Lesson 3 | Mar. 12
Getting Sick
“With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”
Vocabulary
fever: A temporary increase in body temperature, often a sign of infection or illness.
sore throat: A condition marked by pain, irritation, or itchiness in the throat, often a symptom of a cold or other infection.
runny nose: A condition where the nose produces an excess of mucus, often due to allergies, a cold, or other infections.
nausea: A feeling of discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit, often a sign of sickness or digestive upset.
body aches: General discomfort or pain in muscles and joints throughout the body, often resulting from illness, exertion, or stress.
chills: A feeling of coldness accompanied by shivering, often a sign of fever or illness.
virus: A very small germ that gets inside living things to make copies of itself, often making them sick.
electrolyte: Minerals in your body's fluids that help you stay hydrated, important for keeping everything working right, especially when you're sick and dehydrated.
hydrate: To drink enough fluids to replace what is lost, especially important when sick to help the body recover and fight off illness.
fatigued: Feeling very tired or weak because of sickness, making it hard to do normal activities.
walk-in clinic: A medical facility where you can get treatment without an appointment, often used for minor illnesses or injuries.
referral: A recommendation to see a specialist or another doctor, given by your primary care provider when you need expert advice or treatment for specific health issues.
regimen: A specific routine or plan, including habits, diet, and possibly medication, designed to prevent illness and maintain good health.
piggyback: To use one medication in combination with another to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
Phrases
Old Wives' Tales: Traditional beliefs or superstitions passed down through generations, often related to health, pregnancy, weather, and everyday life, without scientific basis.
Come Down with a Bug: To start showing symptoms of a minor illness, like a cold or flu.
Idioms
Under the Weather: Feeling slightly ill or not as well as usual, without being seriously sick.
Sick as a Dog: Feeling extremely ill or in very poor health.
Rule of Thumb: A general principle or guideline based on experience or practice rather than precise science or exact measurement.
An Arm and a Leg: A very large amount of money; something very expensive.
Reading Comprehension
Ella, who loved skiing down snowy slopes and sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace, rarely found herself stuck in bed. But this week was an exception; she was hit with a nasty sore throat that marked the beginning of a very uncomfortable series of events starting on Monday. By evening, while she was dreaming about her next ski trip, her situation worsened with the addition of a fever and chills. It was no longer just an inconvenience but a real illness.
Tuesday didn't bring any improvement. The persistent sore throat was now accompanied by a runny nose and nausea, making even the thought of hot cocoa unappealing. The body aches made her feel as if she had tumbled down the ski slopes all day, not just rested in bed. Fatigued and unable to enjoy watching snowfall from her window, Ella realized she was battling a tough virus.
By Wednesday, with her skis untouched and her winter gear lying idle, Ella knew it was time to seek help. She visited a walk-in clinic, where a friendly doctor listened to her symptoms and provided a referral to a specialist. He also suggested a health regimen for bouncing back and emphasized the importance of staying hydrated. Balancing electrolyte levels was key, especially when dealing with a fever and nausea. He shared a rule of thumb: to drink more water than usual when sick to help the body fight off the infection.
The doctor recommended piggybacking some medications, taking them at staggered times to enhance their effectiveness. With this advice, Ella felt a flicker of hope. She diligently followed the doctor's instructions, focusing on drinking fluids, following her medication schedule, and resting.
Gradually, Ella started to feel better. Her fever eased, her sore throat softened, and she began to look forward to her next ski adventure. This bout of illness, while challenging, taught her the importance of listening to her body and the value of health.
Fully recovered, Ella was eager to hit the slopes again, now with an even greater appreciation for the freedom and joy skiing brought her. This experience, though tough, deepened her gratitude for the exhilarating moments and quiet comforts that defined her love for winter sports.
Comprehension Questions:
What activities does Ella enjoy, and how do these interests impact her reaction to falling ill?
How does Ella realize she is dealing with more than just a minor inconvenience, and what steps does she take to address her illness?
What lessons does Ella learn from her experience of being sick, and how does it affect her appreciation for her hobbies?
Suggestions for Improvement
Subject-verb Agreement:
Subject-verb agreement means that the subject (who or what the sentence is about) and the verb (the action word or state of being) must both be singular or both be plural. In other words, if your subject is one person, place, or thing, the verb should show just one action. If your subject is more than one person, place, or thing, the verb should show that it's about more than one.
"Remember, when we talk about 'has' and 'have,' we are choosing the right word based on who or what we are talking about. If you are talking about one person or thing, like 'he,' 'she,' or 'it,' use 'has.' For example, 'She has a cat.' But if you are talking about more than one person or thing, or if you're using 'I' or 'you,' we use 'have.' For example, 'They have a dog' or 'I have a book.' Think of 'has' for one person or thing, and 'have' for more than one or when talking about yourself with 'I' or directly to someone with 'you.'"
Examples:
Ella has a strong interest in returning to the slopes once she recovers from her illness.
Ella and her friends have plans to celebrate her recovery with a day of skiing and sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace.
Idiomatic usage:
In American English, we typically use the structure "I don't have" instead of "I haven't" when expressing lack of possession. For example, "I don't have a book" is the preferred way to say you're without a book. This small adjustment will make your speech sound more natural to American listeners.
Examples:
Since I fell ill, I haven't been able to hit the slopes or enjoy my hot cocoa by the fire, and I miss it more each day.
I don't have any plans for skiing until I fully recover from this illness, and it's been tough watching the snowfall from inside.
Preposition “to”:
The preposition "to" is used to show direction, destination, or purpose. It links one idea to another in a sentence, helping to show where something or someone is going, who something is for, or why something is done. For example, in "She goes to school," "to" connects "goes" with "school" to show direction.
Using "to" helps us understand where something is going or why it's happening. If we don't use "to" when we need it, people might get confused about what we mean. For example, saying "I'm going to the store" makes it clear where I'm going. If I just say "I'm going the store," it sounds strange and unclear.
Verb choice:
In English, we use "I take" instead of "I get" when referring to the act of consuming or using something, like medication, because "take" more accurately describes the action of consumption or usage. "I take medicine" specifically means that you are consuming medicine, which is the intended action. On the other hand, "I get medicine" implies the action of obtaining or acquiring the medicine, such as buying it from a pharmacy or receiving it from someone, without indicating that you are consuming it.
The verb "take" is used to convey the idea of ingestion, application, or following a course of treatment, making it the appropriate choice when talking about medicine, advice, or instructions you are following. It highlights the personal action of using or consuming something for a particular purpose or benefit.
Choosing the correct verb based on the action you want to express is crucial for clear and precise communication, especially in contexts like healthcare, where understanding and clarity are paramount.
Lesson Notes
In today's lesson, we explored the theme of getting sick, delving into personal routines and responses to illness, as well as how different cultures address sickness. We discussed the various places people go for care, such as hospitals and clinics, and examined the types of medications commonly used in different regions. The conversation also touched on how sickness is managed in children, highlighting the particular concerns and treatments specific to younger patients. Throughout the lesson, we introduced and practiced key phrases and idioms related to health and sickness, enhancing our ability to talk about this universal experience. By comparing practices across cultures, we gained insight into the diverse approaches to healthcare and the importance of understanding these differences in a global context. This exploration not only expanded our vocabulary but also enriched our cultural awareness and empathy towards others' experiences with illness.
Getting sick is something everyone experiences, but how people deal with illness changes from one culture to another because of different traditions, beliefs, and healthcare practices. In Western countries, people often go straight to doctors or hospitals and use medicine from pharmacies. In contrast, Eastern cultures might focus on natural and traditional methods, like using herbs or acupuncture, to treat sickness. How communities support sick people and how they take care of sick children can also vary a lot. Some cultures might surround a sick person with help from family and friends, while others encourage taking care of oneself. The sayings and advice people share about being ill also show these cultural differences. Understanding these various approaches to dealing with sickness shows us the many ways people around the world think about and handle getting ill, making us more aware and respectful of each other’s ways.
Feedback
I'm really impressed with your dedication and enthusiasm during our lesson on the topic of getting sick. You did a fantastic job participating actively, sharing your personal opinions, and the interesting ways things are done in your country. Your openness to receiving feedback on your spoken English is commendable and a great asset to your learning journey. It's clear you're making significant strides in mastering English!
I've noticed a couple of areas where we can focus on improvement. Specifically, there's a bit of confusion with subject-verb agreement, particularly with the use of "has" and "have" in different contexts. Remember, "have" is used with "I", "you", "we", and "they", while "has" is for "he", "she", and "it". Additionally, there were instances of saying "I haven't" when it would be more appropriate to say "I don't have" in American English, and using "I get" instead of "I take" when talking about medication. The right word choice can really help clear up what we mean—like when we say 'I take medicine,' it shows we're using it, not just getting it. Also, it's important not to omit the preposition "to" as it helps clearly convey the direction or purpose of actions in sentences. Focusing on these areas will greatly improve your clarity and accuracy in English.
Overall, you're doing wonderfully, and with a little attention to these details, I'm confident your English will continue to improve. Keep up the great work, and remember, I'm here to help you every step of the way. Your progress is truly inspiring!
