Structuring an answer out loud

Examiners can only mark what they hear. A clear structure makes good knowledge easy to reward.

The shape

1. 1Headline first. One sentence that names the problem and how worried you are: "This is a potentially unstable patient and my first priority is safety."
2. 2Immediate priorities. What you do in the first minutes, in order.
3. 3Assessment. The focused history, examination and tests that change your management.
4. 4Management. What you'll do, who you'll involve, and what's available where you are.
5. 5Safety net and follow-up. What happens next, and what would make you act sooner.

Signposting phrases

• "My first priority is…"
• "I'd want to rule out…, because…"
• "Given we're a small site, I'd…"
• "I'd safety-net by…"

Common traps

• Starting with a long list before naming the problem.
• Saying what you'd consider without saying what you'd actually do.
• Running out of time before mentioning follow-up.