Pharmacy English: Conversation and Dosage Words

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 30 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

pharmacist a person trained to give out medicine and advice
prescription a doctor's written order for medicine
dose how much medicine to take
twice a day two times each day
with food while eating
over the counter can be bought without a prescription
sore throat pain in your throat

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 30: At the pharmacy

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

pharmacist: ________________________
prescription: ________________________
dose: ________________________
twice a day: ________________________
with food: ________________________
over the counter: ________________________
sore throat: ________________________

2. Questions

What is a 'dose'?
☐ How much medicine to take ☐ A type of tablet ☐ The price
'Take one tablet twice a day' means...
☐ one tablet a day ☐ two tablets a day ☐ two tablets twice a day
What should you always tell the pharmacist?
☐ Your address ☐ About other medicine and allergies ☐ Your job
What does 'over the counter' mean?
☐ You can buy it without a prescription ☐ It's behind the counter ☐ It's very expensive
Who should you ask for health advice?
☐ A pharmacist or doctor ☐ A podcast ☐ A friend online

3. Talk or write about it

At the pharmacy, explain two symptoms and ask how to take the medicine the pharmacist gives you.

Transcript

Josh: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.

Mel: And I'm Mel. Today we're at the pharmacy. In some countries it's called the chemist or the drugstore.

Josh: Pharmacists are great for small health problems. You can ask, 'Could I speak to the pharmacist, please?'

Mel: Then explain: 'I have a sore throat and a runny nose. What do you recommend?'

Josh: The pharmacist might ask, 'How long have you had it?' and 'Are you taking any other medicine?'

Mel: Always tell them about other medicine and any allergies. That's important.

Josh: If a doctor gave you a prescription, just say, 'I'd like to fill this prescription, please.'

Mel: Now, instructions. You'll hear words like 'dose', which means how much to take.

Josh: 'Take one tablet twice a day' means two tablets each day, in the morning and evening.

Mel: 'Take with food' means eat something when you take it. 'On an empty stomach' means before you eat.

Josh: If you're not sure, ask: 'Sorry, how many should I take, and how often?'

Mel: And read the label. It also says what to do and what to avoid.

Josh: One more: 'over the counter' medicine means you can buy it without a prescription.

Mel: Remember, we're just teaching the English here. For health advice, always ask a pharmacist or doctor.

Josh: Exactly. Let's review: pharmacist, prescription, dose, twice a day, with food and over the counter.

Mel: Look after yourselves. See you next time!

Answers: 1. How much medicine to take · 2. two tablets a day · 3. About other medicine and allergies · 4. You can buy it without a prescription · 5. A pharmacist or doctor

Frequently asked questions

Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?

Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.

What English level is this episode?

Beginner (about A1–A2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.

Which words will I learn in this episode?

pharmacist, prescription, dose, twice a day, with food, over the counter, sore throat. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.