I. Pre-Listening Exercises
What are some of the most common problems for which people go to a doctor when seeking medical advice and an examination? Do you ever look for medical advice or medication online?
HELPFUL TIP: Be prepared to discuss you past medical history when speaking with a doctor. The information might be helpful in diagnosing your problem and prescribing medice for your condition.
II. Listening Exercises
First, listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button, and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.
A. Russell
B. Randall
C. Ronald
2. From the conversation, how did the man probably find out about Dr. Carter?
A. He saw the office on his way home from work.
B. A friend referred him to Dr. Carter’s office.
C. He found Dr. Carter’s number in the phone book.
3. What time does he schedule an appointment to see Dr. Carter?
A. Tuesday
B. Wednesday
C. Thursday
4. Why does the man want to see the doctor?
A. He hurt his knee when a tall ladder fell on him.
B. He injured his ankle when he fell from a ladder.
C. He sprain his hand when he fell off the roof of his house.
5. What does the receptionist suggest at the end of the conversation?
A. The man should put some ice on his injury.
B. The man needs to come into the office right away.
C. The man ought to take it easy for a few days.
Score =
Correct answers:
Listen to the conversation again as you read the full conversation:
{mp3}MakingAnAppointment{/mp3}
Receptionist: Dr. Carter’s Office.
Ronald: Yes, I’d like to make an appointment to see Dr. Carter, please.
Receptionist: Is this your first visit?
Ronald: Yes it is.
Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your name please?
Ronald: Yes. My name is Ronald Schuller.
Receptionist: And may I ask who referred you to our office?
Ronald: Uh, I drove past your office yesterday.
Receptionist: Okay. How about the day after tomorrow on Wednesday at 4:00 O’clock?
Ronald: Uh. Do you happen to have an opening in the morning? I usually pick up my kids from school around that time.
Receptionist: Okay. Um . . . how about Tuesday at 8:00 A.M. or Thursday at 8:15 A.M.?
Ronald: Uh, do you have anything earlier, like 7:30?
Receptionist: No. I’m sorry.
Ronald: Well, in that case, Thursday would be fine.
Receptionist: Okay. Could I have your phone number please?
Ronald: It’s 643-0547.
Receptionist: Alright. And what’s the nature of your visit?
Ronald: Uh . . .
Receptionist: Yes sir.
Ronald: Well, to tell the truth, I fell from a ladder two days ago while painting my house, and I sprained my ankle when my foot landed in a paint can. I suffered a few scratches on my hands and knees, but I’m most concerned that the swelling in my ankle hasn’t gone down yet.
Receptionist: Well, did you put ice on it immediately after this happened?
Ronald: Well yeah. I just filled the paint can with ice and . . .
Receptionist: And so after you removed the paint can . . . Sir, sir, Mr. Schuller, are you still there?
Ronald: Well that’s part of the problem. Uh, the paint can is still on my foot.
Receptionist: Look, Mr. Schuller. Please come in today. I don’t think your case can wait.
| Key Vocabulary |
- refer someone or something (verb): directed or pointed to
– My brother referred me to this doctor.
– Please refer to page 30 in your textbook. You will find more information on heart disease on that page. - happen (verb): have the chance or possiblility of something
– I think he happens to know a doctor who might be able to help you. Give him a call. - nature (noun): purpose
– What is the nature of your problem? - sprain (verb): twist suddenly
– I need to see a doctor today. I think I sprained knee when I slippped on the ice outside of my apartment. - case (noun): special circumstances or situation
– Wow. That looks like a bad cut. In this case, you’d better see a doctor and get stiches. That cut won’t heal well by itself.
| III. Vocabulary Activities |
| Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: |
| III. Post-Listening Exercises |
What are you major concerns in visiting medical facilities, for example, a doctor’s office or a hospital, in a foreign country? What differences have you noticed in the medical care, facilities, and attitudes of doctors and nurses towards patients in comparison with those in your own country? Share your opinions on the topic.