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Daily lifeSpeaking roleplay

At the pharmacy in English

Ask for something for a cold or a headache, mention other medicine you take and ask how to take it, out loud, with a pharmacist who reacts to what you say.

Your level

  • Ravipharmacist
  • 3 levels
  • Speak, or type

Ravi, pharmacist

Hi there. What seems to be the problem?

Your goal Describe your symptoms, mention other medicine and ask about side effects.

Example conversation: at the pharmacy

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Ravi reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerAsk for something for a headache or a cold, and how often to take it.
  1. Ravi

    Hello! How can I help you?

  2. You

    Have you got something for a headache?

  3. Ravi

    Sure. Is it for you, or for a child?

  4. You

    It's for me.

  5. Ravi

    Okay. These are good. Any questions?

  6. You

    How often should I take them?

  7. Ravi

    Twice a day, with food. That's six pounds. Anything else?

  8. You

    No, that's all, thanks.

  9. Ravi

    Okay. Rest well, and see a doctor if it gets worse.

IntermediateDescribe your symptoms, mention other medicine and ask about side effects.
  1. Ravi

    Hi there. What seems to be the problem?

  2. You

    I've had a sore throat and a bad cough since Monday.

  3. Ravi

    A cough syrup should help. Are you taking any other medicine?

  4. You

    Yes, I'm taking tablets for my blood pressure.

  5. Ravi

    Thanks. This one's fine with that. Here you are. Take it twice a day, with food.

  6. You

    Are there any side effects?

  7. Ravi

    It can make you sleepy, so take care driving. Would you like throat lozenges too?

  8. You

    Yes, why not. That sounds good.

  9. Ravi

    Here you go. That's nine pounds. Get some rest. See a doctor if it gets worse.

Upper intermediateDeal with a prescription you can't get today and ask for a stronger painkiller.
  1. Ravi

    Hi, what can I do for you?

  2. You

    I'm here to pick up a prescription from my doctor.

  3. Ravi

    Thanks. I'm afraid it's out of stock until Thursday.

  4. You

    Is there anywhere else nearby that might have it?

  5. Ravi

    King Street might have it. I'll call them. Is there anything else I can help with?

  6. You

    Do you have anything stronger for back pain?

  7. Ravi

    I see. Anything stronger needs a prescription, I'm afraid.

  8. You

    I see. What would you suggest in the meantime?

  9. Ravi

    Try a heat patch, and rest your back. Take care, and see a doctor if it gets worse.

Useful phrases

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

  • Have you got something for a…?
  • It's for my son.
  • How often should I take them?
  • With food?
  • No, that's all, thanks.

Intermediate

  • I've had a sore throat since…
  • I'm taking… at the moment.
  • I'm allergic to…
  • Are there any side effects?
  • Will it make me sleepy?

Upper intermediate

  • I'm here to pick up a prescription.
  • Is there anywhere else that might have it?
  • Is there a generic version?
  • Do you have anything stronger?
  • What would you suggest in the meantime?
  • a painkillera tablet that stops pain
  • twice a daytwo times every day
  • with foodwhen you eat, not on an empty stomach
  • symptomsthe signs that you are ill, like a cough
  • side effectsother things a medicine can do to you
  • drowsysleepy, a bit slow
  • out of stockthe shop has none at the moment
  • a generic versionthe same medicine without the brand name, often cheaper
  • over the counteryou can buy it without a prescription

Common mistakes

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

  • Instead ofHow often do I drink the tablets?

    SayHow often do I take the tablets?

    We “take” medicine and tablets.

  • Instead ofHow many times in a day?

    SayHow many times a day?

    No “in”: twice a day, three times a day.

  • Instead ofI have head pain.

    SayI have a headache.

    We usually say “a headache”, “a stomachache”.

  • Instead ofI'm using antibiotics.

    SayI'm taking antibiotics.

    For medicine, use “take”: I’m taking antibiotics.

  • Instead ofAre there any side affects?

    SayAre there any side effects?

    The noun is “effect”: side effects.

  • Instead ofI have fire.

    SayI have a temperature.

    For a fever, say “I have a temperature”.

  • Instead ofI have a recipe from my doctor.

    SayI have a prescription from my doctor.

    A doctor’s note for medicine is a “prescription”.

  • Instead ofSomething more strong.

    SaySomething stronger.

    “Strong” is short, so it takes -er: stronger.

  • Instead ofIs there an alternative of it?

    SayIs there an alternative to it?

    We say “an alternative to” something.

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