Respond to a Situation · #RTS1-046
Medical Certificate Needed
Question #RTS1-046
The situation
You visited a clinic last week with a bad flu and missed an assignment deadline. Your university now requires a medical certificate covering those dates, but you forgot to ask for one at the time, and the doctor who saw you is away. Speak to the clinic receptionist: explain the situation and ask how you can obtain a certificate quickly.
How to answer: structure and key points
How to answer
- Decide who you are speaking to, and choose a tone to match (friendly for friends, polite and more formal for staff or a teacher).
- Greet them and say why you are speaking.
- Cover each part of the situation in turn: the problem, what you need, and a suggestion.
- Close politely, for example with thanks or by agreeing a next step.
- Speak as you would in real life; there is no single correct answer.
Points to cover here
You are speaking to: the clinic receptionist. Tone: polite and time conscious.
- Refer to last week's flu visit and the missed university deadline.
- Explain that you now need documentation covering the illness dates.
- Ask how to request the certificate while the treating doctor is unavailable.
These are key points and a structure written by RealPTE, not a script to memorise: say or write it in your own words.
Questions about this question
How do I answer PTE Respond to a Situation #RTS1-046?
Decide who you are speaking to, and choose a tone to match (friendly for friends, polite and more formal for staff or a teacher). Greet them and say why you are speaking. The key points above cover 3 ideas from this question.
How do I get full marks on this Respond to a Situation question?
Answer every part of the situation in a tone that suits the listener, and speak naturally for the time you have.
Can I practise #RTS1-046 with scoring?
Yes. The practice button on this page opens question #RTS1-046 in the RealPTE practice screen, where your answer is scored when you finish.
Model answer
Good morning. I was a patient here last Tuesday with a nasty flu. Because I was unwell, I missed an assignment deadline, and my university is asking for a medical certificate that covers those days. Unfortunately I didn't think to request one during my appointment, and I understand the doctor I saw is away. Is there any way another doctor could issue a certificate based on my notes, or could it be arranged when my doctor returns? I'd be grateful for whatever is quickest, as the university deadline is Friday. Thank you.