Work as a class on Extract 2. Students identify two problems + two actions, then build sentences. Compare with model answers.

Extract 2 – DrowsyLyn

Ms. Patel (29) was prescribed DrowsyLyn 10 ml every 6 hours for cough. After the first doses, she experienced drowsiness, so she was advised not to drive. Later, she complained of dizziness, so she was advised to rest and avoid machinery.

Model Answers:

1. The patient developed drowsiness after starting DrowsyLyn, so she was advised not to drive.
2. The patient developed dizziness after taking DrowsyLyn, so she was advised to rest and avoid operating machinery.

Students complete Extracts 3–8 individually (12 sentences total). Pair-check answers, then teacher feedback.

Extract 3 – Atenolol

Mr. White (60) started Atenolol 50 mg daily for hypertension. Within a week, he developed dizziness, so the GP monitored his BP. A few days later, he had a fainting episode, so the atenolol was stopped and he was referred to Cardiology.

Answers:

1. The patient developed dizziness after starting atenolol, so his blood pressure was monitored.
2. The patient fainted after taking atenolol, so the medication was stopped and he was referred to Cardiology.

Extract 4 – Fluconazole

Ms. Khan (45) was prescribed Fluconazole 150 mg weekly. After the first capsule, she reported stomach pain, so she was advised to avoid alcohol. Two days later, she developed severe abdominal pain, so she was told to contact her healthcare provider immediately.

Answers:

1. The patient developed stomach pain after starting fluconazole, so she was advised to avoid alcohol.
2. The patient developed severe abdominal pain after taking fluconazole, so she was told to contact her healthcare provider immediately.

Extract 5 – Ibuprofen

Mr. Green (52) was prescribed Ibuprofen 400 mg every 8 hours for back pain. On day 2, he experienced stomach discomfort, so he was told to take the tablets with food. On day 3, he developed black stools, so he was sent for urgent medical review.

Answers:

1. The patient developed stomach discomfort after taking ibuprofen, so he was advised to take it with food.
2. The patient developed black stools after taking ibuprofen, so he was referred for urgent medical review.

Extract 6 – Cetirizine

Ms. Jones (34) started Cetirizine 10 mg daily for hay fever. On the first evening, she felt drowsy, so she was advised to avoid driving. A few days later, she reported a dry mouth, so she was encouraged to increase fluids.

Answers:

1. The patient developed drowsiness after starting cetirizine, so she was advised not to drive.
2. The patient developed a dry mouth after taking cetirizine, so she was encouraged to increase her fluid intake.

Extract 7 – Metformin

Mr. Ahmed (55) was commenced on Metformin 500 mg bd for type 2 diabetes. Soon after, he experienced diarrhoea, so he was told to take the tablets with meals. At follow-up, he reported abdominal cramps, so the GP considered a dose review and referral to the Diabetes Nurse.

Answers:

1. The patient developed diarrhoea after starting metformin, so he was advised to take it with meals.
2. The patient developed abdominal cramps while on metformin, so the GP considered a dose review and referral.

Extract 8 – Ciprofloxacin

Ms. Li (38) was discharged with Ciprofloxacin 500 mg every 12 hours × 5 days. On day 2, she developed dizziness, so she was advised to take the tablets with plenty of water. Later, she reported skin sensitivity in sunlight, so she was told to avoid direct sun exposure.

Answers:

1. The patient developed dizziness after starting ciprofloxacin, so she was advised to take it with plenty of water.
2. The patient developed skin sensitivity after taking ciprofloxacin, so she was advised to avoid direct sunlight.

What did you learn?

Which words showed the problem? Which words showed the action?

Why is this style of writing useful in discharge and case notes?

Student reflection: pick one sentence you wrote and improve it by making it shorter but still clear.

Write 4 new Problem → Action sentences using cases from your own clinical experience OR create new examples (different drugs/symptoms).

Record a 1-minute audio reading two of your sentences aloud.

Submit for teacher feedback on tone, accuracy, and clarity.

Read the extracts and fill in the table within 5 minutes.

Extract 1 – Prescription Label (Amoxicillin)

This prescription is for Amoxicillin 500 mg tablets, which the patient has been advised to take one tablet three times daily. The tablets must be swallowed whole with water and the full course should be completed over a period of seven days. The label highlights some possible side effects, which include rash, nausea, and diarrhoea. There is also a specific safety warning: if the patient develops a rash or swelling, they should stop the medication immediately, as this may indicate an allergic reaction.

Extract 2 – Patient Information Leaflet (Cough Syrup: DrowsyLyn)

The patient information leaflet for DrowsyLyn Cough Syrup (100 ml) provides detailed instructions for safe use. For adults, the recommended dose is 10 ml every six hours, while for children between the ages of six and twelve, the advised dose is 5 ml every eight hours. The syrup should always be taken with food, and patients must ensure they do not exceed a total of 40 ml in 24 hours. Reported side effects of this medication include drowsiness, a dry mouth, and dizziness. The warnings section is clear: patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking the syrup, as it may cause excessive sleepiness. Furthermore, it is not suitable for children under six years of age.

Extract 3 – GP Notes (Mr. White, 60 years)

Mr. White, a 60-year-old patient, has been taking Atenolol 50 mg once daily to manage his hypertension. Since beginning this treatment, he has reported episodes of dizziness and has experienced two separate fainting incidents. Importantly, he has not reported any rash or nausea. In light of these side effects, the GP has advised him to stop taking the medication until a full review can be carried out. He has therefore been referred to a cardiologist for further assessment and management of his condition.

Extract 4 – Discharge Summary (Ms. Khan, 45 years)

Ms. Khan, a 45-year-old woman, was admitted with a skin infection and has now been discharged with a prescription for Fluconazole 150 mg capsules. She has been instructed to take one capsule weekly, swallowing it with water. The medication can be taken with or without food, depending on her preference. The discharge notes mention several common side effects, including nausea, stomach pain, and headache. Patients are advised to avoid alcohol while taking Fluconazole, as this can increase the risk of stomach upset and other complications. Additionally, if Ms. Khan develops severe abdominal pain, she must report this immediately to her healthcare provider. A follow-up appointment with her GP in two weeks has been arranged to monitor her recovery and the effectiveness of the treatment.

Answer the questions

Complete the 18-question OET Reading Part A mock below in 12 minutes.

Part A Mock – 18 Questions (use Extracts 1–4)

Q1–4 (Fill-in-the-blank)
1) The dosage for Amoxicillin is ______ mg, taken three times daily.
2) The maximum daily amount of DrowsyLyn for adults is ______ ml.
3) Atenolol was prescribed for ______.
4) Fluconazole capsules should be taken ______ (with/without food).

Q5–8 (Matching) — Match each with the correct side effect:
A. Amoxicillin   B. DrowsyLyn   C. Atenolol   D. Fluconazole
5) Causes drowsiness → ___
6) May cause rash → ___
7) Associated with fainting → ___
8) Linked with stomach pain → ___

Q9–12 (Short Answer)
9) What should a patient do if they develop a rash while on Amoxicillin?
10) Which medication is unsuitable for children under 6?
11) Which drug requires referral to a cardiologist?
12) What follow-up is recommended after Fluconazole treatment?

Q13–16 (Sentence Completion)
13) Patients taking DrowsyLyn must not ______.
14) The duration of Amoxicillin treatment is ______.
15) Ms. Khan should avoid ______ while on Fluconazole.
16) Atenolol was stopped because the patient had ______.

Q17–18 (Critical Scan)
17) Which medication is taken weekly?
18) Which extract includes the instruction to “swallow whole with water”?

Answer Key

• Table Fill (model answers)
  Amoxicillin — 500 mg | tds (3×/day) | Rash, nausea, diarrhoea | Stop if rash/swelling
  DrowsyLyn — 10 ml adult dose | q6h | Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness | No driving; not <6yo; max 40 ml/day
  Atenolol — 50 mg | od (daily) | Dizziness, fainting | Stop; refer to Cardiology
  Fluconazole — 150 mg | weekly | Nausea, stomach pain, headache | Avoid alcohol; report severe pain; GP review 2 weeks
• Mock Qs: 1) 500   2) 40   3) Hypertension   4) With or without food   5) B   6) A   7) C   8) D   9) Stop immediately (possible allergy)   10) DrowsyLyn   11) Atenolol   12) GP review in 2 weeks   13) Drive or operate machinery   14) 7 days   15) Alcohol   16) Fainting episodes   17) Fluconazole   18) Amoxicillin

Writing Language Focus (7–8 minutes)

Using your answers, write two sentences:

• Condition → Outcome: “The patient developed dizziness after commencing atenolol 50 mg od.”
• Recommendation: “Referral to Cardiology is recommended due to recurrent fainting.”

What did you learn?

• Which scanning strategy saved you the most time today?
• Give one reading detail and turn it into a Writing-style sentence (Condition→Outcome or Recommendation).

📝 OET Reading Part A – Homework Practice (Set 2)

Theme: Medication Instructions & Side Effects
Time: 15 minutes
Task: Read the extracts carefully and answer all 20 questions.

🔎 Extracts

Extract 1 – Prescription Label (Ibuprofen 400 mg tablets)

This prescription is for Ibuprofen 400 mg tablets. The patient should take one tablet every 8 hours when required for pain, but no more than three tablets in 24 hours. The tablets should be swallowed with food to reduce stomach irritation. Common side effects include indigestion, stomach discomfort, and nausea. Patients are warned not to take the medicine on an empty stomach and to seek advice if they notice black stools or severe stomach pain.

Extract 2 – Patient Information Leaflet (Antihistamine: Cetirizine 10 mg)

The leaflet explains that Cetirizine 10 mg tablets are used to treat hay fever and allergies. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 is one tablet once daily, preferably in the evening. For children aged 6–12, the dose is 5 mg twice daily. Reported side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, and fatigue. The warnings advise patients not to exceed the stated dose, and those who feel sleepy should avoid driving or operating machinery.

Extract 3 – GP Notes (Mr. Ahmed, 55 years)

Mr. Ahmed, aged 55, has been on Metformin 500 mg twice daily for type 2 diabetes. At his recent consultation, he reported experiencing diarrhoea and mild abdominal cramps since starting the medication. He has not experienced nausea or vomiting. He was advised to continue the medication with meals to minimise stomach upset. The GP noted that if symptoms persist, the dosage may need to be adjusted and a referral to the Diabetes Specialist Nurse may be required.

Extract 4 – Discharge Summary (Ms. Li, 38 years)

Ms. Li, a 38-year-old patient, was admitted with a urinary tract infection and treated with Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets. On discharge, she was advised to take one tablet every 12 hours for 5 days. The notes specify that the tablets should be swallowed with plenty of water. Possible side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. Patients are warned to avoid excessive sunlight or tanning beds while taking the medication, as it may cause skin sensitivity. A follow-up with her GP was arranged after the course is completed.

📖 Questions (20 items)

A. Matching (Q1–6)

Match the correct extract (1–4) to each detail.

1. Advises patients to avoid excessive sun exposure → ___
2. May cause diarrhoea and abdominal cramps → ___
3. Taken once daily in the evening for adults → ___
4. Warns about black stools as a possible complication → ___
5. Dosage may need adjusting and referral to specialist → ___
6. Maximum of three tablets in 24 hours → ___

B. Short Answer (Q7–10)

Answer in one to three words.

7. What condition is Cetirizine mainly used to treat?
8. For how many days should Ms. Li take Ciprofloxacin?
9. What specialist may Mr. Ahmed be referred to?
10. What is the total daily dose of Metformin?

C. Sentence Completion (Q11–16)

Use words from the extracts.

11. Ibuprofen should be taken with ______ to reduce stomach irritation.
12. Common side effects of Cetirizine include drowsiness, dry mouth, and ______.
13. Patients on Metformin are advised to continue taking it with ______.
14. Ms. Li’s Ciprofloxacin tablets must be swallowed with plenty of ______.
15. Patients who feel sleepy while taking Cetirizine should avoid ______.
16. Severe abdominal pain or black stools may indicate a complication from ______.

D. Table Completion (Q17–20)

Complete the missing details.

✅ Answer Key

Matching (Q1–6):

1. Extract 4 2) Extract 3 3) Extract 2 4) Extract 1 5) Extract 3 6) Extract 1

Short Answer (Q7–10):
7) Hay fever / allergies 8) 5 days 9) Diabetes Specialist Nurse 10) 1000 mg (500 mg × 2)

Sentence Completion (Q11–16):
11) Food 12) Fatigue 13) Meals 14) Water 15) Driving or operating machinery 16) Ibuprofen

Table Completion (Q17–20):

🎧 Listening Task – Guided Note Completion

Listen for: patient’s name, DOB, symptom onset, urgency.

1. Full Name: __________
2. DOB: __________
3. Symptom: __________
4. Symptom onset: __________
5. Lifestyle: __________
6. Red flag: __________
7. Urgency: __________
8. Next step: __________

Writing

Rewrite the referral letter

Role Play Cards

Card 1 – Non-Urgent Case

• Patient: Ms. Sara Brown, DOB 22/09/1985
• Symptoms: Mild headache, no swelling, started 3 days ago
• Lifestyle: Active
• Red flags: None
• Action: Non-urgent → give advice, schedule follow-up appointment

Card 2 – Urgent Case

• Patient: Mr. John White, DOB 10/01/1968
• Symptoms: Severe chest pain, dizziness, onset 1 hour ago
• Lifestyle: Smoker, sedentary
• Red flags: Chest pain, dizziness
• Action: Urgent → referral to Emergency Department

Card 3 – Mixed Case

• Patient: Mrs. Aisha Khan, DOB 05/05/1972
• Symptoms: Swelling in ankle, started 2 days ago, mild discomfort
• Lifestyle: Sedentary, overweight
• Red flags: None today
• Action: Non-urgent → benign swelling, follow-up appointment in 1 week

Instructions:

• Take accurate notes.
• Give advice (urgent/non-urgent).
• Write a short referral summarising the patient’s details.

Listening Practice – OET Exam Listening Parts A and B

📝 Part A Questions – Note Completion

Complete the notes using information from the consultation. Write no more than three words for each answer.

Patient Details

• Name: ______
• Age: ______

Presenting Complaint

• Symptom: ______ in right leg
• Onset: ______
• Additional symptoms: ______, ______

Past Medical History

• _______
• _______

Lifestyle

• Mostly ______

Doctor’s Concern

• Possible ______
• Risk: ______

Management

• Action: Call ______
• Referral: ______

PART B – Workplace Extracts

(Two short recordings, each with one multiple-choice question.)

Extract 1: Staff Meeting

Question 1: What is the main concern of the nurse manager?
A. Patients are arriving late for procedures.
B. Patients are not following pre-procedure instructions.
C. Staff are not giving correct medical advice.
D. The operating theatre is short-staffed.

Extract 2: Doctor Explaining Results

Question 2: What is the doctor’s main purpose?
A. To explain the side effects of treatment.
B. To reassure the patient about their condition.
C. To describe lifestyle changes for prevention.
D. To discuss the risks of surgery.

Can-do Checklist

Each student performs one phone consultation (role play).

Criteria: clarity, use of glossary, accurate note-taking, correct urgency decision, appropriate referral/follow-up.

Self-reflection: Students share what language they used successfully (clarify, confirm, urgent/non-urgent).

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Paraphrase the following sentences using layman’s language:

• One important point is fasting.
• You will receive light sedation.
• There might be some complications.
• Recovery is usually quick

Listen to a doctor giving pre-procedure instructions, and answer and fill in the gaps below.

Listening Task – Endoscopy with Sedation

Patient: Mr. Smith
Doctor explains preparation, consent, risks, and recovery.

Preparation

• Must sign a (1) ________ form to show agreement.
• Test uses a sterile (2) ________ to look inside the stomach.
• Patient (3) ________ for six hours (no food/drink).
• Fasting needed to prevent (4) ________ or food entering lungs.

Sedation

• Will receive (5) ________ (medicine to relax and feel sleepy).
• Not full (6) ________ – patient will not be unconscious.
• Patient must not (7) ________ afterwards.
• Needs a (8) ________ or family member to go home.

Risks/Complications

• Small chance of (9) ________ or infection.
• Rare complication: possible injury to the (10) ________.
• Risks are (11) ________, equipment is sterile.

Recovery

• Should (12) ________ at home for the rest of the day.
• Avoid (13) ________ activity until the next day.
• Recovery is usually (14) ________.

Care Plan

• After procedure, vital signs checked on the (15) ________.
• Patient will be (16) ________ the same day if stable.
• Written instructions + (17) ________ given for concerns.
• If swelling, stiffness or lump found, may send (18) ________ for biopsy.
• Most lumps are (19) ________, not malignant.
• May need (20) ________ form to a specialist if required.

✅ Suggested Answers:

1. consent
2. camera
3. fast / fasting
4. vomiting
5. light sedation
6. anaesthesia
7. drive
8. friend / wife / relative
9. bleeding
10. bowel
11. rare
12. rest
13. heavy
14. quick / fast
15. observation chart
16. discharged
17. phone number
18. sample / biopsy
19. benign
20. referral

Doctor’s Role Card

Setting: Outpatient clinic
Patient: Coming for an endoscopy procedure with sedation

Your tasks:

• ✅ Obtain consent by explaining clearly what will happen.
• ✅ Explain preparation: patient must follow fasting rules (no food/drink for 6 hrs).
• ✅ Explain sedation: light medicine to relax, can’t drive after.
• ✅ Mention possible risk/complication (small chance of bleeding or infection).
• ✅ Reassure about recovery: usually quick, patient should rest at home.
• ✅ Give care plan: follow-up instructions and phone number to call.
• ✅ Use modals (must, should, may) and at least 5 glossary words (consent, fasting, sedation, risk, recovery, care plan, sterile, etc.).
• ✅ Check understanding, invite questions, and paraphrase medical terms.

Can-do Checklist

✅ Did you check patient understanding?

✅ Did you use modals correctly?

✅ Did you explain glossary words in patient-friendly English?

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Role-play (Doctor–Patient)

• Location: “Where exactly is the pain?”
• Severity: “On a scale of 1–10, how bad is it?”
• Frequency: “Does it come and go or is it constant?”
• Type: “Is it sharp, dull, or burning?”

Listening

Listen to another short patient extract (OET Part A/B) and complete a pain chart (severity, frequency, quality). Then, write 3 follow-up questions you would ask this patient.

Can-do Checklist

✅Use at least 3 pain descriptors.

✅Ask 1 comparative/superlative question.

✅Show empathy (“I understand this must be difficult…”).

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Read and answer

If a patient’s vital signs fall outside the normal range, staff must:
A. notify the next shift staff.
B. record them on the observation chart and monitor closely.
C. repeat the measurement, document it, and notify the doctor.

Ward Observation Policy

All admitted patients must have their vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure) checked and recorded on the observation chart every four hours unless otherwise directed by a doctor.
If any results are abnormal, staff should repeat the measurement within 15 minutes. If the abnormality persists, the responsible doctor must be notified immediately.
Failure to report significant changes in a patient’s condition during your shift may delay treatment and compromise patient safety.

Read the following case and write a handover note

Ward: 2A – Medical
Patient: Mrs. Helen Brown, 72 yrs
Admission: 21 Aug 2025, 15:00 hrs – admitted with chronic heart failure
Observation Chart:

• Temp 36.9°C, BP 150/90, HR 88, SpO₂ 94% on RA
  Mobility: Needs walking frame, short distances only
  Care Plan:
• Monitor vital signs every 4 hrs
• Low-salt diet, fluid restriction
• Continue prescribed medications (diuretics)
  Referral: Cardiology team review requested
  Discharge: Expected in 2–3 days, home with community nurse follow-up

Complete the handover note

Patient ….. yesterday with …….. Current ……… stable. Mobility limited, walking frame required. …… includes fluid restriction, low-salt diet, and 4-hourly observations. ………. to cardiology sent; awaiting review. ………… in 2–3 days.

Read the case

Ward: 5C – Surgical
Patient: Mr. Daniel Lee, 54 yrs
Admission: 23 Aug 2025, 10:30 hrs – admitted for benign prostate enlargement
Observation Chart: Temp 37.1°C, BP 132/80, HR 84, SpO₂ 97% RA
Mobility: Independent, walks unassisted
Care Plan:

• Monitor vital signs 4-hourly
• Encourage oral fluids
• Pain management with paracetamol as charted
  Referral: Urology follow-up arranged
  Discharge: Planned for tomorrow morning if stable

Write a handover note:

…………………………………………………………….

Can-do Checklist

☑ Used passive voice to highlight the object.

☑ Wrote a short, clear handover note.

☑ Recycled at least 5 glossary words.

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Listening task: Patient: Mrs Lewis

Test Results
• Ultrasound showed a small (1) ______ lump
• Doctor reassures it is (2) ______, not malignant
• Doctor provides a (3) ______ to confirm with a specialist

Blood Tests
• (4) ______ test normal
• (5) ______ test high
• High cholesterol can (6) ______ heart disease

Lifestyle Factors
• Patient has a (7) ______ lifestyle
• Family history adds to the (8) ______

Advice Given
• Review (9) ______ intake and reduce portion sizes
• Increase (10) ______ and do moderate exercise
• Exercise helps reduce (11) ______ in joints and lower inflammation
• Doctor also advises cutting down on (12) ______ consumption

Speaking role-play (with prompts):

• Explain ultrasound results to a patient
  • First, let me explain …
  • The ultrasound showed …
  • The good news is that …
  • What that means for you is that …
  • The blood test showed that …
• Respond to the questions:
  • Is it dangerous?
  • Do I need surgery?

Quick Checklist – Did you:

• ✅ Use paraphrasing terms
• ✅ Reassure the patient
• ✅ Use new glossary words

Explain the test result

You should:
✅Explain in patient-friendly words.
✅Use at least one signposting phrase.
✅Reassure the patient.

Can-do Checklist

✅Correct paraphrasing
✅Reassurance + empathy
✅Clear structure with signposting

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.

Read a second patient form and highlight risk factors

Fill in a chart in your notebook

Lifestyle Factor → Risk → Advice

Transform chart notes into recommendations

• ______ can lead to (severity) (risk). You should ______.
• ______ can lead to (severity) (risk). It’s important to ______.
• ______ can lead to (severity) (risk). Try to ______.

Example:

No exercise → sedentary lifestyle → do moderate exercise

Written recommendation:
Not exercising can lead to persistent stiffness. You should do moderate exercise at least 3 times per week.

Write a short paragraph (4–5 sentences) giving lifestyle advice to the patients (Fiona Packer and Simon Smith). Must include:

• at least 4 glossary terms (new/reviewed)
• at least 3 imperatives/modals
• at least 3 gerunds

Can-do Checklist

☐ Use gerunds to begin sentences.
☐ Write advice using modals and imperatives.
☐ Write a 4-line paragraph about risk factors and advice.
☐ Choose patient-friendly words.
☐ Avoid grammar and spelling mistakes.

📤 Create your own lifestyle questionnaire and ask friends to answer it.

🎥 Write a patient advice note with recommendations for each friend.