ESL Health Vocabulary: Word List & Games

This lesson contains a few health-related word lists and game ideas to get students actively engaged with new
vocabulary and concepts. These ideas will work best if the class is large enough to be divided into groups.

Health Words for ESL Learners

Being able to effectively discuss health-related topics can be vital for ESL students, particularly in
foreign environments and unfamiliar situations. As with most new language skills, knowing the
correct vocabulary can go a long way in making students more comfortable and confident. These
word lists and games can be used with beginning to advanced students and in a variety of different
class sizes.

For some, learning a new language can be intimidating, so be sure not to overwhelm students with
too much vocabulary too soon. Oftentimes, students focus too much on vocabulary and don't learn
the correct usage. It's better to learn how to use a few dozen words accurately than to memorize a
long list of terms and be unsure how to use them.
People & Places
This word list relates to the people and places associated with healthcare. When teaching new
vocabulary, be sure to check and correct pronunciation.

Doctor

Nurse

Hospital

Clinic

Pharmacy/Chemist

Emergency Room

Symptoms & Ailments

These words relate to describing different symptoms and ailments.

Hot/Fever

Temperature

Ache/Pain
 Cramp

Cold

Headache

Chills

Injury

Broken

Sprained

Proactive Health
Talking about health doesn't always mean being negative! Here is a list of vocabulary highlighting
the positive side of health.

Remission

Active

Diet

Drug/Medication/Vaccination

Hygiene

Exercise

Fit

Nutrition

Recovered

ESL Health Vocabulary Games

You can use any of the word lists above (or add your own) when playing these games.
The Guessing Game
Before the lesson, write down the names of medical jobs or medical conditions on index cards.
Divide the class into two groups. Hand out one card to each student in group A and give them time
to look up the word in the dictionary if it is unfamiliar.

After students in group A are comfortable with their word, tell the students in both groups to begin
mixing together. Group A students should not share or show their card to anyone else. Students in
group B have to figure out what's on as many cards as possible by asking yes/no questions.

For example:

Group B student: Do you have a disease?

Group A student: No.

Group B Student: Are you healthy?

Group A student: Yes.

Group B student: Is healthcare part of you job?

Group A student: Yes.

Group B student: Are you a doctor?

Group A student: Yes!

The group B student who can guess the most correct answers in the time limit is the winner. Make
sure the students keep track of how many terms they have guessed correctly. If you have enough
words you can switch the roles of the groups and play again.

Topic Game
This game requires a large whiteboard or blackboard. If any of the vocabulary from the lesson is
visible, it should be erased or hidden. The goal of this game is to test how well students remember
the vocabulary you have already reviewed.

First, put the class into teams and divide the board up so that each team has their own section to
write. Next, write a topic on the board, for instance, 'Places Doctors Work' or 'Medical Symptoms.'
One person from each team writes as many words related to the topic as they can on the board in
30 seconds. After the time is up, give each team one point for each correct term, and then have the
next group member come up to the board. For added difficulty, you can require correct spelling in
order to earn points.