Paraphrasing in OET is an essential skill for nurses who dream of working in the UK and aim to secure their PIN. The Occupational English Test (OET) is designed to check how well you can use English in healthcare settings. Both the Speaking and Writing sub-tests require you to use language clearly, naturally, and professionally. One of the best ways to show this is by using paraphrasing effectively.
What is Paraphrasing in OET?
Paraphrasing in OET means saying the same thing in a different way without changing the meaning. You use different words or grammar, but the message stays the same. For example:
Original: “The patient is feeling anxious about the surgery.”
Paraphrased: “She is worried about the upcoming procedure.”
Paraphrasing is not about using difficult or fancy words. It is about choosing the right words that suit the situation, especially when speaking with patients or writing a formal letter to another healthcare professional.
Why is Paraphrasing in OET Important?
It is useful for many reasons:
- It shows good understanding: If you can rephrase a message correctly, it means you truly understand it.
- It helps avoid repetition: Saying the same word again and again does not sound professional. Paraphrasing helps make your language more natural.
- It improves your score: Examiners want to see how well you can use English in different ways. Paraphrasing shows flexibility and a wide range of vocabulary.
- It helps in real-life situations: As a nurse, you often have to explain medical terms to patients using simpler words. Practising paraphrasing prepares you for this.
How to Improve Paraphrasing in OET
Here are some easy ways to practise and improve paraphrasing.
- Learn Synonyms and Phrases
Build your vocabulary by learning words with similar meanings. For example:- Pain → discomfort
- Tired → fatigued
- Vomiting → throwing up
- Change the Form of the Sentence
- “He is unable to sleep at night.” → “He has difficulty sleeping at night.”
- “The patient has diabetes.” → “He is diabetic.”
- Use Simpler Language
Especially in Speaking, when talking to a patient, avoid complicated terms.- “Hypertension” → “High blood pressure”
- “Myocardial infarction” → “Heart attack”
- Use Passive and Active Voice
- “The doctor advised rest.” → “Rest was advised by the doctor.”
- Reorganise the Information
- “She experiences headaches mostly in the morning.” → “In the mornings, she often has headaches.”
- Practice Daily
Read medical letters or role-play conversations and try to say each sentence in a different way. Get feedback from your tutor to check if the meaning is still correct.
Paraphrasing in OET Writing
In the Writing sub-test, you will write a letter using case notes. You cannot copy all the words from the notes. You need to paraphrase them into complete, well-structured sentences. This shows your ability to communicate professionally with another healthcare worker.
For example:
Case Note: “Has not been eating well for past 3 days”
Paraphrased: “She has had a poor appetite for the last three days.”
Paraphrasing helps you make your letter more polished and formal.
Paraphrasing in OET Speaking
In the Speaking sub-test, you will have a role-play where you talk to a patient. You need to explain their condition, treatment, or give advice. Paraphrasing helps you sound more caring and supportive.
For example, instead of saying, “You must take the medicine,” you could say, “It’s important that you take the medicine as advised.”
It sounds softer and more patient-friendly.
Final Note
Paraphrasing takes practice, but every small effort helps. You don’t need to use complicated words. Focus on being clear, accurate, and natural. This skill will not only help you pass the OET but also prepare you for real communication with patients and colleagues in the UK.
For every nurse planning to get their PIN and work in the UK, paraphrasing is a skill worth mastering. The better you get at it, the more confident and professional you will sound – both in your exam and in your future nursing career.
Keep practising, stay focused, and remember: paraphrasing in OET is your key to success.
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