English Learning: Medicine & Health

Dialogue

Current Situation

Staying healthy is very important in our daily lives! People around the world are becoming more aware of how to take care of themselves. This includes simple things like washing hands to prevent catching a cold or flu, eating healthy food, and getting enough rest.

When someone feels unwell, they might have a sore throat, a fever, or a cough. For minor issues, they might take over-the-counter medicine like pain relievers or vitamin C. If symptoms are serious or don’t improve, it’s important to see a doctor. Modern medicine provides many ways to treat illnesses and keep our immune system strong. Remember, prevention is key!

Key Phrases

• Feel under the weather: To feel slightly unwell or sick.

  I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I might go home early.

• Catch a cold/flu: To become sick with a cold or the flu.

  He caught a bad cold after staying out in the rain.

• Sore throat: A painful or inflamed throat.

  My throat is really sore, and it hurts when I swallow.

• Take medicine/pills: To consume medication.

  Don’t forget to take your medicine before bed.

• Get some rest: To relax and sleep, especially when tired or sick.

  If you’re tired, you should get some rest.

• Have a fever: To have a body temperature higher than normal.

  Does she have a fever? Her forehead feels warm.

• See a doctor: To visit a medical professional for advice or treatment.

  You should see a doctor if your symptoms don’t improve.

• Wash your hands: To clean your hands with soap and water.

  Always wash your hands before eating.

• Immune system: The body’s defense system against illness.

  Eating fruits and vegetables helps boost your immune system.

• Get well soon: A phrase used to wish someone a quick recovery from illness.

  I heard you’re sick. Get well soon!

Grammar Points

1. The verb “To Be” (am, is, are)

   We use “to be” to describe states, conditions, or facts. It changes depending on the subject:

   • I am: I am sick. I am tired.
   • You/We/They are: You are okay. We are friends. They are healthy.
   • He/She/It is: He is well. Her throat is sore. It is important.

2. Simple Present Tense

   The Simple Present Tense is used for:

   • Habits or routine actions: I wash my hands often. He often sneezes in the morning.
   • General truths or facts: Water is good for you. Eating healthy is important.
   • Current states or feelings: My throat hurts. I feel warm.

3. Modal Verb “Should” for Advice

   “Should” is a modal verb that we use to give advice, recommendations, or suggestions. It means something is a good idea or the right thing to do. The verb after “should” is always in its base form (without “to”).

   • You should drink lots of water. (This is good advice.)
   • She should get some rest. (It’s recommended for her.)
   • You should see a doctor. (This is a suggestion if you’re very sick.)

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks with a word from the box:

   cold, rest, doctor, hands, fever, medicine

   1. If you have a high temperature, you might have a ______.
   2. My throat is sore. I think I have a ______.
   3. You should get some ______ if you are tired.
   4. Don’t forget to wash your ______ before eating.
   5. If you feel very sick, you should see a ______.
   6. I need to take my ______ for my headache.

2. Complete the sentences using “is” or “are”:

   1. My head ______ hurting.
   2. Apples ______ good for health.
   3. She ______ feeling better now.
   4. We ______ friends.

3. Give advice using “should” and the given verbs:

   1. Problem: I’m very tired. Advice: You ______ ______ (get) some rest.
   2. Problem: My stomach hurts. Advice: You ______ ______ (eat) healthy food.
   3. Problem: I have a cold. Advice: You ______ ______ (drink) a lot of water.