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B1 — Intermediate
Going to the Doctor
B1 level · 40-minute interactive lesson
Lesson preview
Describe symptoms clearly and handle a GP appointment with confidence
This lesson helps learners talk about symptoms, answer medical questions, understand a diagnosis, and confirm treatment instructions in clear, professional English.
B1CEFR level
40 minInteractive lesson
6 stagesMedical communication
Stage 1 — Warm-up
At the GP surgery
5 minutes · Discussion and context
Discuss with your partner:
1. Have you ever visited a doctor in English? What was it like?
2. What information does a doctor always ask for? Think of at least five questions.
3. What is the difference between a symptom, a diagnosis, and a prescription?
Teacher note: Elicit body vocabulary. Highlight: "I have a pain" vs "it hurts" vs "it is painful." Teach: ache, throb, sting, swell. Introduce present perfect for duration: "I have had this for three days."
Today's scenario — a GP appointment at Westfield Medical Centre:
Patient information — Student A
Main problemPersistent sore throat and fatigue for 5 days.
Other symptomsMild headache, difficulty swallowing, slight fever (38.2°C).
Medical historyNo allergies. No current medication. Had tonsillitis twice as a child.
LifestyleWorks in a busy open-plan office. Has been under a lot of stress recently.
GP appointmentMedical EnglishFormal register
5 min
Stage 2 — Vocabulary
Key medical vocabulary
10 minutes · Gap-fill exercise
Click a word from the box, then click a blank. Hover for definitions.
Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box.
10 min
Stage 3 — Functional language
Phrases for the doctor's appointment
8 minutes · Study and practise
8 min
Stage 4 — Question forms
Medical English grammar drill
10 minutes · Multiple choice
10 min
Stage 5 — Role play
The GP consultation
12 minutes · Pair work
How to use: Student A = Patient. Student B = Doctor (GP). Patient describes symptoms clearly; doctor asks diagnostic questions, gives a diagnosis, and explains treatment.
12 min
Stage 6 — Summary
Lesson complete!
5 minutes · Review