Talking About Health: 15 Best ESL Practice Conversations

Talking about health is an important skill, especially in a new language. Health involves both physical and mental well-being, and being able to talk about it in English is essential for ESL students.

Whether discussing symptoms, lifestyle choices, or offering support to others, practicing role-plays through health-related dialogues helps students gain confidence and improve their communication skills.

When talking about health, it’s important to approach the conversation with care and respect. Start by asking questions like how someone is feeling, such as “How are you feeling today?” or “Is everything okay with your health?”

This shows that you are concerned about their well-being. If they are unwell, listen attentively and offer support, saying things like, “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need anything?”

Note: It’s also essential to know when not to give medical advice unless you are a healthcare professional. Instead, you can suggest seeing a doctor if necessary. For example, you might say, “Maybe you should see a doctor if it doesn’t get better.”

In this post, we will explore 15 ESL practice conversations focused on health. These dialogues are designed to improve vocabulary, speaking confidence, and understanding of how to navigate health-related discussions in English. Let’s dive in!

How to Talk about Health

When talking about health, it’s important to be respectful and caring. Start by asking how the other person is feeling. For example, you can say, “How are you feeling today?” or “Is everything okay with your health?” This shows that you care about their well-being.

If the person is not feeling well, listen carefully and offer support. For example, you can say, “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need anything?” or “I hope you feel better soon.”

Avoid giving medical advice unless you are a doctor, but you can always suggest visiting a doctor if necessary, like, “Maybe you should see a doctor if it doesn’t get better.”

In health-related conversations, it’s important to stay positive. If someone is sharing that they are trying to stay healthy, you can encourage them. For example, “That’s great! How do you stay active?” or “Eating vegetables is a good choice!”

If the conversation is about lifestyle, you can ask about healthy habits like eating, exercise, or sleep. For example, you can ask, “Do you like to exercise?” or “How much sleep do you get each night?” This keeps the conversation focused on health.

Lastly, remember that everyone’s health journey is different, so be understanding and non-judgmental. A health-related conversation should make the other person feel comfortable, not pressured.

Practicing Talking about Health as an ESL Student

Practicing health-related dialogues helps ESL students learn key vocabulary for discussing health issues, like “headache” or “check-up.”

It boosts confidence in real-life situations such as doctor visits or talking about health concerns.

Students learn culturally appropriate ways to discuss health in English, preparing them for interactions in English-speaking countries.

These dialogues improve listening and speaking skills, including pronunciation and sentence structure.

Students also practice empathy, offering help and showing concern for others’ health.

By mastering health-related phrases, students gain confidence in both casual and formal conversations.

Now let’s explore 15 multi-level health conversations in different contexts:

1. How do you feel today?

Level: Beginner
Context: A student tells their teacher how they feel today.

Liam: Hi, Ms. Grace! How are you today?

Ms. Grace: Hi, Liam! I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?

Liam: I feel a little tired today.

Ms. Grace: Oh no, are you okay?

Liam: Yes, I didn’t sleep well last night.

Ms. Grace: That’s too bad. Do you usually sleep well?

Liam: Normally, yes. But last night, I was awake for a long time.

Ms. Grace: I see. Are you feeling better now?

Liam: A little better, but still tired.

Ms. Grace: Maybe a short rest later will help.

Liam: Yes, I think I will take a nap.

Ms. Grace: Good idea! It’s important to rest when you’re tired.

Liam: Thanks, Ms. Grace! I hope I feel better after a nap.

Ms. Grace: I’m sure you will. Rest well, Liam.

Liam: Thank you, Ms. Grace!

2. What do you do to stay healthy?

Level: Beginner
Context: A student talks to a friend about staying healthy.

Anna: Hi, Mia! What do you do to stay healthy?

Mia: Hi, Anna! I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Anna: Oh, that’s great! What’s your favorite fruit?

Mia: I love apples. They are sweet and good for you.

Anna: I like apples too! I also try to exercise every day.

Mia: That’s a good habit. What kind of exercise do you do?

Anna: I go for a walk in the park. It’s fun and easy.

Mia: Walking is nice. I like to ride my bike.

Anna: That’s a fun way to exercise! How long do you ride your bike?

Mia: I ride for 30 minutes every day.

Anna: That’s great! I think I should ride my bike more often.

Mia: You should try! It’s good for your health.

Anna: I agree! I also drink lots of water.

Mia: Water is very important. It keeps us healthy.

Anna: Yes, I feel better when I drink a lot of water.

Mia: Me too! Drinking water helps our bodies stay strong.

Anna: Thanks for the tips, Mia! I will try to exercise more.

Mia: You’re welcome, Anna! Stay healthy!

3. Have you ever been to the doctor?

Level: Beginner
Context: A student talks to a friend about visiting the doctor.

Sophie: Hey, Ben! Have you ever been to the doctor?

Ben: Hi, Sophie! Yes, I have. I went last week.

Sophie: Oh, what happened? Were you sick?

Ben: No, I just went for a check-up.

Sophie: A check-up? What’s that?

Ben: It’s when the doctor checks if everything is okay with your health.

Sophie: Oh, I see! Did the doctor say you were healthy?

Ben: Yes, I’m healthy! The doctor said I am strong and good.

Sophie: That’s good news! I’ve never been to the doctor for a check-up.

Ben: You should go! It’s important to check your health.

Sophie: Maybe I will. How often do you go to the doctor?

Ben: I go once a year for a check-up.

Sophie: That sounds like a good idea.

Ben: It is! It helps me feel confident about my health.

Sophie: I’ll try to go next year. Thanks for the advice, Ben!

Ben: You’re welcome, Sophie! Stay healthy!

4. What is your favorite food to keep you healthy?

Level: Beginner
Context: A student talks to a friend about their favorite healthy food.

Jack: Hey, Lucy! What’s your favorite food to keep you healthy?

Lucy: Hi, Jack! I love eating carrots. They are very healthy.

Jack: Carrots? Really? I never eat them.

Lucy: Yes! They are good for your eyes and skin.

Jack: That’s interesting! I didn’t know that.

Lucy: Carrots also help you stay strong and have lots of energy.

Jack: Wow! I should try them. What else do you eat?

Lucy: I also like spinach. It’s full of vitamins.

Jack: I heard spinach is really healthy. How do you eat it?

Lucy: I eat it in salads, or sometimes in soup.

Jack: That sounds yummy! Maybe I should add spinach to my meals.

Lucy: You should! It’s easy to cook and very good for you.

Jack: I will try it soon. What about fruits?

Lucy: I love apples and bananas. They’re delicious and healthy.

Jack: I like bananas too! I should eat more fruit.

Lucy: Yes, fruits are full of vitamins. They help your body stay healthy.

Jack: Thanks for the tips, Lucy! I will eat more healthy food.

Lucy: You’re welcome, Jack! Enjoy your healthy food!

5. Do you like to exercise?

Level: Beginner
Context: A student talks to a friend about exercise.

Tom: Hi, Sarah! Do you like to exercise?

Sarah: Hi, Tom! Yes, I like to exercise. It’s fun!

Tom: Really? What do you do to exercise?

Sarah: I like to go jogging in the park.

Tom: Jogging sounds fun! How long do you jog?

Sarah: I jog for 20 minutes every day.

Tom: That’s great! I should try jogging too.

Sarah: You should! It’s good for your heart and muscles.

Tom: I like playing football. Is that good exercise?

Sarah: Yes, football is great exercise! It helps you stay fit and strong.

Tom: I play football with my friends on weekends.

Sarah: That’s awesome! Football is also good for teamwork.

Tom: I agree! It’s fun to play together.

Sarah: Exercise helps you feel happy and healthy.

Tom: I feel happy when I play football with my friends.

Sarah: Me too! Exercise can make you feel good inside.

Tom: Thanks for the advice, Sarah! I will keep exercising.

Sarah: You’re welcome, Tom! Keep enjoying your exercise!

6. What do you do when you have a cold?

Level: Lower Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about what to do when they have a cold.

Ethan: Hey, Emma! I’m feeling sick today. I think I have a cold.

Emma: Oh no, Ethan! I hope you feel better soon. What do you usually do when you have a cold?

Ethan: Thanks, Emma. I usually drink a lot of warm tea.

Emma: That sounds good. Does it help?

Ethan: Yes, it makes me feel better. I also take some medicine for my throat.

Emma: I do the same. I like honey and lemon in my tea.

Ethan: That sounds nice. I should try it next time.

Emma: You should! It helps soothe your throat. Do you rest a lot when you’re sick?

Ethan: Yes, I try to sleep as much as I can.

Emma: Sleep is very important when you’re sick.

Ethan: I agree! I also stay away from cold food and drinks.

Emma: That’s smart. It’s better to avoid cold things.

Ethan: I also try to stay warm.

Emma: Good idea. Staying warm helps your body fight the cold.

Ethan: I think I’ll stay home today and rest.

Emma: That’s the best thing to do. Get well soon, Ethan!

Ethan: Thanks, Emma! I hope I feel better soon.

7. How do you take care of your body?

Level: Lower Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about how they take care of their health.

Olivia: Hi, Jack! How do you take care of your body?

Jack: Hi, Olivia! I try to eat healthy food, like vegetables and fruits.

Olivia: That’s great! I try to do the same. Do you eat a lot of vegetables?

Jack: Yes, I eat vegetables every day. My favorite is broccoli.

Olivia: I like broccoli too! I also drink a lot of water.

Jack: Drinking water is very important. I drink at least 8 glasses a day.

Olivia: That’s a good habit. I also try to exercise.

Jack: Oh, nice! What kind of exercise do you do?

Olivia: I like to go swimming. It’s good for my whole body.

Jack: Swimming is great! I usually go for a run in the park.

Olivia: That’s a good way to stay fit. How often do you run?

Jack: I run three times a week.

Olivia: That’s awesome! I think I should run more often.

Jack: You should! It’s a great way to keep your body strong.

Olivia: Yes, I agree. Do you get enough sleep at night?

Jack: Yes, I try to sleep 7 to 8 hours every night.

Olivia: Me too! Sleep is very important for staying healthy.

Jack: You’re right, Olivia. We should all take care of our bodies!

8. Have you ever been to the hospital? Why?

Level: Lower Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about visiting the hospital.

Sophie: Hey, Mike! Have you ever been to the hospital?

Mike: Hi, Sophie! Yes, I’ve been to the hospital before.

Sophie: Oh, what happened? Were you sick?

Mike: I wasn’t feeling well, so I went for a check-up.

Sophie: A check-up? What does that mean?

Mike: It’s when a doctor checks if everything is okay with your health.

Sophie: Oh, I see! Did the doctor say you were okay?

Mike: Yes, the doctor said I was healthy.

Sophie: That’s good! I’ve never been to the hospital.

Mike: It’s good to go for a check-up every year, just to be safe.

Sophie: Maybe I should go for one next year.

Mike: You should! It’s important to take care of your health.

Sophie: I agree. Was it your first time at the hospital?

Mike: No, I’ve been there a few times. One time I had a broken arm.

Sophie: Oh no, how did that happen?

Mike: I fell while riding my bike.

Sophie: That must have hurt a lot!

Mike: It did, but I’m okay now.

Sophie: I’m glad you’re okay, Mike!

9. What do you do if you feel stressed?

Level: Lower Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about dealing with stress.

Tom: Hey, Mia! Do you ever feel stressed?

Mia: Hi, Tom! Yes, sometimes I feel stressed, especially with schoolwork.

Tom: I feel stressed sometimes too. What do you do when you feel that way?

Mia: I usually take a break and listen to music.

Tom: That sounds nice! Does music help you relax?

Mia: Yes, it helps me calm down and feel better.

Tom: I like to take deep breaths. It helps me feel less stressed.

Mia: That’s a good idea! I should try deep breathing.

Tom: It really works! I also like to walk outside for a little while.

Mia: Walking is a good way to clear your mind.

Tom: Yes, I always feel better after a short walk.

Mia: I agree. Sometimes I talk to my friends when I’m stressed.

Tom: Talking helps too. It feels good to share how you feel.

Mia: Yes, talking makes me feel less alone with my stress.

Tom: I think we all need to find ways to relax when we feel stressed.

Mia: I agree, Tom! Everyone should take care of their mental health.

10. How often do you visit the dentist?

Level: Lower Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about visiting the dentist.

Lily: Hey, Noah! How often do you visit the dentist?

Noah: Hi, Lily! I go to the dentist every six months.

Lily: That’s good! I think I should go more often.

Noah: Yes, regular visits help keep your teeth healthy.

Lily: I only go when I have a problem, like a toothache.

Noah: That’s not good! You should go for check-ups, even if you don’t have a problem.

Lily: I know. I’m afraid of the dentist!

Noah: I used to be afraid too, but it’s really not so bad.

Lily: Maybe I’ll try going next month.

Noah: You should! The dentist can clean your teeth and check for any problems.

Lily: I hope I don’t have any problems with my teeth!

Noah: Don’t worry! Going to the dentist helps prevent problems.

Lily: You’re right, Noah. I will make an appointment soon!

Noah: That’s a good idea, Lily. Keep your smile healthy!

11. How do you stay healthy?

Level: High Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about their health habits.

Sophia: Hi, Liam! How do you stay healthy?

Liam: Hey, Sophia! I try to exercise regularly and eat balanced meals.

Sophia: That sounds good! What kind of exercise do you do?

Liam: I go jogging in the morning and sometimes I do yoga in the evening.

Sophia: I love yoga! It’s a great way to relax.

Liam: Exactly! It helps me calm down after a busy day.

Sophia: I should try yoga more often. I usually go to the gym, but I don’t feel very relaxed.

Liam: Yoga might help with that. It’s gentle but effective for both your body and mind.

Sophia: I think I’ll try it this week. Do you eat any special foods to stay healthy?

Liam: I eat a lot of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. I avoid too much sugar.

Sophia: I try to avoid sugar too. It’s hard, though!

Liam: It is, but I think it’s worth it. What about you, Sophia?

Sophia: I try to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.

Liam: Sleep is so important for health. I try to sleep at least 7 hours every night.

Sophia: Same here! It makes a huge difference in how I feel.

Liam: Absolutely. A healthy lifestyle takes effort, but it’s so rewarding!

12. What do you do when you have a headache?

Level: High Intermediate
Context: A student shares what they do when they have a headache.

Emma: Hi, Jack. I’ve had a headache all day. Do you ever get them?

Jack: Oh no, Emma! Yes, I sometimes get headaches too. What do you usually do for it?

Emma: I usually take some painkillers and lie down in a quiet room.

Jack: That’s a good idea. I also drink some water. Sometimes dehydration can cause headaches.

Emma: That’s true! I didn’t think about that. I’ve been drinking less water today.

Jack: Maybe that’s the reason. Drinking more water might help.

Emma: I’ll try that. Do you have any other tips for relieving headaches?

Jack: I also find that putting a cold compress on my forehead helps a lot.

Emma: I’ll try that next time. I usually avoid light, too. It seems to make the headache worse.

Jack: That’s a good strategy. A dark, quiet space helps the body relax.

Emma: I also like to rest. It usually makes me feel better.

Jack: Rest is always important. I think you should take a break for a while.

Emma: I will. Thanks for the advice, Jack!

Jack: No problem, Emma. I hope you feel better soon!

13. How do you manage stress?

Level: High Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about ways to manage stress.

Maya: Hi, Luke! I’ve been feeling really stressed lately. How do you manage stress?

Luke: Hey, Maya! I understand how you feel. When I’m stressed, I like to go for a walk.

Maya: A walk sounds nice. It must help you clear your mind.

Luke: It really does. Walking outside and breathing fresh air makes me feel better.

Maya: That’s a good idea. I sometimes do deep breathing exercises.

Luke: Deep breathing works well! It helps you relax and focus.

Maya: I also try to talk to someone when I’m stressed. Talking helps me feel better.

Luke: I agree. Talking about it makes the problem seem smaller.

Maya: Sometimes I listen to calming music, too. It helps me relax.

Luke: Music is a great way to calm down. What type of music do you listen to?

Maya: I like soft instrumental music. It’s peaceful and quiet.

Luke: That sounds nice. I usually listen to nature sounds or jazz.

Maya: Nature sounds are relaxing too! I should try that next time.

Luke: You should! I think everyone needs to find what helps them deal with stress.

Maya: You’re right, Luke. Thanks for the great tips!

14. What do you do when you have a fever?

Level: High Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about how to manage a fever.

Ella: Hi, Ben! I feel like I have a fever. What should I do?

Ben: Oh no, Ella! You should take your temperature first to check.

Ella: I just checked. It’s a little high. What do you usually do when you have a fever?

Ben: I take some medicine to lower my temperature, like paracetamol.

Ella: That’s what I was thinking. Should I drink a lot of water?

Ben: Yes, definitely! Staying hydrated helps your body fight the fever.

Ella: I’ll drink more water. Should I rest too?

Ben: Rest is really important. Your body needs energy to fight off the illness.

Ella: I think I’ll stay in bed for the day. Do you eat anything special when you’re sick?

Ben: I try to eat light foods, like soup or fruit, because they’re easy to digest.

Ella: That sounds good. I’m not really hungry, but I’ll try some soup.

Ben: Soup is perfect when you’re sick. It helps you feel better and stay hydrated.

Ella: Thanks, Ben. I’ll take your advice and rest.

Ben: No problem, Ella! Get well soon!

15. What’s your favorite way to relax?

Level: High Intermediate
Context: A student talks to a friend about their favorite ways to relax.

Mia: Hey, Sarah! What’s your favorite way to relax after a busy week?

Sarah: Hi, Mia! I love to read books. It helps me escape and relax.

Mia: That sounds nice! What kind of books do you read?

Sarah: I mostly read fiction, especially mystery novels. How about you?

Mia: I like reading too, but I also enjoy watching movies.

Sarah: Movies are a great way to relax! What’s your favorite type of movie?

Mia: I love comedies! They make me laugh and forget about stress.

Sarah: I love comedies too! Laughter is the best medicine.

Mia: Yes, it is! I also like going for long walks in the park to relax.

Sarah: Walking in nature is so calming. I love doing that too.

Mia: Sometimes I listen to music while I walk. It makes it even better.

Sarah: That’s a great idea. What kind of music do you listen to?

Mia: I listen to calming music, like piano or acoustic songs.

Sarah: That sounds peaceful. I should try that next time.

Mia: You should, Sarah! Relaxing is so important for your health.

Sarah: You’re right, Mia. I’ll make sure to take time for myself this weekend.

Conclusion

Talking about health in English is a useful skill for ESL students. By practicing these conversations, students can learn important words, improve their speaking and listening, and feel more confident in real-life situations.

It’s also a great way to practice showing care and understanding when someone talks about their health.

With these dialogues, students can get better at discussing health, whether it’s about staying healthy, offering support, or talking to doctors. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to talk about health in English easily!

FAQs about Health-Related Conversations

1. Why is it important to practice health-related conversations in English?
It helps ESL students build vocabulary, improve speaking skills, and feel confident when discussing health in real-life situations, such as doctor visits or talking with friends.

2. How can practicing health dialogues help in daily life?
It prepares students for conversations about health, making them more comfortable discussing topics like illness, wellness, and lifestyle choices in English-speaking environments.

3. What should I say if someone shares they are feeling unwell?
You can show empathy by saying things like, “I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need anything?” or “I hope you feel better soon.”

4. Can I give medical advice in health-related conversations?
Unless you’re a doctor, it’s best not to give medical advice. Instead, suggest they see a doctor if necessary, like saying, “Maybe you should see a doctor if it doesn’t get better.”

5. What if I don’t understand health-related vocabulary?
Don’t worry! You can ask for clarification by saying, “Sorry, what does that mean?” or “Can you explain that?” Practice will help you improve over time.

6. How can I encourage someone who’s trying to stay healthy?
You can support them by saying things like, “That’s great! How do you stay active?” or “Eating vegetables is a good choice!”

7. What topics should I ask about in health-related conversations?
You can ask about their exercise habits, diet, sleep routine, or how they’re feeling. For example, “Do you like to exercise?” or “How much sleep do you get each night?”

8. How do I show care when someone talks about their health?
Listen actively and express concern with phrases like, “I hope you feel better soon,” or “Is there anything I can do to help?”

9. How can these health conversations improve my English?
They help you practice sentence structure, pronunciation, and listening skills. You also learn how to use English in different situations, making you more confident in speaking.

10. How do I stay positive in a health-related conversation?
Keep the conversation encouraging and supportive by focusing on healthy choices or offering comfort, like saying, “That’s great!” or “I’m sure you’ll feel better soon.”