Role-play

A role-play (/rɒʊl pleɪ/) is an activity where students play-act roles.

Typically, the teacher will set up a situation and give students different roles to play in the encounter. Generally these are structured around language functions, though under some circumstances the role-play will be designed to exploit grammar forms or vocabulary which have recently been taught.

The teacher will usually monitor the activity and later give feedback and advice.

Role-plays differ from simulations in that the latter allow students to respond as they themselves would do in real-life situations, rather than "play" out imaginary situations.

Rationale for role-play

Role-play can be useful for a number of reasons:

• It provides a semi-structured environment for practising language.
• It gives students a reason to use the target language (L2).
• The fact that students are not "themselves" gives them an opportunity to overcome the affective filter.

Typical role-plays

Typical role-plays include any situation where the student is likely to have to use English. Those related to travelling are often universal, for example:

• car rental role-play
• doctor-patient role-play
• Hotel role-play
• railway station role-play
• shop role-play

Also:

• Job interview role-play