Cool and contemporary vocab - healthcare
There are many possible question topics for each part of the IELTS speaking test. While Part 1 starts with simple questions about familiar topics, Part 2 deals with specific personal experiences and then Part 3 moves to more general and abstract topics.
A good IELTS candidate can answer questions on familiar topics by using the language they know. However, a high level IELTS candidate can demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary on familiar AND abstract topics. This is the difference between a band 6 and band 8 student.
Whichever IELTS band you are aiming for, start learning vocabulary about general topics of interest. Below are some very common words and expressions about healthcare. You should use them if you are asked specific questions about doctors, hospitals, healthcare, illness or you could use them to help you with speaking or writing questions that are more generally related to health.
For instance, if you have a question about fitness, obesity, sport, happiness or society in general. Another way you might use them is if you have a question about your family or friends, your job, personal problems or life experiences in general.
Vocabulary
- private practice
meaning = The work of a professional practitioner, such as a doctor or lawyer, who is self-employed
example = Her private practice is doing well.
- a general practitioner (GP)
meaning = A family doctor who can treat most problems but is not an expert in any
example = I saw my GP about my back problem and she referred me to a specialist.
- a specialist
meaning = A doctor who has expert knowledge in a specific area of medicine
example = My family doctor can’t treat me so I have to see a heart specialist.
- to diagnose
meaning = When a doctor looks at your body, asks you questions and then tells you what your health problem is
example = The doctored diagnosed 5 patients with the flu as they all showed the same symptoms.
- a diagnosis
meaning = The process of deciding what condition or illness is causing someone to be unwell
example = Her doctor gave a quick diagnosis after checking her temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
- a consultation
meaning = A visit with the doctor, specialist or other health professional
example = The doctor usually has 20 consultations per day.
- to prescribe
meaning = When a nurse or doctor tells you which medicine / treatments or activities you need to take or do in order to get better
example = My doctor prescribed lots of rest, water and to take some aspirin.
- a prescription
meaning = The paper given to a pharmacist on which the doctor has written the type of medication you need and the recommended dosage
example = The pharmacist read the prescription and gave me my medicine.
Phrasal verbs
- to come down with something
meaning = When you start to get sick because of an illness
example = He’s been sneezing all day. I think he’s coming down with a cold.
- to be run down
meaning = When you are overtired and feeling low on energy
example = There’s nothing really wrong with me. I’m just feeling a bit run down.
- to clear up
meaning = When a visual condition/illness gets better
example = The baby’s rash is clearing up now. You can hardly see it.
- to flare up
meaning = When a condition/illness starts/returns suddenly or gets worse
example = I have an allergy to cats. If I go near one, my asthma flares up.
- to put (someone) on (medication)
meaning = When the doctor prescribes a particular medicine for a period of time
example = She put me on antibiotics for 2 weeks.
