Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

At the doctor in English

Say what is wrong, how long you have had it and check how to take your medicine, out loud, with a doctor who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Dr Ellis, family doctor

Hi, have a seat. What brings you in today?

Your goal Describe your symptoms clearly, answer questions and check the instructions.

Example conversation: at the doctor

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Dr Ellis reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerSay what's wrong and how long you've had it, and understand what to do.

Dr Ellis
Hello, come in. What seems to be the problem?
You
I have a sore throat. It hurts when I swallow.
Dr Ellis
Oh dear. Let me look at your throat. How long have you had it?
You
Since Monday. So, for three days.
Dr Ellis
Do you have a temperature?
You
Yes, I think I have a fever.
Dr Ellis
Let me see. Yes, you're a bit hot. Here are some tablets for you. Any questions?
You
How often should I take them?
Dr Ellis
Twice a day, with food. Rest and drink lots of water. Get well soon!

IntermediateDescribe your symptoms clearly, answer questions and check the instructions.

Dr Ellis
Hi, have a seat. What brings you in today?
You
I've had back pain since Saturday. It's more of a dull ache.
Dr Ellis
Okay, let me look at your back. When did it start? Did anything happen?
You
About three days ago. I think I lifted something heavy.
Dr Ellis
That could explain it. Does anything make it better or worse?
You
It gets worse when I bend down, but rest helps a bit.
Dr Ellis
I see. I'll give you something for it. Take it twice a day.
You
Should I take it before or after food?
Dr Ellis
With food is best. If it's not better in a week, come back.

Upper intermediateExplain an ongoing problem, ask about options and agree on a plan.

Dr Ellis
Good to see you again. How have things been?
You
It's eased off a bit, but it's still affecting my sleep.
Dr Ellis
Good. Is it affecting your sleep, or your work?
You
Yes, my sleep. I wake up two or three times a night.
Dr Ellis
I see. We could change your tablets, or refer you to a specialist.
You
I'd rather see a specialist first, if that's okay.
Dr Ellis
Sure, but there's a wait of a few weeks. Is there anything else worrying you?
You
Is it anything serious? I'm a bit worried.
Dr Ellis
It doesn't look serious. We'll keep an eye on it. Let's see how it goes. Take care.

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofI have pain in my head.
SayI have a headache.
Use the short word: a headache, a backache, a toothache.
Instead ofMy stomach is hurting me.
SayMy stomach hurts.
“Hurts” doesn’t need “me”: my stomach hurts.
Instead ofI am sick since Monday.
SayI've been sick since Monday.
For time up to now, say “I’ve been ill since…”.
Instead ofI have a pain in my back since yesterday.
SayI've had a pain in my back since yesterday.
With “since”, use “I’ve had”: I’ve had a cough since Monday.
Instead ofThe last doctor gave me a recipe.
SayThe last doctor gave me a prescription.
A recipe is for cooking. A doctor gives you a prescription.
Instead ofI feel me tired.
SayI feel tired.
“Feel” doesn’t need “me”: I feel tired.
Instead ofThe medicine did nothing effect.
SayThe medicine had no effect.
A medicine “has” an effect: it had no effect.
Instead ofI prefer to see a specialist than change the dose.
SayI'd rather see a specialist than change the dose.
Before “than”, use “I’d rather”: I’d rather wait than…
Instead ofIs it dangerous for my health?
SayIs it serious?
People usually ask a doctor: “Is it serious?”
Instead ofIt affects to my sleep.
SayIt affects my sleep.
“Affect” takes no “to”: it affects my sleep.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.