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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Submitted by noorshi on Sat, 23/11/2024 - 15:49

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I typically, catch cold in winter, along with sore throat, headache, and constant cough.I treated that with warm mint tea mixed with a teaspoon of honey, drink hot milk mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric, and take lozenges if it necessary.

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Submitted by David Greyheart on Sun, 17/11/2024 - 18:20

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Hello, I'm David Greyheart or maybe in real life you know me as Gede Anggara yukta.

Have you ever had a sore throat? If so, do you prefer medicine in the form of syrup or lozenges?

A sore throat, especially when accompanied by a cough, can be really annoying and painful. Every time you cough, it feels like your throat and chest are being stabbed. Swallowing food or drinks becomes uncomfortable and unpleasant. Personally, I usually use syrup medicine like "Komix OBH" to soothe my throat until it heals on its own. As for lozenges, I’ve tried them too. They usually have a minty taste that refreshes the throat.

Here’s a little advice: if you have a sore throat, take medicine as soon as possible. It’s incredibly annoying, especially since it stops you from eating, drinking, or talking comfortably. Don’t let it ruin your day guys!

Submitted by Paukzen on Mon, 11/11/2024 - 18:08

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I usually only get a cough and/or cold once a year. When I was young if I had a cough or a cold I would go running in the park, really, and everything would go away, I don't know why.

Now I don't do anything in particular but simply wait for it to pass.

Submitted by Ali0034 on Tue, 15/10/2024 - 16:34

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Usually I catch cold twice in a year . When I catch cold I act according to situation . İf I feel very bad I go to hospital . Otherwise my ilness may increase more and more . İf I don't feel very bad  my mother help me and she give me syrup . İf it neceserry to recommmend I can say that you should do gym and eating healthy . 

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Submitted by mutiiiiii on Tue, 08/10/2024 - 10:43

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Yes, I do. Sometime I use the medicines like a herbal syrup and Panadol for a headache. The honey is good for soothing your throat, a lemon juice for supply your immunity and a warm ginger drink is good.

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Submitted by zino on Tue, 24/09/2024 - 11:43

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  • Actually, I don't get coughs or colds often. However, when I do catch a cold, I usually visit a pharmacy rather than a doctor, unless it's a serious case.
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Submitted by bero414 on Mon, 16/09/2024 - 10:15

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I get a cold or a cough when the winter comes in, so I take a  lozenges (Panadol ,ibuprofen) and drink a lemon with honey and ginger.

Submitted by Glittery on Wed, 21/08/2024 - 14:35

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I don't even remember the last time I had cold, but when I do, my mother always helps by giving me some medicine, She's experienced with that and knows what works best

Submitted by Olena999 on Tue, 25/06/2024 - 09:46

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Not so often. Perhaps once per winter time or autumn. I take lozenges, some powders for cold, tea with honey for my sore throat and bed confinement.  

Submitted by Toan3002 on Fri, 17/05/2024 - 09:35

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Occasionally, I get a cough or cold for several days. I will buy cough syrup in a drug store or use herb syrup to reduce cough effectively. Using Panadol or medicine containing paracetamol to treat headaches. You should take a rest and sleep to recover your body. If that cough continues, you need to see a doctor to get a description of treatment.