Here is a comprehensive list of phrases that you can incorporate into your OET role play to enhance your vocabulary and fluency. Properly applying these phrases in the right context and paraphrasing them as needed will greatly benefit your performance.

One of the most crucial aspects of your role play is the opening. Getting this right sets the tone for the entire conversation. Therefore, it’s essential to pay close attention and select the appropriate opening for the dialogue.

At Lifestyle Training Centre, we don’t endorse rote memorisation. However, these phrases can be incredibly beneficial. We’ve carefully crafted them to simplify your tasks.

SHOULD I ASK THE NAME? It depends on the setting.

1. Establishing the Patient’s Name

Ward:

You are expected to know the patient’s name. You can use the interlocutor’s name, given name, ask for their name, or use generic names like John (male) or Mary (female).

Emergency Department:

You can ask or confirm the patient’s name:

– Please confirm your name.

– May I know your name?

Community Health Centre/Clinic:

You can ask the patient’s name:

– Could you tell me your name?

– What’s your name?

Home Visit:

Confirm the patient’s name:

– May I confirm your name, please?

– Could you tell me your name?

Progressive: You’ve already assessed the patient

“John/Mary, I have completed my assessment and I understand that (patient’s condition)”

2. HOW TO START THE ROLE PLAY?.

It starts with a criterion, relationship building

Hospital Ward

Hello John/Mary, I’m _____, a registered nurse from this hospital ward. How are you feeling today?

From your records, I understand that you had a hip replacement surgery three days ago. Is that correct?

According to the doctors, your recovery seems satisfactory, and you’ll be discharged today. How does that sound?

Community Health Centre / Clinic

Hello, I’m _____, one of the registered nurses working in this clinic. How may I assist you today?

Before we proceed, I would like to collect some information for documentation purposes. Is that okay?

Emergency Department

Hello, I’m _____, a registered nurse in the emergency department. How can I assist you today? / How are you feeling?

Please confirm your name.

Before we continue, I’d like to ask a few questions for documentation purposes. Is that acceptable?

Home Visit

Hello, I’m _____, one of the registered nurses from the nearby Community Health Centre. How are you today?

May I confirm your name, please?

From your records, I understand that you underwent a hip replacement surgery three days ago. Is that correct?

Today, I’m here to check on your recovery progress.

Before we proceed, I would like to collect some information for documentation purposes. Is that okay?

3. Information Gathering

– May I know your name, please?

– Could you tell me your age?

– Do you smoke or drink?

– How long have you been smoking?

– How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?

– Have you ever tried to quit?

– Do you have any other ongoing long-term health issues?

– Are you allergic to any medications?

– Can you explain in your own words what your concern is?

– Are you currently experiencing pain?

– Where is the pain located?

– Is the pain constant?

– On a pain scale from one to ten, with one being the least and ten the most severe, what is your pain score?

– Have you tried any medication?

– Are you currently taking any long-term medications?

4. Incorporating Patient’s Perspective

– Can you explain in your own words what your concern is?

– What do you think might be causing this issue?

– Do you understand?

– Are there any other concerns or questions you’d like to ask?

Summarise

• Ask this after you finish all the tasks:
  
  – Is there any other concerns or doubts that you would like to ask me?

– To summarise our conversation, you’re currently recovering from hip replacement surgery. We’ve discussed your concerns in detail. (Recap the key points)

– It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I wish you a speedy recovery, and I’ll see you next time.

– It was nice talking to you. I wish you a fast recovery. Take care.

5. Passive Formations

– I regret to inform you that the use of phones is not permitted in this area.

6. Medications/Side-effects/Complications

Like any other medications or vaccines, this [vaccine/medicine] also may exhibit some mild side effects, such as nausea, mild headache, or fatigue. However, there’s no need to be concerned. These side-effects are temporary and will subside over time.

Like any other medications or vaccines, with this [vaccine/medicine] you may experience some mild side effects, such as nausea, mild headache, or fatigue. However, there’s no need to be concerned. These side-effects are temporary and will subside over time.

7. Reassurance (the action of removing someone’s doubts or fears)

I understand your concern. You don’t need to worry. If you follow our treatment plan, you will certainly achieve the desired results, such as quitting smoking.

8. Apology

I apologise (I am sorry) for the extended wait time. Our emergency department is quite busy today, and all the doctors are attending to patients.

9. Structure.

How to introduce new topics for discussion?

You can use this magical word “by the way”.
By the way, I would like to discuss with you the importance of vaccination. Is that alright?

We hope that you’ve found this information helpful. If you have questions, you can write them down in the comments section below. Thank you.

Do you need a printable copy of OET phrases? 🖨️ Download it here

OET SPEAKING CRITERIA