“Do you understand?” is grammatically correct, but it often produces only yes. In an OET Speaking role play, a useful check makes the communication visible: the patient or client explains the key point, chooses between clearly stated statuses, or identifies what remains unclear.
The information below is fictional and teaches language only. It does not supply clinical instructions. Start at the OET vocabulary practice hub or browse the Exam English hub.
Choose one target for the check
Do not check every sentence. Identify the one fact or contrast whose misunderstanding would change the role-play task: a date, a sequence, a status, or the meaning of a key term. After explaining requested and confirmed, ask:
“Which action has been requested, and what has actually been confirmed?”
This targeted prompt is more useful than What did I just say?, which tests recall of the whole turn. It is also more respectful than Were you listening?, which blames the listener for any mismatch.
For one date, ask for the date. For a two-stage sequence, ask what happens first and next. For an information boundary, ask what is known and what is not recorded. The form of the check should mirror the form of the explanation.
Choose the check for the information
For a sequence:
“Could you tell me what happens first and what happens after that?”
For status:
“What has been confirmed, and what is still pending?”
For a key distinction:
“In your own words, what is the difference between a request and a confirmed arrangement here?”
For an invitation to repair:
“Which part would you like me to explain another way?”
These are not memory tests. Keep the question proportionate to the point you just explained.
Make teach-back respectful
Avoid language that blames the listener: Prove that you were listening. Put responsibility on the explanation:
“I want to make sure I explained that clearly. Could you tell me what the notice confirms?”
If the answer shows a mismatch, respond without embarrassment:
“Thank you—that shows me which part I need to clarify. The request was sent, but the outcome has not been recorded.”
Then check only the repaired point.
Fictional exchange
Card: A review is booked for 30 September; a later decision is not recorded.
Candidate: “The card confirms the review date, but it does not record a later decision. To check that I explained it clearly, what is confirmed so far?”
Client: “The final decision is confirmed.”
Candidate: “The date is confirmed; the decision is not recorded yet. Could you tell me those two statuses once more?”
The candidate repairs one lexical distinction. They do not add an outcome or clinical advice.
Use teach-back without sounding like a test
Frame the check as feedback on your explanation:
- “I want to make sure I explained the distinction clearly...”
- “So that I know I have described the sequence well...”
- “Before we move on, could you summarize the current status?”
- “Let us check that I have not made that confusing...”
Then ask for a limited response. Could you tell me every detail I gave you? is too broad. Which date is confirmed? is proportionate.
Tone also depends on delivery. A phrase such as Tell me again may sound impatient without context. Could you tell me those two statuses once more? specifies the task and remains courteous.
Understanding is only the first step.
Lyra Practice helps you retrieve and use high-value workplace expressions in realistic situations until they feel natural.
Start a practice session →Interpret the answer before responding
A teach-back response can be correct, partly correct, incorrect, or a new question. Respond differently to each.
Correct: confirm briefly and move on.
“Yes—the request is recorded and the outcome remains pending.”
Partly correct: preserve the correct part before repairing the mismatch.
“You are right that the date is confirmed. The decision, however, is not recorded.”
Incorrect: restate one distinction in shorter language.
“Let me put that another way: the office received the message, but it has not recorded a decision.”
New question: answer or set a clear information boundary before checking again.
Do not say exactly to a partly correct response. Do not repeat the same wording more loudly. Change the structure, give a concise contrast, or use a concrete fictional example.
Build a repair loop
A repair loop has four moves:
- identify the mismatch;
- rephrase the target point;
- check that point only;
- close the loop when it is clear.
Example:
Client: “Pending means the request was rejected.”
Candidate: “The point to clarify is that pending does not record either approval or rejection. It means the outcome has not been recorded. What outcome does the notice give?”
Client: “None yet.”
Candidate: “That is the distinction. Let us move to the date shown on the card.”
The final sentence matters. It prevents repetitive checking after the client has demonstrated the target meaning.
Check distinctions with parallel grammar
Parallel structures make status contrasts easy to hear:
- “The date is confirmed; the outcome is pending.”
- “The message was sent; receipt is not recorded.”
- “Two options are listed; no option has been selected.”
Build the check with the same nouns: Which item is confirmed—the date or the outcome? This limited choice is useful after an initial open check has failed. It is not leading if both alternatives were already explained and the purpose is communication repair.
Extended fictional interaction
Card: A client has a letter dated 12 September. It confirms that a form was received and says decision pending. A separate appointment date is listed for 29 September. The candidate must explain the statuses and check understanding.
Candidate: “The letter confirms two facts: the form was received, and an appointment is listed for 29 September. The decision is still pending, which means it is not recorded in this letter. To check that I explained the distinction clearly, what has been confirmed?”
Client: “The form and the final decision.”
Candidate: “You are right that the form’s receipt is confirmed. The part to correct is the decision: it remains pending. Which two items are confirmed—the receipt and the appointment date, or the receipt and the decision?”
Client: “The receipt and the appointment date.”
Candidate: “Yes. And what remains pending?”
Client: “The decision.”
Candidate: “That is the status shown on the card. What else would you like clarified?”
The candidate first uses an open recall question, then narrows the format when the answer reveals a mismatch. The loop ends as soon as the client states the distinction accurately.
Controlled exercises with rationales
1. You explained requested versus confirmed. Which check targets the distinction?
A. “Did you listen?” B. “Which action has been requested, and what has been confirmed?” C. “Can you repeat everything?”
2. The client gives a partly correct answer. Best response?
A. “Exactly,” followed by a contradiction. B. “Wrong.” C. “You are right that the date is confirmed; the outcome remains pending.”
3. Which check introduces new information?
A. “Which date did I mention?” B. “What happens in the third stage I did not explain?” C. “What remains pending?”
4. The client has correctly stated the repaired distinction. What should follow?
A. Repeat the same check twice. B. Acknowledge the answer and transition. C. Ask the client to prove they understand.
5. Which pair uses parallel status language?
A. “The message was sent; receipt is not recorded.” B. “The message is good; maybe something later.” C. “Everything is nearly fine.”
6. Put the repair loop in order: (a) check the target point; (b) identify the mismatch; (c) close the loop; (d) rephrase.
Answers and rationales: 1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-B, 5-A; 6: b–d–a–c. Answer 1 tests only the explained contrast. Answer 2 retains the accurate part and repairs one error. Answer 3 asks about content the candidate never supplied. Answer 4 respects a successful response. Answer 5 gives two clear clauses with comparable grammar. The repair sequence identifies, re-explains, verifies, and then moves on.
Vary your language naturally
- “How would you summarize the next communication step?”
- “Which date will you note down?”
- “What will you tell your relative about the current status?”
- “Is there a term you would like me to put in plainer language?”
- “Have I understood your concern correctly?”
The final phrase checks the candidate’s understanding of the client; it is not a substitute for checking what the client understood.
Common failures
- checking every sentence, which interrupts rapport;
- asking Do you understand? repeatedly;
- adding new information inside the check;
- treating hesitation as lack of intelligence;
- saying exactly when a partly correct answer still needs repair;
- promising that the person will remember later.
Pair this skill with OET clarifying-symptoms language and OET explaining and reassuring vocabulary.
Short rewriting practice
Replace each closed check.
- “Clear?” → “What has been confirmed so far?”
- “You know the next step?” → “How would you describe the next communication step?”
- “You listened, right?” → “I want to make sure I explained that clearly. Which part remains pending?”
Sources
- OET Speaking preparation — OET
- OET Speaking Guide: Clinical Communication — OET
- OET sample tests by profession — OET
Related
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