Of course! This is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2. The key is to tell a good story, not just list facts about the medicine. You should focus on the situation, the problem, the medicine, and the result.

Here are two excellent model answers with different approaches. One is for a minor, common illness, and the other is for a more significant medical experience. You can choose the one that fits your experience better, or mix and match phrases.

Model Answer 1: A Minor Illness (The Common Choice)

This is a safe and effective answer because most people have a story about a cold, flu, or an infection.

(The Cue Card)

"Describe a type of medicine you had when you were ill. You should say:

• What illness you had
• What the medicine was
• How you felt after taking it
• And explain how this medicine helped you."

(The Answer)

Alright, I'd like to talk about a time I had to take antibiotics for a really nasty sinus infection. It wasn't a life-threatening condition, but it was incredibly unpleasant and it really knocked me off my feet for a bit.

To set the scene, this happened about a year ago during the winter. I'd caught a cold that just wouldn't go away. At first, it was just a regular runny nose and a sore throat, but after about a week, it developed into a full-blown sinus infection. The symptoms were pretty intense. I had a constant, throbbing headache right across my forehead, my face felt really tender and swollen, especially around my nose and cheeks, and I had this awful post-nasal drip that made me cough constantly. I also completely lost my sense of smell and taste, which was really frustrating. I was feeling absolutely miserable and couldn't concentrate on anything at work.

So, I went to see a doctor. After listening to my symptoms, he confirmed it was a bacterial sinus infection. He prescribed a course of antibiotics, specifically a type called Amoxicillin, and also recommended a decongestant spray to help with the blocked sinuses. He gave me very clear instructions: take one capsule three times a day for a full seven days, even if I started to feel better sooner.

I started taking the medicine that very evening. To be honest, I didn't feel any different for the first 24 hours, which was a bit disheartening. But then, on the second day, I noticed a slight improvement. The pressure in my sinuses started to ease, and the throbbing headache became less intense. By the third and fourth day, the change was dramatic. The swelling in my face went down significantly, the coughing subsided, and I could finally breathe through my nose again. By the end of the week, I was almost back to my normal self.

This medicine was a real lifesaver for me. It helped me recover quickly and get my life back on track. More importantly, it taught me a valuable lesson about not ignoring persistent symptoms and the importance of seeking professional medical advice. It also made me appreciate modern medicine and how effective it can be when used correctly.

Model Answer 2: A More Significant Experience (Shows Broader Vocabulary)

This answer is good if you want to talk about something more impactful, like an allergy or a vaccine. It shows a wider range of vocabulary.

(The Cue Card)

"Describe a type of medicine you had when you were ill. You should say:

• What illness you had
• What the medicine was
• How you felt after taking it
• And explain how this medicine helped you."

(The Answer)

I'd like to describe a time when I had a severe allergic reaction and had to take a strong antihistamine. It was a pretty scary experience, but the medicine worked wonders.

I was in my early twenties and I was on a hiking trip. We were walking through a field of wildflowers, and I remember brushing against some plants. A few hours later, I started to notice small, red, itchy bumps appearing on my arms and neck. I initially thought it was just insect bites, but the rash started to spread rapidly all over my body. My skin felt like it was on fire, and it was incredibly uncomfortable. What was most alarming was that my eyes started to swell up, and I found it difficult to breathe. My friends realized this was serious and rushed me to a nearby clinic.

The doctor on duty examined me and confirmed it was a severe case of contact dermatitis, basically a severe allergic reaction. He administered a shot of a powerful corticosteroid and an antihistamine directly into my vein to provide immediate relief. He then sent me home with a prescription for oral antihistamines and a strong hydrocortisone cream to apply to the affected areas.

The effects of the initial injection were almost instantaneous. Within about 15 minutes, the intense itching and burning sensation began to subside. It was like a huge wave of relief. I still had the rash, but it was no longer spreading, and the swelling in my face started to go down. Over the next couple of days, as I continued taking the oral medication and applying the cream, the rash gradually faded and my skin returned to normal.

That particular medicine was absolutely crucial. It not only alleviated the terrifying symptoms but also prevented the reaction from becoming even more severe, which could have been life-threatening. It was a stark reminder of how fragile our bodies can be and how vital modern pharmacology is in managing such emergencies. I now carry antihistamines with me at all times, just in case.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Use

You can use these words and phrases to make your answer sound more natural and impressive.

Describing the Illness:

• A nasty/crummy/terrible cold/flu
• A sinus infection / a chest infection
• A high temperature / a fever
• Aches and pains / feeling achy all over
• Nauseous / queasy / I felt like I was going to throw up
• I was bedridden / I was knocked off my feet
• I was running a high temperature
• I had a hacking cough / a persistent cough

Describing the Medicine:

• A course of antibiotics
• A prescription / over-the-counter (OTC) medicine
• A decongestant / an antihistamine / painkillers
• To be prescribed something by a doctor
• To take one capsule/tablet/pill three times a day
• A topical cream / an ointment
• A shot / an injection

Describing the Effect:

• It kicked in almost immediately / straight away
• I felt a wave of relief
• The symptoms started to subside / wear off
• It worked like a charm / it was a miracle worker
• It really helped me bounce back / get back on my feet
• It alleviated the pain/discomfort
• It brought my fever down

Structuring Your Answer:

• Set the scene: "It happened a few years ago when I was..."
• Describe the problem: "The worst part was..."
• Introduce the solution: "So, I went to see a doctor, and he prescribed..."
• Explain the result: "After taking it for a couple of days, I noticed..."
• Explain the significance: "Overall, this experience taught me..." or "This medicine was a lifesaver because..."

Remember:

• Be natural: Speak conversationally, as if you're telling a story to a friend.
• Expand your ideas: Don't just answer the bullet points. Add details about how it affected your mood, your work, or your daily life.
• Use linking words: However, as a result, consequently, for instance, to sum up, etc.
• Practice: Time yourself to make sure you can speak for 1-2 minutes without long pauses.