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General English · Speaking · A2

Talking about health and everyday problems

Explain a simple problem clearly and ask for practical help.

Lesson 5 · About 18 minutes

Learn: your objectives

  • Describe a problem and when it began.
  • Make a clear request for help.

Warm-up

Think about these questions. Say a short answer aloud.

  • How can you tell someone that you do not feel well?
  • What would you say if your phone stopped working?

Useful language

Problem and request

I've got a …

Name a common symptom or problem.

I've got a headache.

It started …

Explain when the problem began.

It started this morning.

Could you help me …?

Ask for a specific action.

Could you help me contact the clinic?

Notice: model speaking

Read aloud. Notice how the speakers use the phrases and respond to each other.

Sara: You look tired. Are you all right?

Bek: I've got a headache. It started this morning.

Sara: Do you want to go home?

Bek: I think so. Could you help me tell the manager?

Sara: Of course. I'll come with you.

Speaking strategy

Use ‘problem → time → request’. This lesson teaches how to communicate, not how to diagnose or treat illness. Use appropriate local help for a real health concern.

Pronunciation & fluency focus

Say the problem slowly enough to be understood. Stress the important word: ‘My PHONE isn't working.’ Repeat or rephrase if the listener misses it.

Teaching guidance, not an analysis of your voice.

Use: controlled practice

Choose a useful response for each situation. Check when all questions are answered. These are phrase exercises, not a speaking assessment.

1. You feel unwell and want to describe a symptom. Choose the useful sentence.
2. Someone asks when your phone stopped working. Reply.
3. Ask a colleague for help contacting reception.
4. The listener did not hear your problem. What helps?
5. Which sentence describes a problem without claiming a medical diagnosis?

Build your answer

Write a few keywords. Then look away and speak. Notes stay on this page only.

Speak: your challenge

Role-play a 45-second conversation about an everyday problem. Explain the problem, answer a follow-up and ask for help. Use an imagined situation.

You can choose a broken phone or a missed bus instead of a health topic.

Speak aloud. This page does not record, listen to or assess your speech. There is no automatic speaking score.

Self-check

Open to everyone. Answers, notes and checklists are not saved to an account. These original lessons use level labels to organize learning; completion is not official CEFR certification or proof of a level.