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English for Medical Purposes - A Prescription

By Kenneth Beare, About.com

A Prescription

Patient: … what about the problems I've been having sleeping?
Doctor: I'm going to give you a prescription for some medicine to help you get a better night's sleep.

Patient: Thank you doctor.
Doctor: Here, you can get this prescription at any pharmacy.

Patient: How often should I take the medicine?
Doctor: Just take one pill about 30 minutes before you go to bed.

Patient: How long should I take them?
Doctor: The prescription is for thirty days. If you're not sleeping well after thirty days, I'd like you to come back in.

Patient: Is there anything else I can do to help me sleep at night?
Doctor: Don't worry so much about things at work. I know, I know... easier said than done.

Patient: Should I stay home from work?
Doctor: No, I don't think that's necessary. Just remember to stay calm.

Key Vocabulary

prescription
to get a good night's sleep
pharmacy
to take medicine
to take a pill
easier said than done
to stay calm

Check your understanding with this multiple choice comprehension quiz.

More Dialogue Practice - Includes level and target structures / language functions for each dialogue.

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