At the chemist

At the chemist

Listen to a conversation at a chemist's to practise and improve your listening skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.

Preparation

Transcript

Chemist: Hello, can I help?

Customer: Yes, my wife sent me here. I, erm, need something for a sore throat … and I can't stop coughing. It really hurts.

Chemist: Do you have a headache too?

Customer: Not really, no.

Chemist: Well, we have this syrup. And these lozenges.

Customer: Which is better? 

Chemist: They're both good. The syrup is more expensive.

Customer: Oh, well … I'll take the lozenges, then. How many do I take?

Chemist: Just one.

Customer: Sorry, I'm sorry. Er, how often should I take it?

Chemist: Just one every four to six hours. Take it before mealtimes. Are you allergic to any medicine?

Customer: No.

Chemist: Then you'll be fine with this.

Customer: Can I get some antibiotics too?

Chemist: I'm afraid you need a prescription for that.

Customer: Ah.

Chemist: You know, you should really see a doctor if that cough continues.

Customer: Thanks. I know.

Chemist: Anything else?

Customer: No, thanks.

Chemist: That'll be £7.49 then, please.

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Average: 4.3 (64 votes)
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Submitted by Aroooma on Tue, 26/01/2021 - 19:46

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I get cold and sort throte in the cold weather also get fever but I prefer take a natural drinks ruther than medications, like ginger with lemon or orange jusie and t,its perfect.Surly take rest is important for Patient

Submitted by Roberto Dur on Sat, 23/01/2021 - 13:16

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It is very common to me to get a cold, as I live in a tropical country I use warm beverages, they really help, only if they fail then I go to try syrups

Submitted by Fatii on Wed, 20/01/2021 - 10:52

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For me,I rarely have a cold or a cough, but when I get one or both of them in the same time, I prefer first to try a home remedies, like have a hot thyme drink, or drink a hot water with lemon or honey, I olso inhalation of the steam of boiling eucalyptus leaves. As for medicines it be the last choice, when the home remedies can't help me to recover.

Submitted by marlio96 on Wed, 20/01/2021 - 03:10

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I don't get often cold or cough, it's very rare when I am sick, but I remember some time ago when I got a cold, I took some lozenges and my cold became worse than before I took it, even I started to cough, I wouldn't have taken that pill if my cousin hadn't recommended it to me, so I don't recommend the lozenges for cold or cough, I prefer the syrup, it's a little more expensive than lozenges but is better such as the chemist on the audio said.
Profile picture for user El Cuy Mágico

Submitted by El Cuy Mágico on Mon, 18/01/2021 - 23:52

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I usually don’t get a cough or a cold. Maybe once per year, but to avoid it I try to exercise regularly and eat balanced. When I feel about to get sick I always drink hot lemon juice with kion before go to bed. Moreover I usually chew and swallow the kion. It isn’t that pleasant but it helps you feel better quickly. It lasts two or three days to do effect. ¡A greeting from Cuzco!

Submitted by Minh on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 20:53

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I really don't often get cough that you had it was a bit annoying. Therefore, I always keep warming my body, even my hands and my ears. Remember that don't drink ice cold too much. This is one of reasons it makes you being sore throat. Moreover, you should do exercise everyday that it is essential to keep your health stronger.

Submitted by Dariusz on Mon, 04/01/2021 - 20:49

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I usually have a cold one time per year during the season, but I rarely get a cough.

Submitted by Saad786 on Tue, 29/12/2020 - 15:08

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I usually get cough, when I take more cold drinks. During winter , cough really hurts me so I prefer antibiotics .

Submitted by Aung5402 on Fri, 25/12/2020 - 04:42

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When I was youth, I usually got cough and cold on account of changing season. But recently, I do not get the cough and cold anymore. The doctor told me to exercise regularly everyday. As a result, my body resistance becomes powerful. So, I would like to recommend that taking diet and working out everyday can keep you away from diseases. Therefore, you can stay in immunity by yourself not by treatment.

Submitted by M19 on Sun, 06/12/2020 - 04:24

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Rarely do I catch a cold. If I happen to get one that persists and doesn't respond to acceptable home remedies like keeping warm, taking fluids, having a bedrest or sucking on a lozenge, I definitely would have to see a Doctor just to be sure nothing serious is taking place. However, it could also indicate onset or worsening of an infectious process probably caused by microorganisms, exposure to an allergen/ toxin or presence of unknown factors that may warrant further investigations and treatment. So, my suggestion is to visit a Doctor if you are not feeling well.