| Level |
Topic |
Speakers |
Length |
| Easy |
Health Remedies |
Man – Woman |
01:02 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
Name several illnesses that keep people from going to work or school. Then, discuss the symptoms for each and remedies and treatments for curing the problem.
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
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In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
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In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
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For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and check your progress.
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- People take medicine too quickly when they feel sick.
- Home treatments can be just as helpful as medicine.
- It’s better to see a doctor than to treat yourself.
- You should not take medicine unless it’s prescribed by a doctor.
- Natural remedies are safer than chemical drugs.
- Some people depend too much on painkillers.
- Rest and water are the best treatment for a cold.
- Over-the-counter medicine is safe for most people.
- Taking antibiotics for every illness is a bad idea.
- It’s okay to use old medicine if you still have it at home.
Idioms
“sick as a dog” = very sick
“She has been sick as a dog for a week, and she really needs to see a doctor.”
“run down” = very tired and exhausted
“Jeff is feeling run down, so he decided not to come to the party.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Vocabulary Practice
Try this activity to practice the vocabulary from the conversation:
Post-Listening Exercise
Think of a time during the last year when you got really sick. What was the problem? Did you go to the doctor? If so, what did the doctor tell you to do, eat, or buy to get better? If you didn’t go to the doctor, what did you do to try to recover from your illness?
Online Investigation
What home remedies do you have in your country for the following illnesses or situations? Search for information in books or online to help you answer this question:
- cold
- stomachache
- hangover
- hiccups
- sore throat