OET Practice, Role Play Sample
OET Speaking (Medicine): Respiratory – Asthma Role Play
Nov
In this article, we break down a Respiratory role-play scenario commonly seen in OET Speaking: a patient who recently had influenza now presents with acute shortness of breath and anxiety after a frightening breathing episode suggestive of asthma.
Case Overview
Here is the role play card for the doctor.
Scenario Overview
A patient attends a suburban clinic after a recent bout of flu and increasing episodes of breathlessness, culminating in an acute terrifying episode earlier that morning. The doctor assesses the symptoms, diagnoses asthma, explains triggers and treatment, reassures the patient about Ventolin safety, and addresses the patient’s anxiety regarding serious outcomes.
Setting
Suburban Clinic
Patient Profile
The patient is an adult who recently recovered from influenza and now experiences intermittent shortness of breath. Symptoms are worse with physical exertion and accompanied by throat dryness. The acute episode has caused significant anxiety and fear of dying. The patient is concerned about asthma and medication safety after hearing negative stories about Ventolin.
Doctor’s Task
Your responsibilities in this case include:
- establishing rapport with the patient
- exploring symptoms, severity, and functional impact
- screening for risk and addressing acute anxiety
- explaining your assessment in clear, simple language
- outlining management options and acute treatment
- addressing concerns and correcting misinformation about medication safety
- giving realistic, achievable advice for symptom control
- arranging follow-up care and ongoing monitoring
Video: Watch the Full Role-Play
Useful Example Phrases from the Video
Here are high-value expressions you can reuse in your exam:
- “I can certainly understand why you’re worried — that must have been frightening.”
- “Could you tell me a little more about the shortness of breath?”
- “Does it come and go, or is it constant?”
- “Based on your symptoms, the likely diagnosis is asthma.”
- “Environmental irritants like pollen or smoke can trigger airway swelling.”
- “Ventolin is a fast-acting medicine that opens your airways during an attack.”
- “It’s a very safe medication when used exactly as prescribed.”
- “Asthma is a controllable condition with a very good prognosis.”
- “People with well-controlled asthma can live completely normal lives.”
- “I’d like to review you next week to check your progress.”
Short, clear, and OET-friendly.
PDF Download / Extra Study Materials
If you’d like to review the scenario more deeply, you can add extra study materials such as:
- PDF download of the full role-play script
- Flashcards for key reassurance and explanation phrases
- Additional respiratory role-play practice conversations
- Printable summary notes for rapid exam revision
These resources are especially useful for reinforcing the exact structures and tone expected in OET Speaking responses.
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