Vocabulary Task
Script and Answers
1. A: Lisa, do you still have a sore throat?
B: Yes, I tried gargling with salt water, but it still isn’t any better.
A: Don’t worry. There’s still hope. Go to see a doctor.
B: I guess you’re right.
2. A: I look so stupid with this big zit on my nose.
B: Stop popping it. You know you’re only making it worse.
A: But, what a shame it is! I can’t stand it.
B: Take it easy and you’ll feel better.
3. A: You look exhausted. What’s the matter?
B: My baby has been having the runs for several days and I virtually haven’t got much rest.
A: That’s really tough. I’ll come and help you after work.
B: Thank you. I can handle it myself.
4. A: What’s wrong with Jack? I haven’t seen him for two days.
B: Jack is having a fever and red spots on his skin. The doctor said that he has German measles.
A: Oh, no! How could that be?
B: Someone in his class had it. Then he got it, too. Some things just can’t be helped.
5. A: Steve got a heart attack last night.
B: Poor Steve, my heart goes out to him. No wonder I didn’t see him today. How is he now?
A: It was close. His nephew took him to hospital in time and he was saved.
B: I hope he can recover soon.
Listening Task
2. Listening Activity
1) First Listening
Answers
1. The second baby was born alive.
2. The baby was transferred to a larger hospital.
3. The baby survived.
2) Second Listening
Answers
1. The baby was born to an RH negative mother and was believed that he was 100% sure to die.
2. The nurse asked for permission to feed the baby by dropper and worked very hard day and night to get some nourishment in the baby.
3. The baby was transferred to a larger hospital which had more equipment and pediatricians and was saved.
4. Never give up hope even when the odds are overwhelmingly against you because no one has the wisdom to know how a patient will respond.
Script and Answers to Self-study
Against all odds
One day when I was working in a hospital in Illinois, we had a baby born to (1) an RH negative mother. At that time, it was believed that if a mother with the RH negative blood factor delivered a dead first baby, it was considered (2) a 100% certainty that the second baby would also die. This was the mother’s second baby and the first one had died. Death was expected soon. This was a case where such babies (3) were set aside to die. And so had this one.
The doctor had not ordered a feeding tube inserted so I asked for permission to (4) feed the baby by dropper because it was too weak to suck. He said that he didn’t think it would be of any value, but that I could if I wanted to. I and the rest of the staff worked very hard day and night to (5) get some nourishment in the baby. The baby survived! Day after day the baby continued to survive. Then I started asking the doctor to let us transfer the baby to a larger hospital in Rockford, Illinois. That hospital had more (6) equipment and pediatricians. Finally, the doctor consented and we prepared to transfer the baby to Rockford.
When a transfer was being made from our hospital to the Rockford Hospital, the patient was always (7) accompanied by a nurse. Since I was so involved with the baby, I was asked to be its nurse (8) on this transfer.
This would be my first trip (9) in an ambulance. The other nurses had told me many stories about the ambulance rides. They described it as a wild, wild ride. I was not looking forward to the trip, but since I knew the baby’s condition well, I knew I was the best choice. So, I went. The siren (10) started wailing as soon as we left the hospital's driveway. On and on the cars in our path quickly (11) pulled over to the side. This ride was so dangerous that I started worrying about my own survival as much as the baby's. I (12) broke out in a sweat. It was only after we arrived at the Rockford Hospital that the driver discovered that he had (13) left the heat on! I could have done without that.
The baby was settled in at the hospital, and each day our reports were that the baby continued to thrive. Some time later we received word that the baby was dismissed from the hospital. And the mother (14) took home a live baby!
I consider this case one of the highlights of my nursing career. I learned one very important thing: Never give up hope even when (15) the odds are overwhelmingly against you because no one has the wisdom to know how a patient will respond.
Real World Listening
1. Predict
Answers
□ Why do some people catch colds?
□ Does an antibiotic cure a cold?
2. Get the Main Ideas
Answers
1. Antibiotics kill bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections.
2. Kissing doesn’t put you at a high risk for catching a cold.
3. They are often overtired or under physical or emotional stress.
4. The cold virus spreads by coughing and sneezing.
Script
Catch a cold if I kiss her?
Anchorman: Now it’s late autumn. There has been a new resurgence of the number of cold sufferers in the school. Today we have invited Doctor Keizer to answer students’ questions on colds. Doctor Keizer, can we be immunized against a cold?
Keizer: Common colds are caused by viral infections. There are over 200 different kinds of cold viruses, the most common being the nose virus. Because there are so many different types of cold viruses, it is highly unlikely that you’ll become immune to having a cold.
Anchorman: That’s too bad. We’ll have to take care so that we don’t catch a cold. Now, we’re ready to take questions.
Student A: Hello, Doctor. If I have a cold, should I be taking an antibiotic?
Keizer: No. Antibiotics kill bacterial infections and have no effect on viral infections. Keep in mind that bacteria build up a resistance to antibiotics; therefore, only use such medication if absolutely necessary.
Student A: My girlfriend has a cold. Can I catch a cold if I kiss her?
Keizer: No. Surprisingly, kissing doesn’t put you at a high risk for catching a cold. The mucous membrane of the mouth provides sufficient protection against the virus. A good way to get a cold is to get the virus directly in the upper nose, but don’t try this at home.
Student A: Thank you, Doctor.
Student B: Hello, Doctor. Lately I've been getting more colds than usual. Should I be worried?
Keizer: You are probably more prone to catching a cold because you are overtired or under physical or emotional stress. If you smoke, you are more likely to catch a cold and have longer lasting symptoms than a non-smoker. Industrial pollution may also predispose you to catching a cold. Although colds are discomforting, there are few complications associated. Check with your doctor to rule out any other type of medical possibility.
Student C: Hello, Doctor. I have a cold, but I can’t miss class. How can I prevent other people from getting it?
Keizer: The cold virus spreads by coughing and sneezing. Make sure you wash your hands often with warm water and soap and avoid touching your nose and eyes. Don’t share your items with others, like pens, drinking glasses, towel, soap. Keep Kleenexes handy in case you have to sneeze or cough. The organism can infect others readily through the air.
Student D: Hi, Doctor. I don’t have a cold, but my throat hurts. Is it serious?
Keizer: If you have a fever that’s over 38.5℃ or lasts for 24 hours, make an appointment at Student Health Services to see a doctor or a nurse. Make an appointment if you have swollen lymph nodes.
Student E: Hello, Doctor. I......
Real World Speaking
Answer for Reference
Obviously the outcome proves that the doctor had made a mistake and the nurse was right in trying to save the baby. But there are a lot of instances in which doctors know from their experience and the established medical practice that some patients are terminally ill and cannot be saved. |