Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 13 of 20 · Step 1
At the Doctor's
Name
Date
Vocabulary
symptom
nounA sign that you are unwell.
"The most common symptom is a high temperature."
appointment
nounA scheduled time to see a doctor or professional.
"I have an appointment with the doctor at three."
prescription
nounA written instruction from a doctor for medicine.
"Take this prescription to any pharmacy."
fever
nounA body temperature higher than normal.
"She has had a fever for two days."
rest
verbTo relax and not do strenuous activity.
"The doctor said I should rest for three days."
recover
verbTo return to good health after illness.
"He recovered quickly after taking the antibiotics."
dose
nounA measured amount of medicine to take at one time.
"Take one dose every eight hours with food."
allergic
adjectiveHaving an adverse reaction to a substance.
"She is allergic to penicillin — always tell the doctor."
Grammar Focus
Should / shouldn't — advice and recommendations
Use should + base verb to give or ask for advice. Use shouldn't (should not) to advise against something. Should does not change form. It expresses what is advisable, not what is obligatory.
You should drink plenty of water if you have a fever.
She shouldn't go back to work until she feels completely better.
Should I take both tablets at the same time?
You should always tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medication.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with should or shouldn't.
1. You eat anything for six hours before the operation.
2. He see a dentist — that toothache has been there for weeks.
3. I take this medicine with food?
4. You drive if you have taken this medication — it causes drowsiness.
5. She rest for at least two days before returning to work.
Exercise 2
Match each symptom to the correct advice.
Reading
Feeling Under the Weather
Last Tuesday, I woke up with a sore throat and a high temperature. I called my doctor's surgery and made an appointment for that afternoon. The receptionist told me I should arrive ten minutes early and bring my health card. The doctor examined me and said it was a throat infection. She gave me a prescription for antibiotics and said I should take one tablet three times a day with food. She said I shouldn't go to work for two days and should drink plenty of warm fluids. I followed her advice and felt much better by the weekend.
1. What did the doctor diagnose?
2. What did the doctor advise the writer not to do?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 4–6 sentences giving advice to a friend who is feeling tired and unwell. Use should and shouldn't at least three times.
Example: You should get more sleep — eight hours a night is the recommendation. You shouldn't drink so much coffee late in the afternoon. I think you should try exercising more, even a short walk each day helps. You shouldn't skip meals when you are busy because it makes everything worse. Maybe you should take a day off and rest properly.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. shouldn't · 2. should · 3. Should · 4. shouldn't · 5. should
Exercise 2
1. You have a high fever → You should drink fluids and rest. · 2. You have a bad cough → You shouldn't smoke and should see a doctor if it continues. · 3. You have a sprained ankle → You should ice it and avoid walking on it. · 4. You feel very stressed → You should take breaks and consider speaking to someone. · 5. You have a stomach ache → You shouldn't eat rich food and should drink herbal tea.
Reading Comprehension
1. The doctor said it was a throat infection. · 2. She said the writer shouldn't go to work for two days.