🎯 A2–B1
⏱️ 5 min
💬 When language fails at the worst moment: My first year in Australia, I hurt my back. I sat in a medical clinic, could not explain my symptoms clearly, and left with the wrong prescription. This lesson is the one I wish someone had given me that day.
At the Doctor’s — Essential English for Medical Visits
Describing Symptoms
“I have a headache / sore throat / stomach ache.”
“I’ve been feeling dizzy / nauseous / exhausted.”
“It hurts here.” (point) / “I have a sharp pain in my…”
“The pain is constant / comes and goes / worse at night.”
“I’ve had this since yesterday / for three days.”
Questions the Doctor Will Ask
- “Where exactly does it hurt?”
- “On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is the pain?”
- “Do you have any allergies?”
- “Are you on any medication?”
- “When did this start?”
Key Vocabulary
🎯 Quick Practice — Match the Question to the Answer
Questions: (A) “How long have you had this?” (B) “Any allergies?” (C) “Where does it hurt?”
- “Here, on my right side, below the ribs.” → ___
- “Since Tuesday morning.” → ___
- “Yes, I’m allergic to penicillin.” → ___
Reveal Answers ▼
- C
- A
- B
✅ Takeaway: At the doctor’s, be specific: location, duration, severity (1-10), and whether it comes and goes. Always mention allergies and current medication.
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