Get Well Soon
This health and illnesses ESL lesson teaches symptoms, 'What's the matter?' and simple advice with should. Students mime common problems, watch a model dialogue and match each symptom to a helpful remedy. They write a sick-day diary and roleplay a visit to the school nurse using realistic questions and answers.
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Lesson format
2 × 45 minutes
Level
Pre-Intermediate
Age group
Ages 10–13
Main focus
Speaking first
What students will learn
Lesson flow
Students mime symptoms like sneezing and stomach ache, learn illness vocabulary saying 'I have a ___,' and watch a 'What's the Matter?' dialogue video. The second lesson matches symptoms to advice ('I have a cold. You should drink tea.'), writes a sick-day diary, and roleplays a nurse's-office visit with a thermometer prop.
Target language
- • 'What's the matter?'
- • 'I have a ___'
- • 'You should ___'
- • Illness vocabulary
Key vocabulary
- temperature
- prescription
- pharmacy
- painkiller
- bandage
- injection
- recovery
- symptoms
- appointment
- specialist
Speaking questions students answer
- • What's the matter?
- • What's the boy's problem?
- • What should I do?
- • Does she have a fever?
- • What should he do?
Recommended teaching contexts
Why this lesson works
The lesson follows a clear progression: Mime and guess symptoms, match symptoms to simple advice, write a sick-day diary and roleplay a nurse's visit. Teachers can open the materials and start immediately, while students move from supported vocabulary practice to purposeful spoken English.