – just get
worse and worse, and that’s when the other symptoms would kick in. Like, my brain
would go kind of fuzzy – so I couldn’t focus on anything properly, and I’d start to get
this thing where I couldn’t remember stuff – like words would be on the tip of my
tongue – but just wouldn’t come out. I mean, that was weird. Anyway, at first, I
 didn’t make the connection with Covid, I assumed something else was going on
– and when I started to get palpitations and chest pains, I went to see the doctor
– because I thought it must be a problem with my heart.

F: Yes, of course. So, did you get a diagnosis and treatment then??

M: Well, I had all sorts of tests, including an ECG and they put me on a heart monitor for
five days. And that’s when they said it was arrythmia and they put me on beta
blockers. And I did start to feel better – like almost immediately. And they also said
that my vitamin D levels were low and that I should take supplements for that –
and that helped too. And they said this was all down to long-Covid apparently, and
I’m still getting some strange symptoms despite the medications – and that’s why
I’ve come to see you

F: OK - tell me about those, and how I might be able to help you.

M: Well, basically if I overdo things - like if I try to do too much or if I get anxious, then I start
getting the symptoms again – mostly fatigue, but also a certain amount of joint pain –
often in my hips, but it can also affect my ankles - even my feet sometimes. It’s like a dull
ache – and it seems to be related to the fatigue. I also get a certain amount of numbness
in my fingers, which is a bit worrying. I mean I still do quite a bit of exercise, but I mostly
do gentle stuff – like I’ve always done yoga – but I’ve also recently started doing tai chi –
and that seems right for me. I would like to start going to the gym again, though I’m
aware that I shouldn’t do anything too strenuous. So, I was hoping to get some guidance
on strength-building exercises. I mean, should I be using things like resistance bands or
even trying light weights? It would be really good to do things like that, but I feel I need to
do it under someone’s guidance at the moment.

F: Yes, of course. well, thank you for all that background, Marvin - that's really given me a
good idea of what we need to do. I'd like to start by ... [fade]

PAUSE: 10 SECONDS

That is the end of Part A. Now look at Part B.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS
Part B. In this part of the test, you’ll hear six different extracts. In each extract, you’ll
hear people talking in a different healthcare setting.

For questions 25 to 30, choose the answer A, B or C which fits best according to what
you hear. You’ll have time to read each question before you listen. Complete your
answers as you listen.

Now look at Question 25. You hear a hospital nurse talking to a patient. Now read the
question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---

F Hi there. I’m Dorrie. I’ll be your nurse while you here at the rehabilitation centre.
How are you feeling today??

MMOkay, just a bit tired after the surgery.

F That's understandable. I need to go over the falls policy with you. As you know, falls
can be a significant risk for patients, especially after hip-replacement surgery like
yours. It's important to take precautions to minimise the risk of injury. Are you
familiar with the policy?

M Well, I know to use the call bell if I need help getting out of bed and to use my frame
when I’m walking. I was told to keep my personal belongings within reach and report
any spills immediately. What worries me is that I keep coming over dizzy when I go
to stand up. I guess I should just keep still and wait till it passes.

F You certainly shouldn’t try to move – and press your call button if you can and we’ll
be straight with you.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Question 26. You hear two community nurses conducting a patient handover. Now
read the question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---
F My main concern is Carlos. He’s an 85-year-old male who has a diagnosis of
vascular dementia. He lives at home with his wife, Maria. She has her own health
problems, but generally seems to manage well, and there’s a daughter living locally.

M OKK

F Carlos had a significant ischaemic stroke five years ago and since then has
presented with memory problems and occasional non-distressing hallucinations. He
has some expressive dysphasia and dribbling of saliva for which a speech
pathologist offered conservative advice. He also has COPD that he self-manages
with inhalers. He was diagnosed with a hydrocele, which presented shortly after his
dementia diagnosis and causes him a bit of distress. He keeps forgetting it’s there,
so you may need to go over with him how to avoid discomfort when sitting down or
using the bathroom.

M OKK

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Question 27. You hear the beginning of a training session for nurses about to start
work on a paediatric ward. Now read the question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---

M Today, we're talking about how, as nurses, we can support the best resuscitation
outcomes in our patients. Now, unlike adult cardio-respiratory arrest, that’s mostly
caused by ventricular fibrillation, most paediatric cardio-respiratory arrests are
secondary arrests caused by hypoxia, as a direct result of underlying illness or
injury. So, when a child’s condition is deteriorating, it’s vital to provide airway,
breathing and cardiac support to prevent progression to cardio-respiratory arrest.
Having a thorough understanding and knowledge of the equipment on the
paediatric emergency trolley means you can select the equipment you need to
manage the deteriorating patient in an emergency situation. So, that’s what we’re
focussing on in this session. The equipment is stored in an emergency trolley which
has specific equipment for either airways, breathing, circulation or disability stored
in each of its four drawers.
PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Question 28. You hear an occupational therapist briefing a trainee about a home visit
that he’s going to observe her making. Now read the question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---

F OK, so the first patient today is Mrs Olvera - she's 86 years old and recently widowed.
She's finding living alone rather challenging and her function has declined, leaving
her with increased anxiety.

M I see.

F Her son’s staying temporarily, but he’s due to go home next week. So, what we’re
doing today is trying to increase her confidence when preparing their lunch. We’ll get
her to gather all the items she needs and set the table and then supervise her heating
the meal – giving as much reassurance as we can.

M I see.

F If that goes well, then we can move on to the stairlift – because she needs to access
upstairs and she’s particularly anxious about the controls. This is where the son's
rather inclined to take over. That’s understandable, but we need him to see that it’s
better to guide and support her rather than trying to do things for her. But we may not
get to that today.

M Sure.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS
Question 29. You hear a hospital pharmacist talking to a patient. Now read the question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---

F So, how are you getting on with the omeprazole you're taking for your acid reflux?
M Well, there's no doubt it does the job - I've hardly been woken up by the reflux at all
– unless I forget to take it of course. It’s meant to be an hour before dinner - I don’t
always manage to stick to that.
F Well, to get the full benefit you do need to take it as directed.
M I realise that. The thing that's bothering me actually is that I've read how it can lead
to other problems eventually if you’re on it too long – like bone fractures, kidney
disease, even infections. I’m not keen on that idea.
F Well, the benefits definitely outweigh any risks - as long as you don't exceed
the recommended dose.
M I think I'm more inclined to try and wean myself off it if I can.

F I wouldn't advise that actually. We'll monitor you and adjust it as needed.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Question 30. You hear a primary-care doctor talking to a patient. Now read the
question.

PAUSE: 15 SECONDS

---***---

M So, how can I help you?

F My big toe's very sore - especially if I walk any distance or put my weight on it. I've
been taking painkillers and using an ice-pack, but it’s not getting any better.
MMI see. Have you ever had any problems like this before??

F Well, yes. I had gout a few years ago - but not in this toe. My doctor at the time
suggested losing weight and adjusting my diet – which I did and it cleared
up without too much trouble.
M Perhaps you've knocked it somehow?

F Well, I did trip over a kerb last week - it hurt a bit at the time, then I forgot about it. But a
couple of days later this started. Do you think that it’s set the gout off again somehow??
MM It's possible. Is it OK if I examine your toe??
F Yes, of course.

PAUSE: 10 SECONDS

That is the end of Part B. Now, look at Part C.

PAUSE: 5 SECONDS

Part C. In this part of the test, you’ll hear two different extracts. In each extract, you’ll
hear health professionals talking about aspects of their work.

For questions 31 to 42, choose the answer A, B or C which fits best according to what
you hear. Complete your answers as you listen.

Now look at extract one.

Extract one. Questions 31 to 36. You Dr Pietro Everall giving a presentation on the
subject of cholesterol

You now have 90 seconds to read questions 31 to 36.

PAUSE: 90 SECONDS

---***---

My name’s Pietro Everall and my presentation is about cholesterol – and it’s a

fascinating, if rather complex, topic.

And that probably accounts for why, amongst our patients, there’s a lot of
misunderstanding about the role of cholesterol and about when and why it represents
a health issue. To my mind, this largely results from the rather loose use of the word,
particularly by journalists and others, that leads to cholesterol being perceived as a bad
thing in the patient’s mind. As doctors and nurses, we have to find a way of telling our
patients exactly what cholesterol is, in simple terms, and why it’s important – and that
means going back to the basic science. It’s long been established that cholesterol, by
helping to move fat around the body, taking it to organs that need it, is essential for
health; that without it the body wouldn’t be able to function. But when it becomes
oxidised or damaged, cholesterol can contribute to the build-up of plaque in the arteries,
increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

So, we often talk to patients about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol – as a way of avoiding
more technical definitions - because there are different types of cholesterol particles.
For example, low-density lipoproteins – often called LDL particles are more likely to
become oxidised and contribute to build-up of plaque – whereas larger, high-density
or HDL particles are less likely to. So, the labels ‘good’ and ‘bad’, although simplistic,
can help patients to see that we need to look at the whole picture – rather than just
focussing on the total amount of cholesterol in the body – and also that advanced
lipid testing is important – because it gives us information about the different types of
cholesterol particles, and helps us identify patients needing treatment.

But patients can be reluctant to engage with the issue of cholesterol. As we know, when
it comes to treatment, early intervention is key – but patients don’t always see this. One
thing they find hard to grasp is that although they feel perfectly fit and healthy – high
cholesterol can be building up inside blood-vessel walls, narrowing them and reducing
blood flow to the heart and brain – thereby increasing the risk of cardio-vascular
problems. That’s why it’s imperative for those in high-risk groups – essentially men over
45 and women over 55 – to have regular blood-tests, to measure not just the total
amount of cholesterol in the blood, but also levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides – a fatty
substance similar to bad cholesterol.

And preventive medicine has a key role to play here. It is estimated that 60% of adults in
high-risk age groups have raised cholesterol levels, and whilst genetic factors are
sometimes in play, in most cases it’s just the result of poor diet, obesity and lack of
exercise – often reflecting the habits of a lifetime. So, it’s clear that we should be talking
to younger patients about these issues too – and not just about diet and exercise either.
There’s research to suggest a link between stressful situations and how the body
 metabolises fat – and that’s in addition to the fact that stressed-out people are more
likely to smoke or have poor diets. So, we should be underlining the need for a good
work-life balance; for taking regular breaks and managing stress levels in the
workplace – long before patients enter the high-risk demographic.

Traditionally, statins have been the most commonly prescribed medication for high
cholesterol – and that generally means a daily dose, taken orally, for life. Statins lower
LDL levels by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the liver. But a new drug
called Inclisiran works in a different way - targeting a gene that produces the protein
PCSK9 to encourage the liver to absorb more ‘bad’ cholesterol from the blood and
break it down. As well as only requiring twice-yearly injections, making it much more
convenient, the drug has fewer side-effects, which with statins can include headaches
and digestive problems, and studies show that treatment can reduce cholesterol by up
to 50% in as little as two weeks.

The drug’s an example of what’s called ‘gene silencing.’ This is a unique mechanism
that aims to disrupt the delivery of messages sent out by a gene that can cause illness
– in the case of cholesterol, of the protein PCSK9. It doesn’t touch the gene itself – an
idea about which people do get nervous – and it bears no relation to things like gene
editing, which also gets a bad press. The first such medication was a drug called
Partisan, that was licensed in 2019 to treat amyloidosis – and work is continuing on
similar drugs that could treat things like Huntington’s Disease and pre-eclampsia. So, in
rolling out these injections to control cholesterol, we should be looking at the future of
how all disease will be treated.

PAUSE: 10 SECONDS

Now look at extract two.

Extract two. Questions 37 to 42. You hear an interview with a nurse called
Lianne Haydock who is talking about the issues involved in caring for obese or
‘plus-size’ patients.

You now have 90 seconds to read questions 37 to 42.

PAUSE: 90 SECONDS

---***---
M Today I’m talking to Lianne Haydock, a nurse with a special interest in
the care of obese or ‘plus-size’ patients. This is a real issue, isn’t it Lianne?

F It is. The number of people carrying extra weight‘s been on the increase for some
time. Obesity now affects around one in four adults in many western countries, and
it’s known to be associated with increased risk of health conditions including type-2
diabetes, heart disease and stroke. But we shouldn’t forget that the reasons for this
increase are complex and often very challenging to understand. So, addressing the
root causes of the issue isn’t the job of health professionals on the front line – our
job is to offer optimal care for these patients. And this means moving away from
treating them as the exception to the rule – towards making them an integral part of
what we do. I’m committed to that idea, but making it happen is easier said than
done – it means a major shift in both attitudes and policies.

M So, what sort of attitudes towards plus-size patients have you come across?

F One issue they face is the very common misconception that they’re somehow
responsible for their size – that it’s simply a lifestyle choice. Even amongst health
professionals you’ll get comments like: ‘If they’d just lose weight, there wouldn’t be
an issue.’ This is so unfair, because the reasons for obesity are enormously varied
and complex and I find comments like this very disheartening. I can understand that
it’s human nature to judge other people; to wonder why someone’s become so
overweight; to feel that it was somehow avoidable – but none of that justifies offering
this patient group anything but the best possible standards of care - and that’s what
we should be aiming for.

M But treating them must involve adopting a different approach sometimes?

F Yes, but we need to focus on finding the best flexible approach that works for all
patients – get away from the idea that the plus-size patient is unsuitable for the set-
up we have in place. For example, it’s the bed that’s not suitable – rather than the
patient who’s too big to fit the bed. The notion of an average-size patient lying on a
bed that isn’t large enough or being expected to use a commode that’s too small for
them would be rightly regarded as inappropriate and undignified care. Ensuring that
plus-size patients have appropriate equipment, and that everyone knows how to use
it, is crucial.

M And specialised equipment is available?

F It’s not that the equipment doesn’t exist – there are specialist versions of most things
from hoists to mobility aids to commodes, the problem is getting hold of these things
 in many hospitals. That’s partly because, traditionally, it hasn’t been a priority for
funding and policies haven’t kept pace with changes in society. But there are other
issues here too. What really causes headaches is where you can order, say, a large
bed, but the doors, corridors and stairs aren’t wide enough to get it to you. Many
older hospitals weren’t designed with the needs of plus-size people in mind – so,
even if you get the large bed in place, is there enough space for patients and staff to
move around easily and so on.

M But clinicians have other concerns – especially around safety issues, don’t they?

F Well, yes. For nurses in particular, one major concern involves moving and
manual handling. If a patient’s carrying a lot of excess weight, then more staff may
be needed and there’s a greater risk of somebody getting hurt. Turning a patient in
bed, transferring to a chair, supporting a limb – all become much more complex, and
sometimes daunting if the patient is plus-size. Clearly what’s needed is a risk
assessment, and information sharing is central to that – being able to map out the
patient journey and anticipate needs helps us provide the best care. So, for a routine
admission, nurses should know how the patient’s going to arrive, where they’re
going to sit etc. – and not be suddenly confronted by someone whose needs can’t
be met.

M And what about the human dimension?

F Well, a key part of optimising care for these patients is avoiding assumptions
about their capabilities. Nurses should have conversations with patients – ask
how they normally handle specific tasks at home and see if this can be adapted into
the healthcare setting. As one patient put it: ‘We know we’re large. We might be
living under some delusion about the extent of it, or the damage that it may do to our
long-term health, but we’re not unaware.’ So, although the subject needs to be
handled with sensitivity, tact and dignity, it’s relevant to care that it happens. And
another important thing to remember is that the patient may feel worried on your
behalf and be keen to work with you to reduce any risk.

PAUSE: 10 SECONDS

That is the end of Part C.

You now have two minutes to check your answers.

PAUSE: 120 SECONDS

That is the end of the Listening test.

 Sample Test 5

READING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PART A

www.oet.com
© Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment – ABN 51 988 559 414
READING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PART A: QUESTIONS 1-20

1 C
2 D
3 B
4 A
5 D
6 C
7 D
8 C
9 topical
10 morbid obesity
11 2.4 g
12 renal function
13 500 mg
14 1.2 g
15 aseptic aspiration
16 naproxen
17 hot tubs
18 deep vein thrombosis
DVT
19 facial cellulitis
20 chronic lymphoedema

1
 Sample Test 5

READING SUB-TEST – ANSWER KEY

PARTS B & C

www.oet.com
© Cambridge Boxhill Language Assessment – ABN 51 988 559 414
READING SUB-TEST - ANSWER KEY

PART B: QUESTIONS 1-6

1 C are already employed in a related field.

2 A restricts their removal from the ward.
3 B liaise with other health professionals
4 B the precautions to be followed during the procedure.
5 B They are a set of recommendations rather than regulations.
6 A temporarily discontinue prescribing iron tablets.

PART C: QUESTIONS 7-14

7 A He approves of the idea behind it.

8 D the challenge of assessing candidates’ suitability for a medical career.
9 B aspects of medical school applicants’ personalities
10 C ways to ensure the demand for certain medical professionals is met.
11 A a commitment to a certain objective.
12 A Clinicians have little opportunity to develop certain valuable skills.
13 D favour applicants who possess good interpersonal skills.
14 B Its approach to solving the problem is misguided.

PART C: QUESTIONS 15-22

15 D happened over a relatively short period of time.

16 B Doctors made incorrect assumptions about the effects they would have.
17 C offering a theory about doctors’ perceptions of writing notes
18 B having access to information leads people to have greater confidence in their doctors.
19 C clinicians.
20 B Keeping their data safe is not just the responsibility of doctors.
21 A there is some news which is best given by a doctor.
22 B may require people and organisations to think in new ways.

1
 MEDSAMPLE05
Occupational English Test

WRITING SUB-TEST: MEDICINE

SAMPLE RESPONSE: LETTER OF REFERRAL

Dr James Banerjee
Consultant Cardiologist
Sanditon City Hospital
Sanditon

15 May 2021

Dear Dr Banerjee

Re: Eleanor Bennet

DOB: 06 Dec 1975

I am writing to request your review of Ms Bennet, a 45-year-old lawyer, who is concerned about possible side effects
of her cardiac medication.

Ms Bennet had an emergency admission at Oakville General Hospital on 8 February, having suffered a heart attack
following a long-haul flight. She was given a balloon-expandable stent via the groin and prescribed captopril (50mg
twice daily) and atorvastatin (80mg daily).

Ms Bennet was advised to make lifestyle changes as she is a heavy drinker (40 units/week) and smoker (20 per day),
overweight (BMI: 29) and does little exercise. She was referred for cardiac rehabilitation sessions but has failed to
attend.

Ms Bennet saw me today reporting problems with dizziness, headaches and diarrhoea. She asked to discontinue the
captopril, attributing her symptoms to side effects of this medication. She has a family history of cardiac problems and
mental health issues, with a father who died aged 53 of heart disease and a brother who is a suicide risk. She reports
extreme stress over her family situation.

I would appreciate it if you could review her medication and suggest ways to manage lifestyle changes.

Yours sincerely

Doctor