In this section you will practise prescribing treatment and giving therapeutic information.

1. Prescribing treatment.

Watch part of a dialogue from the previous section and read the subtitles. The doctor is prescribing treatment and giving therapeutic information.

Now try to memorise the dialogue below. When you are ready, tap or click on “Start”. Most of the words will disappear. Type in the missing words. (Tip: You can click on each space to see the first letter of the missing word.)

2. Different functions.

What is the function of each example? Choose the correct options.

3. Different functions: Practice.

Can you remember the sentences from the previous exercise? Type in the missing word or words to complete the sentences.

4. Listen: Three cases.

Listen to three dialogues between doctors and patients. Choose the correct options to complete the information about each case.

5. Case 1.

Listen and read the first dialogue again. Then choose the best definitions for the underlined words.

Case 1
Doctor: You have a throat inflammation. It’s nothing serious. I’ll write a prescription for some tablets. Take one tablet three times a day for three days.
Patient: OK.
Doctor: Um, … you are quite a heavy smoker, so I advise you to cut down … or stop smoking completely. Are you interested in doing that?
Patient: I’ll try to cut down. Well, it’s easier when I’m not feeling well.
Doctor: Yes, I imagine it is. … Now, these are codeine tablets. They will reduce the pain of your sore throat in two or three hours. However, there are some possible side effects. You may experience constipation and they can make you feel sleepy. It’s important to take the correct dose and make sure that you don’t drink alcohol while taking this medication. OK?
Patient: Yes, I understand.
Doctor: Good. So, come back and see me if the cough doesn’t get better within a week, or if you notice any side effects. And don’t forget about not drinking alcohol while taking the medication.
Patient: OK. Thanks. Yes, I won’t forget.

6. Possibility vs. generally true.

Look at the examples:
You may/might experience constipation. (This is possible.)
They can make you feel sleepy. (This happens. This is generally true.)

Choose the better option to complete the sentences.

7. Case 2.

Use the phrases to complete the second dialogue. This exercise is in two parts.

Part 1

Part 2

Now listen and read the dialogue.

8. Saying something is important.

Look at the examples:
It’s important to change the dressing each day.
You need to make sure that the wound stays dry.
It’s better not to shower.
Don’t forget about not drinking alcohol while taking the medication.
Don’t forget to take the medication.

Put the words in order to make more sentences.

9. So that, in case and if.

Look at the examples:

Put some antiseptic on the stitches, so that they don’t get infected.
(so that + something you want or don’t want to happen)

I’ll also give you a tetanus injection, in case you were exposed to the bacteria.
(in case + something that could happen, or could have happened)

Come back immediately if you see that it is red and sore.
(if + a condition or situation)

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences.

10. Case 3.

Put the third dialogue in the correct order.

11. Case 3.

Can you remember? Use the words and phrases to complete the dialogue. This exercise is in two parts.

Part 1

Part 2

Now listen and read the dialogue.

12. Specifying treatment.

Look at the examples:
Take one tablet three times a day for three days.
Take an aspirin every six hours.

Note:     once = one time        twice = two times
Take the medicine twice a day, after meals.

Put the words in order to complete the sentences.

13. Vocabulary review.

Look at the picture. on the card to see and hear the word or phrase. Practise the names of things to give a patient.

Speaking Tutorial 2 (Prescribe treatment and give therapeutic information.)

In this tutorial you will practise prescribing treatment and giving therapeutic information.

1. Imagine your tutor is a patient. Prescribe treatment and give therapeutic information for some of the following health problems and answer your patient’s questions.

  • a superficial wound
  • a broken finger
  • pneumonia
  • a sore throat and cough

2. Do you have any questions about things you have studied so far? Ask you tutor if you have any doubts.

At the end of the tutorial
Say goodbye to your tutor.

For example:
Well thank you. It was nice speaking to you. I hope to speak to you again sometime. Goodbye.