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).

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 23

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.

24 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. Don’t 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 Marker’s 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.

1 Reason for attendance at surgery

• script for prescription drugs

• have her arm looked at

2 Medical History

a) Diabetes

• Item 1

• 2

b) Vision

•
Item 2

• 2

3 Circumstances of burn and work history

•
Item 3

• 2

TURN OVER

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OET – SAMPLE PART A – LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS Marker’s use

only
4 Dietary habits

•
Item 4

• 4

5 Family history (medical)

•
Item 5

• 2

6 Social relationships (including family)

•
Item 6

• 3

7 Treatment plan: i.e. proposed management of condition

a) Diabetes

•
Item 7

• 3

b) Vision

•
Item 8

• 2

TURN OVER

OET – CANDIDATE INFORMATION & SAMPLE MATERIALS 27

 LISTENING SUBTEST – PART A OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS Marker’s use

only

c) Burn

• Item 9

•
1

• Item 10

• 2

8 History of arthritis (including current factors)

• Item 11

• 3

9 Treatment plan continued

a) Arthritis Item 12

• 1

b) Obesity Item 13

• 1

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 Marker’s 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

2 In what general way does the NHF aim to reduce premature

cardiovascular disease?
Item 14

• 1

3 List TWO aspects of modern life mentioned that cause insecurity:

•
Item 15

• 2

4 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

• 2

b) The speaker suggests how healthier choices can be made easier.

List the three factors involved in these choices.

•
Item 17

• 3

5 Policy in health promotion.

a) In the speaker’s opinion are the following statements

about health promotion true (T) or false (F). T F

• It should involve the general population in their daily life

Item 18
• It should use a single approach to the problem
1
• It should concentrate on specialist medical knowledge.

TURN OVER

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OET – SAMPLE PART B – LISTENING SUBTEST

QUESTIONS Marker’s 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 2
services to trying to make people healthier.

The speaker gives examples of the Education Unit’s work in Melbourne.

6 Describe two recent changes affecting health that have occurred in

places of entertainment and culture in Melbourne.

Item 20

• 2

7 The speaker describes the Primary Schools’ Nutrition Project.

a) List two problems identified by the Education Unit among primary

school children?

• Item 21

•
2

b) List one aim of this project. Item 22

• 1

TURN OVER

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 LISTENING SUBTEST – PART B OET – SAMPLE

QUESTIONS Marker’s 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?
Item 23

• 1

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

Item 24

• 1

8 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

• 4

9 The speaker concludes his talk.

a) What criticism does the speaker make about the way the health budget
is spent?
Item 26

• 1

b) According to the speaker, what is the biggest challenge for health

agencies over the next 10 years?
Item 27

• 1

THAT IS THE END OF THE LISTENING TEST

YOU NOW HAVE TWO MINUTES TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS

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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.
Marker’s 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 Item 1
• Monitors urine if she feels unwell/off colour
2
• Sometimes high sugar with extra checks

b) Vision
One mark each for any two of the three points listed below
• (reading) glasses for 20 years/glasses before diabetes Item 2
• Specialist check 5 years ago
• Vision seems OK/doesn’t think diabetes has affected sight
2

3 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 Item 3
• Hurries too much/is careless at work
• Good job/likes job/doesn’t feel under pressure at work 2

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 ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use
only

4 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)
• Can’t lose weight/has trouble losing weight
• Tastes food in kitchen Item 4
• Eats cream cakes at tea
4
• Unaware of consequences of careless diet

5 Family history (medical)

One mark each for any two of the four points listed below
• Grandmother had diabetes
• Grandmother died of gangrene (of foot) Item 5
• Husband has poor vision
2
• Husband’s health is worse than hers

6 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/doesn’t get on well with one daughter Item 6
• Feels close to daughter in country/likes visiting daughter in country
• Active (social) life
3

7 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) Item 7
• Education program/classes at hospital/evening classes (after work)
3
• Prescription for/continue Daonil

b) Vision
One mark each for any two of the three points listed below
• Arrange eye check Item 8
• Regular eye checks needed
2
• Need to look out for gradual changes

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OET – SAMPLE ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

Marker’s 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
Item 9
• Burn cream
• Change (dressing) every day/daily 1
One mark each for any two of the three points listed below
• Guard against/watch for infection Item 10
• May need antibiotics (if infection occurs)
2
• Probably about 1 week to heal

8 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 don’t help/need to take tablets for (long enough) period Item 11
• Knees ache after work/work makes pain worse
• Weight is a factor
3

9 Treatment plan continued

a) Arthritis
One mark for either of the following points listed below Item 12
• Take/continue Orudis if painful/if necessary
• Short term basis/don’t take continuously/permanently 1

b) Obesity
One mark each for any one of the three points listed below
• Dietary education Item 13
• Classes (at hospital) for weight loss/to control weight
• Advised to lose weight 1

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 ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST OET – SAMPLE

Marker’s use
only

Part B – Talk on National Heart Foundation

Item 14
2 How to reduce premature cardiovascular disease
1
• (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 don’t have (all the) answers/less faith in doctors
• Shopping now regional, not local/storekeepers no longer Item 15
provide advice
2
• Lack of people to trust

4 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 Item 16
• Community activities
• Regional networks/centres 2

b) 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 Item 17
• Exercise (freely available)
3
• More opportunities for a healthy lifestyle

5 Policy in health promotion

a) Statements about health promotion

One mark for the following three correct answers
• T Item 18
• F
• F
1

b) Aims of the Ottawa Charter

One mark each for the two points listed below Item 19
• Environment/society
2
• Community/general population

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OET – SAMPLE ANSWERS – LISTENING SUBTEST

Marker’s use
only

6 Recent changes in places of entertainment and culture

One mark each for the two points listed below Item 20
• Healthier catering/(introducing) healthier food supply
2
• (Introducing) smoke-free/non-smoking areas

7 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 Item 21
• (Being given) poor food
• (School) canteens supply poor (oily/fatty/high sugar/low fibre) foods
2

b) Aim of Primary Schools Project

One mark for either of the points listed below Item 22
• Good food preparation/selection skills
1
• How to choose healthy food

c) Street festival in Melbourne Item 23

One mark for the point below
1
• Windows project/painted healthy food on shop windows

d) Health promotion and health professionals

One mark for either of the points listed below Item 24
• Move/change/re-orient health to community (based model)
• (Give) control of health back to people
1

8 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) Item 25
• Consistent guidelines/messages/advice about nutrition
4
• Because many in target group eat “fast” foods/visit them a lot

9 a) Criticism of health budget

One mark for either of the points listed below Item 26
• Directed (too much) to illness/hospitals/medical centres
1
• Need a population approach to health

b) The biggest challenge for health agencies

One mark for either of the points listed below Item 27
• Make healthier choices easier
• Give back health to the community
1

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