How OET role play cards work

Published 2026-09-20

An OET Speaking role play card describes the setting, your role and the tasks for the conversation. You have preparation time to read it and make notes before speaking.

Use the preparation time

Identify the situation, who you are speaking to and what they may need to understand. Mark the tasks you want to address and decide how to begin the conversation.

For example, the nursing practice card on this site says a patient is reluctant to move after surgery. During preparation, note the required tasks: find out why, acknowledge pain or anxiety, explain the planned exercises, respond to a specific worry and agree on a manageable next step. The card does not tell you which concern the patient will raise first; leave room to listen.

Use the card as a guide

Refer to the card during the role play, but do not read its task list to the patient. A useful opening in this practice scenario is a question about what makes moving difficult today. The interlocutor's answer should guide what you address next. Then practice explaining one point clearly before moving to another.

Record a five minute attempt and listen back: did you respond to the patient's actual worry, or deliver a prepared explanation regardless of the answer? This is an original practice exercise, not a scored OET sample. For official cards and format guidance, use OET's sample booklets.