Dos and Don'ts

There are many ways to successfully approach the speaking task. Below
are a list of simple points to remember to help you succeed on the day.

Dos Don'ts
Do read the roleplay card carefully Don't plan what you are going to say
and ask the interviewer if you are in advance. React to the scenario on
unsure of any of the words or your roleplay card and plan your role
expressions in the task. accordingly.
Do react to what the interviewer as Don't plan what you are going to say
patient asks or says and respond in advance. React to the scenario on
accordingly. This is much more your roleplay card and plan your role
important than simply following the accordingly.
tasks on the card.
Do focus on the patient and respond Don't be card focussed at the
to their questions and concerns. expense of the patient. It is much
more important to respond to the
patient in a natural and caring
manner where required.
Do take charge of the roleplay. You Don't wait for the interviewer to lead
are a medical professional and the roleplay. They may not!!
should act accordingly by leading the This is your job.
roleplay. This means you must start
and conclude the roleplay, and if the
patient is quite or silent, then it is
your responsibility to keep the
conversation moving.
Do utilise the allowed 2~3 minutes Don't rush through your card in 30
to identify the key points on your seconds and say you are ready to
card including: start! You may miss some important
details.
 the setting
 whether you know the patient,
or if it's the first time to meet
 the main topic of conversation
& relevant background
information
 task requirements

Do refer to your card occasionally Don't try to memorise the whole

during the exam, especially if you
are unsure of what to say.
Do be prepared to discuss matters
which are not on your card. The
patient's card usually contains
card. You can refer to it as required
during the roleplay.
Don't feel you must complete every
aspect of your task. Remember it is
a guide only and you will not be
information which is not on your penalised if you do not complete
card. every detail of your card.
Do look at the patient during the Don't look at you card only and read
roleplay. Although only your speech it while the patient is talking as you
is recorded, your communication will must listen carefully to what they
be more effective if you have eye the patient says so that you can
contact with the interviewer. respond appropriately.
Do stay focussed on the task at Don't spend too much time on
hand. You only have 5-6 minutes to unrelated matters such as a detailed
complete the task! medical history as you do not have
time for this.
Do practise as many tasks as Don't ignore the task requirements
possible with a partner to ensure and say what you think based on
you are familiar with the speaking your medical knowledge. Remember
test. Remember it is very different it is a test of English language ability
to IELTS and requires different and not a place to demonstrate your
language skills, such as the ability to medical knowledge.
persuade, convince and reassure.
Do act confidently and speak with a Don't show how nervous you are as
positive voice. If you are unsure of this can negatively affect your
the details of the condition, it is okay result. Lots of practice is the best
to make it up! Remember it is a test way to overcome nerves.
of English not your medical
knowledge.
Do slow down your speech when Don't use a lot of medical jargon and
using unfamiliar words such as technical words. You need to use
names of medications or treatment layman’s language to describe the
procedures. Always be prepared to condition.
explain the meaning of any medical
terminology you use.
Do regularly check that the patient Don't speak in a continuously in a
understands your explanations. Ask monologue.You are taking part in a
questions such as: 2 way conversation.

 Is that clear?
 Can you do that?

Do stop speaking if the patient Definitely do not talk over the

wants to interrupt you. You must
respond to the patient.
Correct a grammatical or vocabulary
mistake immediately if you are
aware that you have made one.
Native speakers certainly do this!
Do be aware of the gender of your
patient and if you say he instead of
patient. You will be penalised for
this!
Don't rush your sentences as you
are more likely to make an error.
Try to remain clam and in control.
Don't be too stressed if you make a
gender error, 1 or 2 slips is
she, try to correct it. acceptable but more than this may
be penalised.