Stratagem of language in OET Speaking

Linguistics is the main basic source for any dialect. As this is a huge topic to be dealt with so, we are mainly focusing upon the Formal or Nonformal ways of speaking and writing especially in OET. We all know that it is basic and essential part for any conversations between two people so, let’s look upon where and how it’s used and also about its functionality.

Official language we use is non-personal and could be seen in our working places or with stranger whom we never met and nonofficial language we use is personal and is used in our house with our family members or with friends. There are other words for Formal speech such as official, conventional language and etc. Now, let us see how this is implicated for our OET practices.

In OET we have the health care professionals who take their relevant working profession to write for this exam and this linguistic requisition is reflected especially in speaking and writing modules. In other two modules (listening, reading) it would be the same paper for all the health care professionals.

We see more approved strategic approach in the writing tasks rather than in speaking because writing is mainly consisting of Referral, Discharge, Complaint and Transfer letters. So, basically all these have to be in a formalistic approach itself. As they need documented or structured formats to mention precise and requisite information’s.

OET Speaking does require a mix and match of both formal and casual English dialect. As the students require to know that the examiner would look at certain criteria of fluency and language requisites rather than the exact medical subject relevance. These practices are used in the two role plays where the professionals need to talk to their clients or patients, with whom they don’t have intimacy. So, in that situation they start conversions politely in a respectful manner.

To work upon this, we need to adapt Standard English language dictions, more of Complex sentence usages, infrequent use of Personal Pronouns and also a non usage of colloquial language along with native slangs.

In OET speaking one can give an extemporaneous speech sometimes and use this official or nonofficial language while explaining any medical treatment or giving any kind of suggestions to their patient which gives a respectful impact to the patient. While being empathetic in the patient’s anxious or confused state has to be expressed by the specialist in an informal way would be apt according to that situation.  

Let us now see few examples sentences below for the formal and informal clauses:

    Informal: Mrs. Kennedy got over from her illness.

Formal:  Mrs. Kennedy has recovered from her illness.

    Informal:  Can I say you about your medical regime?

Formal:  May I take the privilege to explain you about your medical regime?

    Informal: Sorry, the delivery will be late due to the sudden weather conditional changes.

Formal: We regret to inform you that the delivery will be delayed due to adverse weather conditions.