How to use these examples
Read the card, give yourself 3 minutes to prepare as in the real test, then speak for about 5 minutes. Don't memorise scripts: examiners reward a natural conversation that responds to the patient. These are our own practice scenarios, not past papers.
Example 1: Going home after surgery
Nurse: You are talking to a 58-year-old patient who had keyhole gallbladder surgery this morning and is due home tomorrow. They seem anxious.
Task:
• Find out how they're feeling about going home
• Explain what pain to expect and how to manage it
• Explain wound care
• Tell them which warning signs mean they should seek help
• Agree a simple plan for the first few days
Model opening
Moves that score
- Perspective: ask what worries them before explaining ("What's on your mind about going home?").
- Information giving: pain, wound, warning signs, one chunk at a time, checking after each.
- Structure: "There are three things I'd like to cover: pain, your wound, and when to call us."
Try a nurse role-play freeScored on the OET Speaking criteria in about 14 seconds · no card · 6 free role-plays, up to 3 a day
Example 2: Worried before a procedure
Nurse: A patient is booked for a colonoscopy this afternoon and says they want to cancel because they are frightened.
Task:
• Acknowledge their fear and find out what is worrying them
• Explain briefly what happens during the procedure
• Explain sedation and how comfort is managed
• Reassure without pressuring, and respect their decision
Model opening
Moves that score
- Relationship building: empathy that names their feeling, then a pause to let them talk.
- Information gathering: open question first; summarise their concerns back.
- Appropriateness: "a thin flexible tube with a small camera", not technical terms.
Example 3: Not taking diabetes medication
Nurse: A patient with type 2 diabetes has high blood sugar readings and admits they often skip their tablets.
Task:
• Find out why they skip doses, without judging
• Explain why regular medication matters, simply
• Suggest practical ways to remember doses
• Agree a plan and check they're happy with it
Model opening
Moves that score
- Perspective: explore their reasons (side effects, routine, beliefs) before advising.
- Information giving: link advice to what they told you ("Since mornings are rushed, what about taking it with dinner?").
- Closing: summarise the plan and ask "Is there anything else you'd like to ask me?"
Try a nurse role-play freeScored on the OET Speaking criteria in about 14 seconds · no card · 6 free role-plays, up to 3 a day
Frequently asked questions
How long is each OET Speaking role-play?
You get 3 minutes to prepare from the role-play card, then the conversation lasts about 5 minutes. There are two role-plays in the Speaking sub-test.
Should I memorise OET Speaking scripts?
No. Examiners assess how you respond to the patient. Memorised scripts sound unnatural and miss the patient's concerns, which costs clinical communication marks. Learn useful phrases and the structure instead.
Are these real OET past papers?
No. They are original practice scenarios written in the style of OET nursing role-plays. We don't use leaked or copyrighted test material.
Where can I practise OET role-plays and get feedback?
You can record a role-play on How You Talk and get scored on the OET Speaking criteria in about 14 seconds, with specific fixes. Six nurse role-plays are free, up to 3 a day.