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: 4.1 (99 votes)

Submitted by pekle84 on Fri, 31/07/2026 - 15:22

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I get sick every winter... but i take my medicines and everything is allright :)

Submitted by cittàutopica on Mon, 27/07/2026 - 19:15

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I don't often get a cough or cold; it usually only happens in the winter, even though I live in a Mediterranean climate, so it's not too cold. However, in these cases, I take a syrup and let the cold go away on its own.

 

Submitted by Milena12345 on Mon, 20/07/2026 - 19:10

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How often do you get a cough or a cold? What do you recommend?

I always get cold when it's getting colder in my country, but it's only one time per year. I don't get cold often and thats my advises I supply vit D3 for almost all year I do sport and I'm trying to eat heathy and don't get me wrong it can really help to build better immune system. But when I get cold I drink tee with honey and I'm taking meds for cought or for other illness and after a week I'm completly cured. I can recommend something that my mum was giving to me for cold when i was younger. Syrup from onion and garlick it tasted disgusting but worked.

Submitted by Bajalan on Thu, 16/07/2026 - 10:09

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Actually it happens not just because cold season, but the virus could be taken of someone else.  One of my advice is to eat an boiled- egg which is still liquid at morning on empty stomach, it really worth especially if you continue eating for three or four days. In my country, we do not need to go to a doctor for a cough or flu, we can visit a pharmacist and take his or her advice without a doctor-prescription.  

Submitted by PEKO on Thu, 11/06/2026 - 16:31

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I always get a cold when the seasons changes. It does feel very uncomfortable. I recommend to take a rest and drink warm water. Also I will prepare some lozenges if it becomes worse. As it takes too long time for waiting GP, I don’t recommend to find the doctor.

Submitted by yamin1991 on Sun, 10/05/2026 - 06:35

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How often do you get a cough or a cold? What do you recommend?
In my country, I used to get a cough very often. Because of the air pollution. When I felt sore throat, I go and see the doctor. The doctor gives me a prescription and I bought over the counter to get pills. At the other side, I have a meal without oil. In my opinion ,oily can cause a sore throat more. So, you need to avoid oily food or fries. Instead of this, you can eat fresh vegetables. 

Submitted by Ssannmm on Wed, 25/03/2026 - 09:38

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I usually catch a cold once a year since I practice sports, so my recommendation is to practice any sport, even just walking two or three times a week. I think boosting the immune system is the best way to prevent illness.

Submitted by Sarah Abo Elnaga on Sun, 22/03/2026 - 17:03

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I need to know how i pass my level to the above level i listen some listening then what?? 

Submitted by OZalan on Fri, 20/02/2026 - 04:17

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How often do you get a cough or a cold? What do you recommend? I usually get cold once o twice a year, the most time of my life, but since a changed my diet, I have not get anymore. So I think people should get good food and avoid bad one.