A1: Pharmacy: Ask for Medicine

NEWS STORY

Mina walks into Green Street Pharmacy at 6 p. m. after work. She has a small headache. She does not know the medicine name in English, but she can explain the problem.

She says, "Excuse me. I have a headache. Do you have something for it? " The pharmacist understands. He says, "Yes. Is it strong? " Mina says, "No, it is not strong. It is a small headache. "

The pharmacist shows her two boxes. Mina asks, "How many do I take? " He answers, "Take one tablet with water. " Mina repeats, "One tablet with water. Thank you. " Repeating the advice helps her remember it.

The pharmacist asks one more question. "Are you allergic to any medicine? " Mina does not know a difficult answer, so she uses simple words. She says, "No, I am not allergic. "

Then he asks, "Do you take other medicine now? " Mina says, "No, I do not. " These answers are short, but they are important. They help the pharmacist choose a safer medicine.

Mina also asks, "Can I take this before dinner? " The pharmacist says, "Take it after food. " Mina checks again: "After food? " The pharmacist says, "Yes, after food. "

Before Mina pays, she checks the advice one last time. She says, "So, one tablet after food, with water? " The pharmacist says, "Yes. If you feel worse, please see a doctor. "

Mina says, "Okay. How much is it? " The medicine is eight dollars. She pays and says, "Thank you for your help. "

This is a good ending. Mina knows what to do. She also knows the safety sentence: if the problem gets worse, see a doctor. In real life, checking the advice is more important than speaking fast.