Dialogues

A

Dr Jones: Hello, Peter. What seems to be the problem?

Peter: Well, I haven't been feeling very well for the last few days.

Dr Jones: I see.

Peter: And my throat is sore and it hurts when swallow.

Dr Jones: Have you noticed a loss of appetite?

Peter: Not really. But it's difficult to swallow.

Dr Jones: Right then, let me have a look... mmm...yes your throat is quite inflamed. We'd better take your temperature.

Peter: Actually, I do feel a bit warm.

DrJones: Hmm... just as I thought... 38.5°C. I'd say you've got tonsillitis. Are you taking any medicine at the moment?

Peter: No, not really.

DrJones: There's nothing to worry about, really. I'm going to give you a prescription. Make sure

you drink lots of hot fluids and soup, nothing cold.

Peter: OK, thanks a lot.

B

Tony: Hi, Jeff, I haven't seen you for ages. Where have you been?

Jeff: Oh, don't you know? I moved away.

Tony: Really?

Jeff: Yes. To a small village near Preston.

Tony: But what about your career at the stock exchange?

Jeff: Well, that's why I moved, actually. The stress was too much for me. What with the pressure and the long hours and everything, became ill. My doctor told me to get as far away from the rat race as possible, so I did!

Tony: So, what are you doing now?

Jeff: Well, I'm a systems analyst now, and I work from home. I've never been happier, or so relaxed. You should try it!

Tony: No way. This rat likes the big city too much.

C

Lisa: Jim, you look fantastic! You've lost so much weight!

Jim: Thanks. I feel pretty good, too.

Lisa: How did you do it?

Jim: I've taken up jogging.

Lisa: Good for you!

Jim: Every morning before I go to work, I go jogging down by the lake. It makes me feel great and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Lisa: It's certainly worked wonders for you.

Jim: Why don't you come with me one day? You'll feel better for it and your fitness level will improve.

Lisa: Yes, why not. I really need to get in shape!

D

1. A.: I have a sore throat

B.: How bad is it?

A.: Pretty bad. It’s a burning feeling.

B.: How long have you felt this way?

A.: For a few days. I’ve been sick since Monday morning.

2. A.: I’ve got a stomachache

B.: Is it a sharp pain or a dull ache?

A.: It’s more like a dull ache.

B.: When did you first notice this pain?

A.: It didn’t bother me until Sunday afternoon.

3. A.: There are so many vitamins. Which one should I take?

B.: Take these Daily Multiple Vitamins. They got everything you need.

A.: What about these super vitamins?

B.: I don’t think you need those. They are just a waste of money.

4. A.: Hello?

B.: Carmen? Is that you? Are you Ok?

A.: Uh-uh, I caught a terrible cold.

B.: You too? Well, I have news for you. We’re in the same boat. Ahchoo!

A.: Bless you.

B.: Thanks.

A.: Why don’t you come over and keep me company? I haven’t talked to anyone all day long.

B.: I’d like to, but I can’t stop sneezing. Ahchoo! And I have a sore throat. I just want to go to bed.

A.: I know what you mean. Do you have a fever?

B.: I don’t know for sure but I think so. I was going to take my temperature, but I dropped the thermometer and it broke.

A.: All it sounds like you should just …. Achchoo! Excuse me. You should just take two aspirins and go to bed. Chances are you’ll feel better in the morning.

B.: I hope so. And I hope you’ll get over your cold soon. Are you going to school tomorrow?

A.: I don’t think so. I’m in really bad shape. I may have to be absent for a few more days.

B.: Listen to us! We feel sorry for ourselves today, don’t we!

5. A.: Dr. Norman’s office.

B.: Hi, this is Bob Franklin. I’m a patient of Dr. Norman.

A.: Oh, yes, Mr. Franklin.

B.: I’m calling to make an appointment with the doctor. It’s not an emergency. I just need a recent physical in order to get enrolled in a new insurance plan at school.

A.: I see. Well, the doctor has several openings on June third.

B.: Hmm. Anything sooner than that? I have to turn in the application on the first.

A.: Yes. He has May twenty-ninth at two o’clock or May thirtieth at four-thirty.

B.: Oh, good. I’ll take the twenty-ninth at two o’clock.

A.: All right. I have you down. Since it’s for a physical, you will need to come in a week before the appointment to get a blood work-up.

B.: Oh

A.: You can do that without an appointment. Just come into the office before May twenty-second, and the nurse will take care of you. That way, the doctor will have the results of the tests when he sees you.

B.: Okay.

6. A.: I hate to go to the doctor.

B.: Yeah, but you are running a high fever. It’s 1030 F.

A.: I know. But if I go she’s going to take blood and ask me to give her a specimen. Then she’ll tell me to ask two aspirins and call her in the morning. And it will probably cost me 50 bucks.

B.: Well, I’m going to make an appointment anyway. You need a throat culture.

A.: You’re probably right. My throat really hurts. I’ve had the runs for two days, and I threw up twice this morning. Go ahead.

B.: You know, Don, you really have let yourself get run down. You should take better care of yourself.

7. A.: What seems to be the problem?

B.: I feel lousy. I’ve got a fever, and I break out in a cold sweat three or four times a day. I can’t keep food down either.

A.: I see. Have you passed out?

B.: No. Sometimes I feel like I am going to faint, but I don’t.

A.: Take a deep breathe and hold it. I see from your chart that your blood pressure is 170 over 90. That’s a bit high.

B.: I take good care of myself. I watch my diet, and I exercise regularly.

A.: How long has this illness been going on?

B.: Two or three days.

A.: Any trouble moving your bowels?

B.: No. In fact, I have the runs.

A.: Well, diarrhea and fever; as well as a sore throat lead me to conclude that you have a bad case of the flu. It will take another three or four days to run its course. Fill this prescription; it will control the diarrhea and help you to feel better. You should be in the pink in three or four days.

8. A.: Here’s the prescription for your allergy. This antihistamine will help you sneezing and itching eyes.

B.: How often should I take it?

A.: Take one tablet every four hours. The directions will be in the label.

B.: I’m still taking the other medicine you gave me. Is it safe to keep taking it with this new medicine?

A.: Yes, it’s safe.

B.: Thank you, doctor. I’ll go to the drugstore as soon as possible.

9. A.: What do you recommend for an upset stomach?

B.: There are a number of antacids you could use.

A.: Which one is the best?

B.: I can’t really say which is the best but Malena has worked well for me.

A.: Malena? Where do you keep it?

B.: On the bottom shelf in front of the cash register.

E.