One of the most overlooked strategies in OET speaking preparation is learning to read the role play card like a set of instructions. The verbs used on your card are not random — they tell you exactly what communicative task you need to perform. Recognising these verbs and knowing what language to pair with them can make the difference between a hesitant performance and a confident, professional one.
Here is a practical breakdown of the most important task types you’ll encounter, along with the language that works best for each.
1. Collecting Information from the Patient
Cards that use verbs like find out, elicit, or ask require you to gather details in a way that feels natural and non-intrusive. Open-ended questions work best here.
Useful phrases:
- “Could you tell me a little more about…?”
- “How long have you been experiencing…?”
- “Can you walk me through what happened?”
2. Explaining a Diagnosis or Treatment Plan
When your card says explain or inform, you need to present information clearly and check that the patient is following along. Avoid jargon and pace yourself.
Useful phrases:
- “What this means is…”
- “In simple terms, what we’re looking at is…”
- “I’d like to go through this step by step, if that’s okay.”
3. Addressing Patient Concerns
Verbs like address, explore, or respond to signal that the patient has a worry or hesitation you need to engage with directly — not dismiss.
Useful phrases:
- “That’s a very understandable concern.”
- “Let me try to address that for you directly.”
- “What specifically worries you about this?”
4. Persuading or Encouraging a Change in Behaviour
Persuade, convince, and encourage are among the most challenging verbs on a role play card. You need to be assertive without being dismissive of the patient’s perspective.
Useful phrases:
- “I do want to be honest with you about the risks of not…”
- “I think it would really benefit you to consider…”
- “I understand your hesitation, but I’d strongly recommend…”
5. Reassuring an Anxious Patient
When you see reassure, allay fears, or comfort, the patient is distressed and needs emotional support before they can absorb clinical information. Acknowledge their feelings first.
Useful phrases:
- “It’s completely normal to feel worried about this.”
- “Many patients feel the same way, and I want to assure you…”
- “You’re in good hands, and we’ll get through this together.”
6. Giving Instructions
Tasks with verbs like instruct, advise, or demonstrate ask you to deliver clear, actionable steps. Numbered or sequential language helps here.
Useful phrases:
- “The first thing I’d like you to do is…”
- “It’s important that you follow these steps in order.”
- “After you’ve done that, the next step is…”
7. Checking the Patient’s Understanding
Phrases like check understanding or confirm comprehension are your cue to verify that the patient has absorbed what you’ve said — without making them feel tested.
Useful phrases:
- “Just to make sure I’ve explained that clearly, could you tell me…?”
- “Would you mind summarising what you’ll do when you get home?”
- “Does that all make sense so far?”
8. Presenting Options
When the card asks you to offer or present choices, it’s important to frame each option fairly and give the patient space to weigh them up.
Useful phrases:
- “There are a couple of ways we could approach this.”
- “Option one would be… while option two involves…”
- “There’s no single right answer here — it depends on what feels right for you.”
9. Negotiating or Handling Resistance
Some role plays include a patient who is reluctant, non-compliant, or firmly opposed to a recommendation. Verbs like negotiate or overcome objections ask you to manage this diplomatically.
Useful phrases:
- “I hear what you’re saying, and I respect that.”
- “Would you be open to trying this for just a short period to see how it goes?”
- “Is there a compromise we could reach that you’d feel comfortable with?”
10. Closing and Summarising the Consultation
Many role plays require you to summarise or close the conversation. This is your opportunity to consolidate what was discussed and confirm next steps.
Useful phrases:
- “So just to recap what we’ve agreed today…”
- “Before you go, I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
- “If anything changes or you have questions, please don’t hesitate to come back.”
A Final Tip: Don’t Ignore the Verb
When you pick up your role play card in the exam, resist the urge to jump straight to the patient’s background information. Read the tasks carefully and underline the action verbs first. These verbs are your roadmap — they tell you what you need to do, not just what you need to talk about. A candidate who follows this structure will always sound more purposeful and professional than one who simply chats their way through the scenario.
Practise each task type regularly, record yourself, and pay attention to whether your language actually matches the verb on the card. That alignment is what examiners are listening for.
