English Learning Podcast Conversation | English Podcast For Advanced | Episode 08

Summary

In this engaging English language learning podcast, Marco and Erica explore pharmacy-related vocabulary. They cover essential terms such as 'prescription,' 'milligrams,' and 'price check,' while discussing forms of medicine like capsules and tablets. The episode also delves into important phrases like 'be sure not to' and 'hang on.' A dialogue between a customer and a pharmacist is used to illustrate these concepts, offering practical language tips for real-world scenarios. The lesson wraps up with a discussion about over-the-counter and prescription medicine.

Takeaways

• 📚 The podcast focuses on teaching vocabulary related to pharmacies, medicine, and common phrases used in such contexts.
• 💊 The term 'milligram' (mg) is explained as a unit of measurement commonly used for medicine dosage.
• 💡 The hosts discuss the difference between capsules (smooth and tube-shaped) and tablets (round and flat), both forms of medicine.
• ⚠️ It's important not to overdose on medicine, as taking too much can lead to serious health problems.
• 👁️ The shopper in the dialogue also asks for eye drops, which are liquid medicine used to treat eye conditions.
• 🛒 A humorous situation arises where the shopper asks for a price check on a personal item (condoms), leading to some embarrassment.
• 📜 The word 'prescription' refers to a doctor's note required to buy certain medications.
• 🍽️ Phrases like 'be sure not to take it on an empty stomach' are discussed, emphasizing the importance of eating before taking certain medicines.
• ⏳ The phrase 'hang on a sec' is explained as an informal way to ask someone to wait.
• 💬 Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, like aspirin, can be bought without a prescription, while prescription medicine requires authorization from a doctor.

Q & A

What is a pharmacy referred to as in British English?

In British English, a pharmacy is sometimes referred to as 'the chemist.'

What is a milligram, and how is it used in medicine?

A milligram (mg) is a 100th of a gram, and it's a common unit used for measuring medicine.

What does the term 'price check' mean?

A 'price check' refers to the action of checking the price of an item at a store, often done by the cashier or staff.

What is a prescription, and why is it necessary?

A prescription is a note from a doctor indicating the medicine a patient needs. It is often required to purchase certain medications.

What are the differences between capsules and tablets?

Capsules are small tubes with medicine inside and are usually smoother, while tablets are round and flat. Both are forms of pills but come in different shapes.

What does it mean to overdose on medicine?

To overdose means to take too much medicine, which can lead to serious illness or even death.

What are eye drops, and what are they used for?

Eye drops are liquid medicines that are applied to the eyes, typically to treat conditions such as dryness or infections.

Why is 'take medicine' used in English rather than 'eat' or 'drink' medicine?

'Take medicine' is the correct phrase in English, as 'eat' or 'drink' would imply consuming food or beverages, which is not how medicine is typically administered.

What is the difference between prescription medicine and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine?

Prescription medicine requires a doctor's note to purchase, while OTC medicine can be bought without a prescription, like aspirin for a headache.

How can the phrase 'be sure not to' be used in conversation?

The phrase 'be sure not to' is a polite way of giving advice or instructions, as opposed to the more direct 'don't.' It can be used in situations such as, 'Be sure not to forget your umbrella.'