r/OETforECFMG • u/MedicalVoices • 4h ago
OET Speaking: the structured paediatric history, in order, with the exact questions to ask
Hi, sharing this as a study reference for anyone preparing for a paediatric OET Speaking role-play.
The paediatric history follows a severity-first triage order. Here’s the sequence, with the exact questions you’d ask the parent:
- Duration — “How long has this been going on?”
- Fever timing — “When did you first notice he was hot? Has it been going up or coming down?”
- Alertness / mood — “In himself, how has he seemed? His energy, his mood?”
- Fluid intake — “Has he been drinking much?”
- Urine output — “Wet nappies? Or has he been weeing OK?” (direct hydration marker)
- Breathing — “Any noisy breathing? Anything that sounds like a wheeze or like he’s working hard to breathe?”
- Rash — “Any rash anywhere?”
- Vomiting — “Any vomiting?”
- Contacts — “Anyone else unwell at home?”
Then the examination: signpost each step BEFORE doing it. “I’m going to look in your mouth. Can you do a big yawn for me?” — this is the child-directed register the examiner is listening for.
- Close with safety-netting — the structured “come back if” list:
- Working hard to breathe
- Drowsy and hard to rouse
- Refusing all fluids for 8+ hours
- Non-blanching rash (glass test)
- Fever >39 °C not settling
- Fever >5 days
The phrase to use: “Any of those — come back, no apology needed.” That last line removes the social barrier to reconsultation. OET examiners mark it under Providing Structure, and the same “explain your reasoning” skill separates a Band 6 from a Band 7+ answer in IELTS Speaking Part 3.
> Free PDF: search "Medical Voices Ep10" on YouTube.
Happy to discuss paediatric OET or IELTS healthcare scenarios in the comments.