English A2 – Pre-Intermediate

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Video Transcript
Lesson 6: At the Doctor

TRANSCRIPT

“

Feeling unwell but don’t know how to say it in English? Let’s learn! Hi everyone, welcome to your English lesson 6. Today, we’re talking about health.

First, let’s learn some common problems. You can say:
I have a headache.
I have a sore throat.
I have a cough.
I have a fever.

See? You just use “I have a…” It’s that simple!

Another way to talk about pain is with “hurts”.
For example, My head hurts. My stomach hurts. Or, my back hurts.

So you can say “I have a headache” or “My head hurts.” Both are perfect!

Now, imagine you’re at the doctor’s. The doctor asks, “What’s the matter?”
You can say, “I have a fever and my throat hurts.”

Practice these phrases and you’ll be ready for your next doctor’s visit. For more lessons, don’t forget to subscribe. Thanks for watching

”

🩺 Practice Tip: Try saying these out loud to practice your pronunciation!
[End of Recording]

Lesson 6: At the Doctor

Describing Symptoms and Illness

English A2 – Pre-Intermediate | Unit 2: Health, Body, and Advice

Lesson Goals

Describe common illnesses and symptoms with specific examples.
Differentiate between using “ache” and “hurt” correctly.
Practice explaining medical problems in a realistic conversation.

1. The “-ache” Suffix (Internal & Constant Pain)

In English, “ache” refers to a dull, continuous pain that is usually inside the body. We only use it with specific body parts.

Term	Usage / Example
Headache	“I have a headache because I worked too much.”
Stomachache	“He has a stomachache because the food was bad.”
Backache	“My father has a backache from lifting heavy boxes.”
Toothache	“I need to see a dentist; I have a terrible toothache.”
Earache	“The baby is crying because she has an earache.”

2. The Verb “Hurt” (External or Injury-based Pain)

We use “hurt” as a verb. It is more flexible than “ache” because you can use it for any body part. It often describes a sharper pain or an injury.

3. Common Illnesses & Symptoms

Remember: You tell the doctor your Symptoms (feelings) so they can diagnose the Illness (the disease).

🏥 Illnesses (The Problem)

🤒 Symptoms (The Feeling)

Fever: “I have a fever; my temperature is 39°C.”
Cough: “I have a dry cough and a sore throat.”
Dizzy: “I feel dizzy; the room is spinning.”
Weak: “I feel weak; I don’t have any energy.”

💬 Conversation Practice

Doctor: Good morning. What is the problem today?

Patient: I don’t feel well. My chest hurts and I have a cough.

Doctor: I see. Do you have a fever?

Patient: No, but I feel very tired and weak.

Doctor: Okay. I think you have the flu. I will write a prescription.

🧩 Activity: Practical Application

Complete the sentences based on the usage rules above:

1. I need to sit down; the room is spinning and I feel __________. (Symptom)
2. My __________ hurts because I spent all day typing. (Body Part)
3. I went to the dentist because I had a __________. (Ache)
4. Spring is difficult for me because I have __________ to flowers. (Illness)

Click here to check the answers

1. dizzy | 2. wrist (or hand/finger) | 3. toothache | 4. allergies