This lesson practises high-level medical English for describing symptoms precisely, asking informed questions, and handling a referral conversation with confidence.
B240 minutesMedical English
advanced vocabulary for symptoms, triggers, referrals, and treatment
functional language for self-advocacy and clarification
a realistic GP consultation with follow-up planning
Stage 1 — Warm-up
Navigating healthcare in English
5 minutes · Critical discussion
Discuss with your partner:
1. What challenges might someone face when visiting a doctor in a foreign country, beyond language?
2. How might a patient advocate effectively for themselves if they feel their concerns are not being taken seriously?
3. What is the difference between a GP, a specialist, and a consultant in the UK system?
Teacher note: At B2, push beyond basic symptom description. Focus on hedging language, discourse markers, and nuanced vocabulary: intermittent, exacerbated, onset, recurrence. Students should be able to give precise accounts, challenge a diagnosis politely, and ask for referrals.
Today's scenario — a complex consultation at St. Bartholomew's Walk-in Centre:
Patient information — Student A
Main complaintRecurring migraines, 3-4 times per month for the past six months. Previously managed with over-the-counter medication, now ineffective.
Associated symptomsVisual disturbances (aura), nausea, photosensitivity. Attacks last 4-12 hours. Exacerbated by stress and screen time.
Medical historyMild hypertension (treated). No migraines in family history. Two previous GP consultations — given ibuprofen, no further investigation.
Patient concernWorried about the frequency and impact on work. Wants referral to a neurologist and to discuss preventative medication.
Click a word from the box, then click a blank. Hover for definitions. These words appear frequently in authentic medical consultations.
Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box.
10 min
Stage 3 — Functional language
Precise and assertive medical language
8 minutes · Study and practise
8 min
Stage 4 — Language in use
B2 medical English drill
10 minutes · Multiple choice
10 min
Stage 5 — Role play
The specialist referral consultation
12 minutes · Pair work
How to use: Student A = Patient seeking a specialist referral. Student B = GP who must balance proper process with the patient's clear need. Both should use precise language and appropriate hedging. The patient must advocate assertively but respectfully.