At the Doctor

 

Everyone has to go the the doctors at one time or another. Hopefully it is always for something minor. No
matter what the problem is there will be a number of common expressions that doctors use. Look at
some of these examples.

English Expressions- At the Doctor

Expression: What seems to be the problem?
Response: My left knee hurts when I bend it.

Expression: Where does it hurt?
Response: My right ear.

Expression: How long has it hurt?
Response: It started to hurt three days ago?

Expression: Have you done or eaten anything unusual in the last few days?
Response: No, just the normal stuff.

Expression: Let’s check you blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
Response: OK.

Expression: You need an injection of penicillin and I’ll give you a prescription for pain pills.
Response: Can’t I have a pill instead, I hate shots.

Many people, when hearing you are sick, are likely to express their sympathy. Sympathy can be given for any
number of reasons, not just illness, but for any bad news- such as a death in the family, a lost promotion, or
other disappointment. Look at these examples.

English Expressions- Expressing Sympathy

Expression: I’m so sorry to hear about (… your father’s illness).
Response: Thanks, that’s kind of you.

Expression: I want to express my condolences ( …on your mother’s death).
Response: Thanks, I appreciate your kindness.

Expression: It’s too bad that ( … you didn’t get that promotion).
Response: Yes, well maybe next time.

Expression: It’s a shame (pity) that ( …your son didn’t get accepted into Harvard).
Response: How kind of you to say so.

Dialogue- At the Doctor

Doctor: What seems to be the problem today Jake.
Jake: I’m not sure Doctor, I just feel lousy all over. I have a splitting headache, my stomach is upset, all I
     want to do is sleep, and my right elbow is hurting.
Doctor: How long has this been going on?
Jake: It just started today. Yesterday I felt great, but when I woke up this morning …oh.
Doctor: Well let’s take your temperature and blood pressure and see how they are.
Doctor: (Later). You don’t have a fever, and your blood pressure and pulse are normal. There is a flu
     going around, but that wouldn’t explain your elbow hurting. Tell me, have you done anything or
     eaten anything unusual in the last couple of days?
Jake: Not really, I did go to a party last night and drank a little.
Doctor: What did you drink and how much?
Jake: Not much, 7 or 8 cans of beer and a bottle of tequila.
Doctor: Do you usually drink that much?
Jake: No, it was the first time drinking anything. I was celebrating my 21st birthday.
Doctor: Well, no wonder you feel lousy, you have a major hangover. Do you happen to remember if you
     fell down or hit your elbow against something?
Jake: Now that you mention it, I seem to recall I fell down when I was getting out of my car.
Doctor: Well your elbow seems OK, just a bad bruise. It’ll be OK in a few days.
Jake: What can I do to feel better?
Doctor: For your elbow, you might want to put on a cold pack. For your hangover, I suggest taking some
     aspirin, drinking lots of water, eating something light and going back to bed. You’ll feel good as new
     tomorrow.
Jake: Thanks doctor. You’re a life saver.

Conversation Activities- At the Doctor

1. Pair work- discussion
     Have you been to the doctor recently? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for discussion
     below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

when did you go
why did you go
where did you go
what kind of treatment did you receive
did you have a follow-up visit

2. Pair work- discussion
     Use your imaginations and express sympathy to your partner for the following situations. Your partner
     should tell you about the situations listed below. Continue the conversation by asking questions to get      more details of the situation

parents divorce
death of a friend
getting fired from a job
parents serious illness
being dumped by your lover
failing an important test

3. Pair work- Role Play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: At a doctor’s office
The roles: A doctor, a patient

The patient has the following symptoms or problems.
The doctor should:
     * ask what the problem is
     * ask how long it has lasted
     * ask if the patient has done or eaten anything unusual lately
     * make a recommendation for treatment

Patients problem: Cold: runny nose, cough, muscle aches
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, drink fluids (orange juice), prescription cold medicine

Patients problem: Fever: hot forehead, headache, shivering
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, alcohol rub, aspirin

Patients problem: Upset stomach: vomiting, stomach pain, nausea
Doctor’s treatment: Take antacid

Patients problem: Back pain: pain in lower lumbar region
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, massage, heating pad, take, analgesic (pain pill)

Patients problem: Head ache: Ppin in head, at temples
Doctor’s treatment: Bed rest, aspirin

Patients problem: Skin burn (from hot water): pain at site of burn, red skin, blisters
Doctor’s treatment: Cool site with cold water, apply aloe or other skin, burn ointment

Patients problem: Broken finger: extreme pain, lack of mobility
Doctor’s treatment: Set finger in cast, pain pill

Patients problem: Sore throat: pain in throat, difficulty swallowing
Doctor’s treatment: Gargle with salt water, take throat lozenges

Patients problem: Allergies: runny noose, sneezing, watery, itchy eyes
Doctor’s treatment:Take allergy pills

 

At the Airport

 

Traveling by air can be a lot of fun. It can also be very confusing dealing with travel agents and airline personnel. If traveling to a foreign country, a traveler has to interact with customs and immigration officials. There are several common expressions that are used when dealing with airlines, travel agencies and customs. Look at the examples below.

English Expressions- At the Airport

Expression Response
Would you like economy or first class tickets?      Economy class.
When would you like to depart?                             On Friday the 14th of next month.
Will that be round trip or one way?                         Round trip please.
Do you have any luggage to check in?                  I have two suit cases.
May I have your ticket please?                               Here you go.
Do you have anything to declare?                          No, I don’t

Dialogue- At the Airport

At a travel agency

Agent: May I help you?
Nancy: Yes, I need a ticket to Paris.
Agent: One way or round trip?
Nancy: Round trip.
Agent: When will you be leaving?
Nancy: Next month, the 2nd. I prefer a morning flight.
Agent: Do you want any particular airline?
Nancy: No, but I do want to go business class and have a direct flight.
Agent: When will you be returning?
Nancy: I want to return on the 15th of next month.
Agent: Let me check the computer. Yes, there is a flight available on Blue Skies Air Ways. The tickets are
   $1645.
Nancy: Sounds good, book it.
Agent: Thank you. You can pick up your tickets at this office on the 28th.
Nancy: Thanks.

At the airport check-in

Nancy: Hello
Agent: Hello. May I have your ticket and passport?
Nancy: Yes, here they are.
Agent: How many pieces of luggage will you be checking in?
Nancy: Just one, I also have one carry on bag.
Agent: Your luggage is two kilos over the limit. You will have to pay an extra charge of $100.
Nancy: No problem. Is cash OK?
Agent: Certainly.
Nancy: Here you go.
Agent: Thank you, have a nice flight.
Nancy: Thanks.

At Customs

Agent: Welcome to Paris. Do you have anything to declare?
Nancy: No.
Agent: Could you open your bag please?
Nancy: Sure, is everything OK?
Agent: Yes ma’am, enjoy you stay in Paris.
Nancy: Thanks.

Conversation Activities- At the Airport

1. Pair Work- discussion
    Have you ever flown on a plane? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas
    for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

when and where you went
how long the flight took
the quality of the service from the flight attendants
how the flight was: (smooth or turbulent, relaxing or nerve-wracking)
did you enjoy it
do you like to fly

2. Pair work- role play
    Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: At a travel agency asking for information for a flight.
The roles: A travel agent, a customer

Destination: Seoul	Destination: San Francisco
Airline: Blue Skies Skies	Airline: World Wide Airlines
Departure time: Saturday 1:30 AM	Departure time: Saturday 9:00 am
Flight length: 16 hours	Flight length: 12 hours
Layover: San Francisco , Tokyo	Layover: Direct flight
Price: Coach- $950 Business class- $1650 First class- $1900 P	Price: Coach- $1050 Business class- $1650 First class- $2000
Preferred seating Aisle Window	Preferred seating Aisle Window
Destination: Chicago	Destination: Moscow
Airline: National Airways	Airline: Great Northern Airline
Departure time: Sunday 8:30 am	Departure time: Sunday 1:45 pm
Flight length: 24 hours	Flight length: 18 hours
Layover: London, New York	Layover: Paris
Price: Coach- $1150 Business class- $1550 First class- $2400	Price: Coach- $1250 Business class- $1450 First class- $2500
Preferred seating Aisle Window	Preferred seating Aisle Window

 

At a Pharmacy

 

Everyone gets sick at one time or another and needs to go to drug store or pharmacy to get some medicine.
If it’s a minor condition, you can get over-the-counter medication. If not, you may need to get a prescription
from a doctor first. Maybe you just need some allergy medication for hay fever, or aspirin for a head ache,
or antacid for an upset stomach. In these cases you may have to talk to the pharmacist. Using the
expressions below can be helpful.

English Expressions- At a Pharmacy

Expression: What do you recommend for ( …a cold)?
Response: You could try these COLD BE GONE tablets. They work wonders.

Expression: Do you have anything for a ( … sore throat)?
Response: Yes, these throat lozenges should work.

Expression: What do you suggest for ( … an upset stomach)?
Response: You could try these antacid tablets.

Expression: I need something for a ( … headache)?
Response: Why don’t you try aspirin?

What are over-the-counter medications?

Over-the-counter medication is medication that does not require a doctor’s prescription in order to be
purchased. In many countries prescription drugs require a doctor’s orders before they can be purchased
at a pharmacy. These drugs are usually very potent, may be addictive if not used properly, and may have
numerous adverse side effects. Over-the-counter drugs, however, do not need a doctor’s orders to be
purchased. There are a multitude of over-the-counter drugs that are used for the treatment of a wide
variety of ailments and illnesses, including the following:

upset stomachs headaches
muscle aches and pain allergies
stuffy noses persistent itching
minor burns and scalds runny noses
disinfectants (for cleaning cuts and other minor wounds),
ointments or liquids (to remove warts and corns)

It is also helpful to know over-the-counter medication comes in variety of packages and forms.
Look at the examples below.

Antacid tablets Allergy pills
Cough drop lozenges Cold capsules
Bottle of cough syrup Tube of muscle relaxant ointment

Dialogue- At a Pharmacy

Pharmacist: Good morning, may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I need this prescription filled.
Pharmacist: OK, it’ll be ready in a few minutes.
Customer: I’ve also had a runny nose for a couple of days, can you recommend something?
Pharmacist: This decongestant is very effective, but be careful using it. It causes drowsiness and you
    shouldn’t drink any alcohol when taking this it.
Customer: OK, I’ll try it. I also need some band-aides and sun screen. Where are those?
Pharmacist: The band-aides are on aisle 3, on the left and the sun screen is on aisle 2, on the top shelf.
Customer: Thanks
Pharmacist: Will that be all?
Customer: That should do it.
Pharmacist: That comes to $34.56
Customer: That expensive! Why so much?
Pharmacist: The prescription medication is expensive. It cost $25.99. I may be able to get you a
    generic drug for about half that price, but I would have to consult your doctor first.
Customer: No, that’s OK. Don’t bother.
Pharmacist: Here’s your change. Have a good day.

Conversation Activities-At a Pharmacy

1. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you when to a pharmacy? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
     discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

when did you go
what was the problem
what medication did you get
did you talk to the pharmacists
did the medication help

2. Pair work- Role Play
     Working with a partner, role play the situations, using the information below

The situation: At a pharmacy
The roles: a pharmacy, a customer

The customer should ask for a recommendation for the problems below.
The pharmacist should ask the following:

how long the symptoms have been present
if the customer is allergic to any medicines
why they have the symptoms (if known)
the severity of the problem

The problem
Sore muscles                 Headache
Diarrhea                         Constipation
Insomnia                      Severe Itching
Upset stomach              Dandruff
Stuffy/runny nose      Fever

 

At a Hotel

 

At some time or another you may find yourself at an English speaking hotel. Whether at an economy hotel or a 5 star resort, you will encounter the same kinds of expressions, be asked the same kinds of questions, and respond to these questions in the same way. Look at these common expressions.

English Expressions- At a Hotel

Expression: Do you have a reservation?
Response: Yes, the name is Smothers, Jamie.

Expression: How long will you be staying?
Response: I’ll be checking out on Friday.

Expression: Do you prefer a smoking or non -smoking room?
Response: Non-smoking if you please.

Expression: How many guests are in your party?
Response: Two, my wife and I.

Expression: Will you be paying by cash or credit card?
Response: Credit card, if you accept Visa.

Expression: Did you have anything from the mini- bar?
Response: Yes, I had one soda and an orange juice.

Expression: Fill out this registration form please.
Response: Do you need to see my driver’s license or passport?

Expression: I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:30.
Response: Certainly sir, what’s your name and room number?

Dialogue- At a Hotel

Checking In
Clerk: Welcome to the Sheraton. May I help you?
Guest: I’d like to check in. I have a reservation.
Clerk: What’s your name, please?
Guest: Phillip Marlow.
Clerk: Yes Mr. Marlow. You requested a single room for three nights, is that correct?
Guest: Yes, could I have a room on the upper floors, away from the ice machine?
Clerk: No problem. Do you prefer a smoking or non-smoking floor?
Guest: Non-smoking please.
Clerk: Could you fill out the registration form, please. Thank you. And will you be paying by cash or credit
    card?
Guest: Cash, if you accept American dollars.
Clerk: Of course, sir. If you require local currencies we can also exchange money for you.
Guest: That’s great, I do need some cash.
Clerk: Your room number is 1109. Here’s your key. Enjoy your stay at the Sheraton. If you require anything
    further, feel free to call the front desk. Would you like assistance with your bags?
Guest: No thanks, I only have one. I can manage.

Room service
Room Service: Room service, may I help you?
Guest: Yes, this is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could you send up a tuna fish sandwich and a bag of potato
    chips?
Room Service: Certainly sir, that will be about ten minutes.
Guest: Thank you.

Wake up call
Front desk: Front desk, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. I would like to leave a wake up call for 7:00 AM.
Front desk: Certainly sir.
Guest: Thanks.

House Keeping
House keeping: House keeping, may I help you?
Guest: This is Mr. Marlow in room 1109. Could I get a couple of more towels and another blanket?
House keeping: Yes sir, we will get them to you right away.
Guest: Thank you.

Conversation Activities- At a Hotel

1. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you stayed at a hotel? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
     discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

when were you there
what hotel did you stay at
where was the hotel
what kind of hotel was it (economy, 5 star, etc)
how long did you stay
did you like the hotel- why or why not

2. Pair work- Role Play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: At a hotel
The roles: guest, hotel employee mployee

A. Making reservation
The clerk should get the following information:	The guest should ask about the following:
? name	? price
? kind of room	? services available
? number of beds required	? whether shuttle bus is available to/from airport
? credit card number
? length of stay
? number of guests
? date of arrival
B. Checking-in, with reservation
The clerk should:	The guest should:
? have guest complete the registration form	? ask about check out time
? ask if guest needs assistance with luggage	? request non-smoking floor
? get credit card or cash	? request room with view of pool
? give key to guest
C. Room service- ordering meals
The clerk should:	The guest should:
? ask name and room number	? place the order
? ask what the order is
? ask when to deliver
? say thank you
D. Wake up call
The guest should:	The clerk should:
? call to leave a wake up call	? say hello
? give name and room number	? ask the time of the wake up call
E. Check out
The guest should:	The clerk should:
? inform the clerk you want to check out	? inform guest of additional charges for room service- mini-bar, etc.
? give the clerk the key	? get final payment
	? get the key from the guest
	? ask guest if he needs any help with his luggage

 

At a Bank

 

Most people, at one time or another, have dealings with banks. Individuals may have savings or checking accounts, need loans for the purchase of autos or homes, or seek advice and assistance with investment options. Companies and entrepreneurs need banking services to conduct their businesses. Tourist may need banks to cash travelers checks or get cash against credit cards. Below are some common expressions heard at a bank.

English Expressions- At a Bank

Expression Response
Customer: I want to (… cash a check)?
Teller: Certainly, do you have an ID.

Customer: I would like to (… make a deposit into my checking account).
Teller: Please complete this deposit slip.

Costumer: I need to withdrawal $500 from my savings.
Teller: Of course. Do you have your account. passbook?

Customer: I would like to apply for (… a bank huarantee card).
Teller:  Please see the woman at the accounts desk over there.

Customer: Who would I talk to ( … about a car loan)?
Teller: You will have to see Mr. Ellison in the loan department.

Banking Vocabulary

Automatic deposit- A bank service that allows employers to deposit employees wages directly into
    the employees bank accounts.
Saving account- Money put in the bank for long term saving
Checking account- Money put in the bank to be taken out periodically for purchases or bills
Loans- Money given to you by the bank which you pay back over time
Collateral- Something of value as a guarantee for a loan
Interest- Charges for using the banks money or money given to depositors for the use of their money by
    the bank
Check- An instrument issued by banks to its customers that allow them to make purchases instead of
using cash.
Mortgage- A loan for a house
Deposit- Put money into the bank account
Withdrawal- Money taken out of the bank account
Teller- A bank clerk
Deposit/withdrawal slips- Forms that are filled out when depositing or withdrawing money
Bank guarantee card- A bank card that assures payees that a check is good
Monthly statement- A financial listing of your banking activities (money deposited and withdrawn and
    interest charged or accrued)
Open an account- To start a bank account
Close an account- To end an account
Travelers check- A prepaid check used by tourists issued by a bank that can be cashed in banks or
    businesses world wide.

Not all countries use checks. However, checks are a common method that Americans use to purchase
things and pay bills, instead of using cash or a credit or debit card. Below is a typical check used by
millions of American consumers. Usually a store will also require that the customer to have a picture
ID card (such as a driver’s license or passport) and a bank guarantee card before they will accept the check.

Dialogue- At a Bank

Teller: Next please. How may I help you?
Customer: Yes, I’d like to make a withdrawal from my saving account and cash a check.
Teller: Certainly sir. Please complete this withdrawal slip, with your name, account number and amount
     of withdrawal.
Customer: There you go.
Teller: Thank you. How would you like that?
Customer: Could I have two hundreds, two fifties, and the rest in twenties.
Teller: Here you are. I need you to endorse the back of the check you want to cash and I’ll need to see
     an ID.
Customer: No problem.
Teller: Here you are. Will that be all today?
Customer: Yes, that will do it. Thanks.
Teller: Thank you. Have a pleasant day.

Conversation Activities- At a Bank

1. Pair Work- discussion
     Do you have an account at a bank? Tell your partner about it using some of the ideas for
     discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

what is the name of the bank
how often do you go
what kind of account do you have
what do you like or dislike about dealing with the bank
do you have any problems with banks (other than not enough money)
do you do a lot of transactions at the ATM
have you ever taken out a loan from the bank- what for

2. Pair work- role play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The roles: A bank teller, a customer
The situations: At a bank making the transactions below

A. Deposit money into a savings account
      Teller should fill in the deposit slip
      Customer should supply the following information:

• name
• account number
• amount to deposit

B. Cash a personal check
      Teller should ask for an ID card and a bank guarantee card
      Customer should tell the clerk how he wants the money (in $5’s, $10’s, $20’s etc.).

C. Withdraw money from a savings account
      Teller should fill in the withdrawal slip
      Customer should supply the following information:

• name account number
• amount to withdraw

D. Open a savings account
      Teller should inform the customer of the minimum amount for an initial deposit, complete the
      paperwork
      Customer should provide the following information

• address
• place of employment
• an ID
• amount of initial deposit

E. Apply for a loan for a new car
      Teller should complete the paperwork and ask the customer for the following information:
      Customer should supply the requested information

• name
• address
• place of employment
• length of time at present job
• average monthly salary
• average monthly expenses
• an ID name of person for reference
• name of a person to act as co-signer

 

Asking for Help

 

Help! I need somebody Help! Not just anybody.

Everyone needs help from time to time and most people are willing to give it in a time of need. Most of the time of course the help needed is for something minor. But sometimes the help may be a matter of life or death. The expressions below are generally used for minor assistance. For anything really, really major- the need for help is usually readily apparent and would not require someone to ask- such as in a fire or a serious car accident. Look at these expressions that can be used for asking for minor assistance.

English Expressions- Asking for Help

Expression                                                 Response

To offer help
Would you like some help?                        Yes, that would be great.
Can I give you a hand?                               Thanks, much obliged
Do you need a hand?                                  No thanks, I’ve got it.
May I offer my assistance?                        That would be so kind, thank you.

To ask for help
Could you give me a hand?                       Certainly.
Would you mind helping me out?              Not at all.
Could you help me please?                       My pleasure

As with help, people need advice from time to time. Your family or friends may need advice about relationships, financial investments, or how to deal with an irritating co-worker. Look at the expressions can be used when asking for advice.

Expression : What do you think I should do?
Response: Why don’t you (…. take a taxi).
Response: That’s a good idea.

Expression : What would you do in my shoes?
Response: Have you thought about (…. getting some medicine at the pharmacy)?
Response: Maybe you’re right.

Expression : Do you have any ideas about what to do?
Response: I think you should ( …. see a doctor).
Response: Thanks for the advice.

Expression : What would you suggest?
Response: Have you considered ( …. the local markets? They have great deals).
Response: That might work. I hadn’t thought of that.

Expression : Can you think of anything that might help?
Response: One option may be to (…. call your embassy).
Response: Thanks, I’ll try that.

Dialogue- Asking for Help

Barry: Could you give me a hand this weekend?
Larry: Doing what?
Barry: Landscaping my yard.
Larry: That sounds like a big job.
Barry: It might be, it depends on how I decide to do it.
Larry: You don’t know yet?
Barry: I can’t make up my mind. I’m vacillating between desert landscape with cacti or
     plush green grass with lots of flowers. What do you think it should be?
Larry: Well, a desert landscape has a lot less maintenance, but nothing beats a nice green lawn.
Barry: Thus my dilemma. What would you do?
Larry: Let me ask you this- how much time will you spend out there.
Barry: With my schedule, probably not much.
Larry: Then I would go with the desert. Keeping up a grass lawn is a lot of work.
Barry: Yea, I think you’re right.

Conversation Activities- Asking for Help

1. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you helped someone or someone helped you? Tell your partner about it using
     some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more
     information.

what was the help for
where did it happen
when did it happen
how often do you offer assistance

2. Pair work- discussion
     When was the last time you gave someone advice or asked for advice? Tell your partner about it using
     some of the ideas for discussion below. Your partner should ask questions to get more information.

what was the advice for
was it good advice
who did you ask/who asked you
did you follow the advice- why or why not

3. Pair work- role play
     Working with a partner, role play the situation, using the information below

The situation: Seeking help on the street. Be sure to express your gratitude.
The roles: you, your partner

Moving a heavy box                                  Directions to the subway
Where the jeans are in a store                Using a cell phone
Fixing a flat
Using an ATM (instructions are in a foreign language)