Role-play

Role-play

Questions

Build confidence to handle everyday situations in your second language by acting them out in pairs.

  1. Pair up and pick a situation (or press “Surprise me”).
  2. Each person reads their role and the goal.
  3. Talk following the suggested path; use the phrases if you get stuck.
  4. Switch roles and repeat, or pick another situation.

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Exchanging a product

Your role
You are a customer. You bought a jacket and it does not fit: you need to exchange it.
The other role
You are the salesperson. You ask the reason, ask for the receipt and check the exchange policy.

Goal Leave with the right size, or a store credit.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Greet the clerk and explain what you bought and when.
  2. Describe the problem (size, defect) and show the receipt.
  3. Ask for an exchange, refund or credit, and confirm the deadline.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I’d like to exchange this.
  • It doesn’t fit / It’s too small.
  • Here’s my receipt.
  • Do you have this in a medium?
  • Can I get a refund or store credit?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Quisiera cambiar esto.
  • No me queda / Me queda chico.
  • Aquí está mi recibo.
  • ¿Lo tiene en talla mediana?
  • ¿Puedo pedir reembolso o un crédito?

Taking the bus

Your role
You are a passenger. You want to go downtown and don’t know which route to take or how to pay.
The other role
You are the driver (or someone at the stop). You give the route, the fare and where to get off.

Goal Get to the right place and pay the right fare.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Ask if this bus goes to your destination.
  2. Ask how much it costs and if there is a transfer.
  3. Ask them to tell you which stop is yours.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Does this bus go downtown?
  • How much is the fare?
  • Do I need a transfer?
  • Could you tell me when to get off?
  • Next stop, please.

Useful phrases · ES

  • ¿Este bus va al centro?
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje?
  • ¿Necesito hacer transbordo?
  • ¿Me avisa dónde bajar?
  • La próxima parada, por favor.

Ordering with a food allergy

Your role
You are a customer with a nut allergy. You want to order safely.
The other role
You are the server. You recommend dishes, check ingredients and confirm with the kitchen.

Goal Order a safe, tasty dish and pay the bill.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Ask for a table and the menu.
  2. Explain your allergy and ask about ingredients.
  3. Place your order, ask for the bill and tip.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I’m allergic to nuts.
  • Does this dish contain…?
  • I’ll have the soup, please.
  • Could we have the bill?
  • Is the tip included?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Soy alérgico a los frutos secos.
  • ¿Este plato lleva…?
  • Quiero la sopa, por favor.
  • ¿Nos trae la cuenta?
  • ¿La propina está incluida?

At the pharmacy

Your role
You are a customer with a cough and a sore throat for three days.
The other role
You are the pharmacist. You ask about symptoms and recommend a product.

Goal Understand how and when to take the medicine.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Describe your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
  2. Mention any allergies or medicines you already take.
  3. Ask about the dose and when to see a doctor.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I have a sore throat.
  • I’ve had a cough for three days.
  • How many times a day?
  • Does it make you drowsy?
  • Do I need a prescription?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Me duele la garganta.
  • Tengo tos hace tres días.
  • ¿Cuántas veces al día?
  • ¿Da sueño?
  • ¿Necesito receta?

Booking a doctor’s appointment by phone

Your role
You are a patient. You call the clinic to get an appointment this week.
The other role
You are the receptionist. You ask for details and the reason, and offer times.

Goal End the call with a confirmed day and time.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Introduce yourself and say why you’re calling.
  2. Give your name, date of birth and phone (spell if needed).
  3. Choose a time and repeat the appointment to confirm.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I’d like to book an appointment.
  • Is there anything earlier?
  • Could you spell that, please?
  • Do I need to bring anything?
  • Could you repeat that?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Quisiera pedir una cita.
  • ¿Hay algo más temprano?
  • ¿Puede deletrearlo, por favor?
  • ¿Debo llevar algo?
  • ¿Puede repetir, por favor?

Checking in with a problem

Your role
You are a tourist. You booked a room with two beds but were given one with a single bed.
The other role
You are the receptionist. You check the booking and look for a solution.

Goal Get the right room or some compensation.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Give your name and say you have a booking.
  2. Explain the problem calmly with details.
  3. Ask about alternatives, breakfast and wifi.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I have a reservation under…
  • I booked a room with two beds.
  • Is there another room available?
  • What time is check-out?
  • Is breakfast included?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Tengo una reserva a nombre de…
  • Reservé una habitación con dos camas.
  • ¿Hay otra habitación disponible?
  • ¿A qué hora es la salida?
  • ¿El desayuno está incluido?

Asking for directions

Your role
You are a lost tourist looking for the Lake Huron waterfront.
The other role
You are a friendly local. You explain the way using landmarks.

Goal Understand the route and repeat it back to confirm.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Excuse yourself and ask about the place.
  2. Ask if it’s far and whether to walk.
  3. Repeat the directions and say thanks.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Excuse me, how do I get to…?
  • Is it far from here?
  • Turn left / right.
  • Go straight ahead.
  • It’s next to the bank.

Useful phrases · ES

  • Disculpe, ¿cómo llego a…?
  • ¿Queda lejos de aquí?
  • Gire a la izquierda / derecha.
  • Siga derecho.
  • Está al lado del banco.

Renting bikes or kayaks

Your role
You are a visitor. You want to rent two bikes for three hours.
The other role
You are the attendant. You explain prices, deposit and safety rules.

Goal Agree on price and conditions before heading out.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Ask what options and prices there are.
  2. Ask about helmets, locks and the deposit.
  3. Ask for a map or a suggested route and the return time.

Useful phrases · EN

  • How much per hour?
  • Is a helmet included?
  • Do I need to leave a deposit?
  • What time do I bring it back?
  • Can you recommend a trail?

Useful phrases · ES

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta por hora?
  • ¿Incluye casco?
  • ¿Debo dejar un depósito?
  • ¿A qué hora lo devuelvo?
  • ¿Me recomienda un sendero?

Grocery shopping

Your role
You are a customer who can’t find several items and asks an employee.
The other role
You are the employee. You point out aisles, sales and alternatives.

Goal Find everything and pay by card or cash.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Ask which aisle a product is in.
  2. Ask for an alternative if it’s out of stock.
  3. At checkout: bag, loyalty card and payment.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Which aisle is the rice in?
  • Is this on sale?
  • Do you have it in stock?
  • I’ll need a bag, please.
  • Debit or credit?

Useful phrases · ES

  • ¿En qué pasillo está el arroz?
  • ¿Está en oferta?
  • ¿Tiene en stock?
  • Necesito una bolsa, por favor.
  • ¿Débito o crédito?

Opening a bank account

Your role
You are a newcomer who wants to open a chequing account.
The other role
You are the bank advisor. You ask for ID and explain fees and cards.

Goal Understand the fees and leave with the account open.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Explain you’re new and what you need.
  2. Ask what documents are required.
  3. Ask about monthly fees and the debit card.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I’d like to open an account.
  • What ID do I need?
  • Are there monthly fees?
  • How do I set up online banking?
  • When will I get my card?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Quisiera abrir una cuenta.
  • ¿Qué identificación necesito?
  • ¿Hay comisiones mensuales?
  • ¿Cómo activo la banca en línea?
  • ¿Cuándo llega mi tarjeta?

Getting a haircut

Your role
You are a client who wants a new haircut and isn’t sure how to explain it.
The other role
You are the stylist. You ask how they want it and make small talk.

Goal Get the haircut you pictured and pay.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Ask for an appointment or a spot and say which service.
  2. Explain the length and style; use a photo if it helps.
  3. Check the result, pay and ask about tipping.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Just a trim, please.
  • A little shorter on the sides.
  • Could you take a bit more off?
  • I like it, thank you!
  • How much do I owe you?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Solo un recorte, por favor.
  • Un poco más corto a los lados.
  • ¿Puede cortar un poco más?
  • ¡Me gusta, gracias!
  • ¿Cuánto le debo?

Taking a taxi or rideshare

Your role
You are a passenger going to the airport with two suitcases.
The other role
You are the driver. You confirm destination, route and payment.

Goal Arrive on time and understand the price.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Confirm it’s your ride and state the destination.
  2. Ask for help with luggage and how long it will take.
  3. Pay and ask for a receipt if needed.

Useful phrases · EN

  • To the airport, please.
  • How long will it take?
  • Could you help with my bags?
  • Can I pay by card?
  • Keep the change.

Useful phrases · ES

  • Al aeropuerto, por favor.
  • ¿Cuánto tardaremos?
  • ¿Me ayuda con las maletas?
  • ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta?
  • Quédese con el vuelto.

Lost luggage at the airport

Your role
You are a passenger. Your suitcase didn’t arrive and you need to file a claim.
The other role
You are the airline agent. You ask for the flight number and a description of the bag.

Goal File the claim and know when and where you’ll get the bag.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Explain your bag didn’t appear and show your tag.
  2. Describe the bag: colour, size, brand.
  3. Give a delivery address and ask about essentials compensation.

Useful phrases · EN

  • My suitcase didn’t arrive.
  • It’s a large black bag.
  • Here is my baggage tag.
  • When will it be delivered?
  • Will you cover essentials?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Mi maleta no llegó.
  • Es una maleta grande y negra.
  • Aquí está mi etiqueta de equipaje.
  • ¿Cuándo la entregarán?
  • ¿Cubren artículos de primera necesidad?

Talking to a noisy neighbour

Your role
You are a neighbour. There is loud music at night and you can’t sleep.
The other role
You are the other neighbour. You didn’t know it bothered anyone and suggest a solution.

Goal Solve the problem kindly and keep a good relationship.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Greet and introduce yourself with a smile.
  2. Explain the problem without blaming: “I’m having trouble sleeping…”.
  3. Agree on a compromise (for example, until 10 p.m.).

Useful phrases · EN

  • Sorry to bother you.
  • The music is a bit loud at night.
  • Could you turn it down after 10?
  • I understand, thanks for listening.
  • No problem at all.

Useful phrases · ES

  • Perdone la molestia.
  • La música está un poco fuerte de noche.
  • ¿Podría bajarla después de las 22:00?
  • Entiendo, gracias por escuchar.
  • No hay problema.

Asking the landlord for a repair

Your role
You are a tenant. The bathroom tap has been leaking for a week.
The other role
You are the landlord. You ask questions and suggest a visit date.

Goal Agree on a date and time for the repair.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Introduce yourself (unit/address) and explain the problem.
  2. Say how long it’s been happening and if it’s getting worse.
  3. Agree on a day and time, and ask for confirmation in writing.

Useful phrases · EN

  • The tap is leaking.
  • It started last week.
  • Could someone come and look at it?
  • Are you available on Thursday?
  • Could you confirm by email?

Useful phrases · ES

  • La llave gotea.
  • Empezó la semana pasada.
  • ¿Podría venir alguien a revisarla?
  • ¿Está disponible el jueves?
  • ¿Puede confirmarlo por correo?

Getting a phone plan

Your role
You are a customer who wants a plan with enough data and no surprises.
The other role
You are the store rep. You offer plans and explain contracts.

Goal Choose a plan and understand price, term and extra charges.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Explain how much you use your phone and for what.
  2. Ask for the final price including tax.
  3. Ask whether there is a contract and how to cancel.

Useful phrases · EN

  • How much data is included?
  • Is there a contract?
  • What’s the total with tax?
  • Can I bring my own phone?
  • How do I cancel?

Useful phrases · ES

  • ¿Cuántos datos incluye?
  • ¿Hay contrato?
  • ¿Cuál es el total con impuestos?
  • ¿Puedo usar mi propio teléfono?
  • ¿Cómo cancelo?

Meeting your child’s teacher

Your role
You are a parent. You want to know how your daughter is doing at school.
The other role
You are the teacher. You share progress, challenges and how to help at home.

Goal Leave with two or three clear ideas to support your daughter.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Thank the teacher and ask how she is settling in.
  2. Ask which subject she needs help with.
  3. Ask how to contact the teacher and how to help at home.

Useful phrases · EN

  • How is she doing in class?
  • Is she making friends?
  • What can we do at home?
  • Could you recommend resources?
  • What’s the best way to reach you?

Useful phrases · ES

  • ¿Cómo le va en clases?
  • ¿Está haciendo amigos?
  • ¿Qué podemos hacer en casa?
  • ¿Puede recomendar recursos?
  • ¿Cuál es la mejor forma de contactarlo?

A simple job interview

Your role
You are a candidate for a café job. You present your experience and availability.
The other role
You are the manager. You ask about experience, availability and why you want the job.

Goal Make a good first impression and learn the next steps.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Greet confidently and introduce yourself.
  2. Share your experience and strengths.
  3. Ask about schedule, pay and next steps.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Thank you for meeting with me.
  • I have two years of experience.
  • I’m available weekends.
  • I learn quickly.
  • What are the next steps?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Gracias por recibirme.
  • Tengo dos años de experiencia.
  • Tengo disponibilidad los fines de semana.
  • Aprendo rápido.
  • ¿Cuáles son los próximos pasos?

Getting a library card

Your role
You are a new resident. You want to register and borrow books.
The other role
You are the librarian. You ask for proof of address and explain borrowing.

Goal Leave with your card and know which services you can use.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Say you’re new and want a card.
  2. Show your documents and fill out the form.
  3. Ask how many books, for how long and about classes or groups.

Useful phrases · EN

  • I’d like a library card.
  • Is this proof of address OK?
  • How many books can I borrow?
  • How long can I keep them?
  • Do you have conversation groups?

Useful phrases · ES

  • Quisiera un carné de biblioteca.
  • ¿Sirve este comprobante de domicilio?
  • ¿Cuántos libros puedo llevar?
  • ¿Por cuánto tiempo?
  • ¿Tienen grupos de conversación?

Meeting someone at a gathering

Your role
You are someone at an event for the first time who wants to make friends.
The other role
You are someone who already knows the group. You answer warmly and ask questions.

Goal Keep a five-minute conversation going and suggest meeting again.

Where to take the conversation

  1. Introduce yourself and ask how they know the group.
  2. Talk about where you’re from, your work or hobbies.
  3. Close the conversation and invite them to meet again.

Useful phrases · EN

  • Hi, I’m… Nice to meet you!
  • How long have you been coming?
  • Where are you from?
  • What do you like to do on weekends?
  • See you next week!

Useful phrases · ES

  • Hola, soy… ¡Mucho gusto!
  • ¿Hace cuánto vienes?
  • ¿De dónde eres?
  • ¿Qué te gusta hacer los fines de semana?
  • ¡Nos vemos la próxima semana!