Session 73 - Ask the pharmacist

1. Talk to a partner

Do you usually feel sick? When?

If you are sick, what do you do?

Vocabulary Medicine and self-care items

2. Match the words in the box and the pictures (1-8).

ointment/cream - band-aid/plaster - sunscreen - syrup

drops - thermometer - pills - insect repellent

3. Match the descriptions below with the medicine above. Then ask and answer with your
partner to check your answers.

What do you use a/an/Ø … for? You can use a/an/Ø … for… .
LISTENING Ask the pharmacist

4. Listen to a pharmacist speaking to three different customers. Connect the three pieces of
information for each conversation. One item in each column is extra. (Audio 1 - Ask the
pharmacist)

5. Listen again. Read the statements and justify if they are True or False, according to the
dialogues. (Audio 1 - Ask the pharmacist)

A. The pharmacist says that the woman should use the thermometer several times a
day.

B. The pharmacist tells the woman to call the doctor when she gets home.

C. The pharmacist tells the woman to put on sunscreen a couple of times a day.

D. The insect repellent is very inexpensive.

E. The customer has used the eye drops before.

F. The pharmacist gave the customer some new information about using the computer.
Language Point Advice and Instructions

When we speak to pharmacists or other medical professionals, it’s important to listen carefully
so we understand what to do. There are two most usual structures in these kinds of dialogue:

6. Read the following examples and classify them as Advice (A) or Instruction (I)

A. You should check his temperature regularly.

B. If his fever goes very high, you need to call the doctor.

C. I recommend this sunscreen.

D. You have to remember to put on more sunscreen every couple of hours.

E. With this condition, it’s important that you limit your time on the computer.

F. It’s also a good idea to do some eye exercises every day.

Practice

7. Read the first sentences. Use the word in parentheses to complete the second sentences so
that they have the same meaning.

a) If you’re worried about mosquitoes, you should wear long sleeves and long pants. (idea)

If you’re worried about mosquitoes,________________________________.

b) It’s not a good idea to spend lots of time near water because that’s where mosquitoes live.
(shouldn’t)

____________________________________ because that’s where mosquitoes live.

c) You should buy several bottles of sunscreen so you can keep one in your bag and one in
your car. (recommend)

_________________________________ so you can keep one in your bag and one in your car.
d) You must call the doctor if your rash gets worse. (have)

__________________________________ if your rash gets worse.

e) You can’t forget to take your painkillers. (important)

_______________________________ to take your painkillers.

SPEAKING

8. Act out the following script using the language from this session.

HINT! It’s very important to make sure you understand the advice and instructions from
the pharmacist. If you aren’t sure, you should ask the pharmacist to repeat what
they said, like this:

• I’m sorry, can you say that again?

• Could you repeat that?
• So, let me just check that I understand. I have to ….

9. Now switch roles and do it again.