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Navigating a medical setting in English can be challenging—especially when it comes to filling out forms or understanding written instructions.
In this lesson, we’ll focus on improving reading skills for ESL learners by exploring common medical forms and instructions. This is essential English for anyone working in healthcare or living in an English-speaking country.
Why Learn About Medical Forms?
Understanding written medical English helps you:
- Fill out registration and consent forms correctly.
- Follow prescription labels and discharge instructions safely.
- Understand appointment slips, referrals, and lab test reports.
- Communicate more confidently in healthcare settings.
Pre-Reading Activities
1. Key Vocabulary
Before reading the forms and instructions, do the following matching task to review these common terms:
| Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
| 1. Emergency Contact | A. A negative reaction to something (e.g., peanuts, medicine) |
| 2. Allergy | B. A doctor’s written order for medicine |
| 3. Medication | C. The amount of medicine to take |
| 4. Prescription | D. Additional supply of medicine without needing a new prescription |
| 5. Dosage | E. Medicine |
| 6. Refill | F. someone to call in an emergency |
2. C
3. B
4. D
5. A
2. Identify Common Types of Medical Forms
Here are some typical documents you may encounter in a medical environment. Match each type with its purpose:
| Form Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Patient Registration | A. Explains what to do after leaving the hospital or clinic. |
| 2. Medical History Form | B. Gives permission for medical treatment or procedures. |
| 3. Consent Form | C. Lists past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and family health history. |
| 4. Prescription Label | D. Shows the name of the medicine, dosage, and instructions. |
| 5. Discharge Instructions | E. Provides personal and insurance information to the clinic. |
2. C
3. B
4. D
5. A
Reading Practice
1. Understanding a Medical Form
Example: Patient Information Form (Excerpt).
Read the example below and answer the comprehension questions
Name: ____________________
Date of Birth: ____________
Do you have any allergies?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please list: ______________________Current Medications: ______________________
Emergency Contact:
Name: _______________ Phone: _______________
Comprehension Questions:
- What is the purpose of this form?
- What information should you write under “Current Medications”?
- Why is the emergency contact section important?
→ To collect important medical and personal information from the patient, such as allergies, medications, and emergency contact details.
Q2: What information should you write under “Current Medications”?
→ The names of any medicines you are currently taking.
Q3: Why is the emergency contact section important?
→ It provides contact details of someone to call in case of a medical emergency.
2. Reading Instructions on Prescription Labels
Here is a sample label.
Read the example below and answer the comprehension questions
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take one capsule by mouth three times a day with food.
Finish all the medication.
Refills: None
Questions:
- How often should you take this medicine?
- Can you stop taking it if you feel better?
- Are there any refills?
→ Three times a day.
Q2: Can you stop taking it if you feel better?
→ No, you should finish all the medication as instructed.
Q3: Are there any refills? → No, the label says “Refills: None.”
Post-reading Tasks
1. Common Medical Instructions – Matching Exercise
Match the instruction to its meaning.
| Instruction | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Take on an empty stomach | A. Take while or after eating |
| Apply topically | B. Don’t take more than prescribed |
| Do not exceed the recommended dosage | C. Put on your skin |
| Shake well before use | D. Mix the medicine by shaking the bottle |
| Take with food | E. Take before eating |
2. Apply topically → C
3. Do not exceed the recommended dosage → B
4. Shake well before use → D
5. Take with food → A
2. Writing Task: Filling Out a Medical Form & Writing Instructions
Part 1 – Fill Out a Medical Form (in writing):
Using the sample below, write a completed version of this patient information form as if you were the patient.
Patient Information Form
Name: ____________________
Date of Birth: ____________
Do you have any allergies? ☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please list: ______________________
Current Medications: ______________________
Emergency Contact:
Name: _______________ Phone: _______________
Part 2 – Write Simple Medical Instructions:
Imagine your doctor has prescribed a new medicine. Write 3 short instructions to explain how and when to take it.
Example:
- Take one tablet twice a day after meals.
- Do not drive after taking this medicine.
- Drink plenty of water.
Purpose:
✍️ Practice writing personal information in a healthcare context.
📝 Reinforce understanding of prescription label language and safety tips.
3. Quiz: Test Your Understanding
Choose the correct answer for each question.
- Which form gives the doctor permission to treat you?
a) Registration Form
b) Consent Form
c) History Form - The word “dosage” refers to:
a) Amount of medicine to take
b) Type of disease
c) Doctor’s name - What does “take one capsule three times a day” mean?
a) Take 3 capsules in the morning
b) Take 1 capsule in the morning, afternoon, and evening
c) Take medicine only when you feel pain - On a prescription label, what does “Refills: None” mean?
a) You can refill it once
b) Unlimited refills
c) No refills are allowed
2 — a
3 — b
4 — d
Tips for ESL Learners
Here are some practical tips to understand medical forms:
- Highlight or underline key words like “warning,” “take with food,” or “allergies.”
- Use a medical English dictionary to check unfamiliar terms.
- Practice reading real forms (ask your doctor or find samples online).
- Pair with a partner to role-play filling out forms or reading instructions aloud.
Final Thoughts
Learning to read and understand medical forms is a practical skill that helps ESL students feel more confident and safe when accessing healthcare.
Looking for more health vocabulary, check Harvard List.
