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OET · Speaking · S2

OET Speaking Role-Play 2: Handling a Different Scenario

OET Speaking Role-Play 2 is the second scored conversation and uses a different setting, person and concern from Role-Play 1. You again get 3 minutes to prepare with a new role card and 5 minutes to speak. It is scored on the same nine criteria, so it gives you a second chance to show your skills.

Preparation
3 minutes with a new role card
Role-play
5 minutes
Scenario
Different setting, person and concern from Role-Play 1
Criteria
Intelligibility, Fluency, Appropriateness of Language, Grammar and Expression (0–6); 5 clinical communication criteria (0–3)
Profession
Written for your profession

How it works

  1. 1When Role-Play 1 ends, you receive the second role card straight away.
  2. 2You prepare for 3 minutes; this card often involves a person who is anxious, reluctant or disagrees with a plan.
  3. 3You talk for 5 minutes, covering the tasks while responding to how the person reacts.
  4. 4The speaking test ends after this role-play.

Sample task

Original sample · not from an official test

Role card (original, physiotherapy): Setting — outpatient clinic. The adult son of a patient recovering from a hip operation says his father should rest at home rather than do daily exercises. Tasks: acknowledge his worry; explain why gentle, regular movement supports recovery; suggest a safe way to start; agree a plan he is comfortable with.

Show a strong response

Outline: Outline: acknowledge the son's concern for his father; ask what he has noticed at home; explain the benefit of movement in simple terms; offer a small, safe first step; agree on a plan together and check he is happy with it.

This card has built-in tension. Strong responses show empathy first, include the relative's perspective in the plan, and avoid sounding dismissive or overly technical.

Tips that work

  • Expect resistance. Plan one phrase that acknowledges feelings, such as "I can see you're worried about him", before you explain anything.
  • Don't reuse your Role-Play 1 opening word for word; adapt the greeting to the setting and to who you are speaking with.
  • Offer choices when the person disagrees rather than repeating the same advice more firmly.
  • Keep an eye on time: aim to reach an agreed next step before the fifth minute.

Common mistakes

  • Arguing with the person instead of exploring why they disagree.
  • Running out of time before covering the final task on the card.

Questions candidates ask

Is Role-Play 2 harder than Role-Play 1?

Not necessarily. The two role-plays use different situations, and both are scored on the same criteria.

Can Speaking be taken on a different day from the other sub-tests?

Yes, Speaking may be scheduled separately from Listening, Reading and Writing. Check your booking and the OET website for the arrangements that apply to you.

How is OET Speaking scored?

Four linguistic criteria are scored 0–6 and five clinical communication criteria 0–3. OET reports each sub-test on a 0–500 scale with grades A–E.

Other OET Speaking tasks

OET overviewOET Speaking: all partsOET full mock testsOET articles on the blog