Cultural notes

Plumbers are relatively expensive, particularly if they are called at night and on weekends.

If you are having major work done (replacing pipes, installing new fixtures like toilets and sinks, etc.), it is a good idea to ask several different plumbing companies for estimates.

In most American cities, you can find quick medical care at what are called "walk-in" medical clinics. If you are sick and don't have a doctor, such clinics can provide prompt and relatively inexpensive treatment for minor illnesses.

Temperature in the U.S. is on the Fahrenheit rather than the Centigrade scale. 98.6 is considered a normal temperature.

There is no national health insurance plan in America. Most Americans are insured through their employers. Usually, employees pay monthly premiums in addition to the premiums their employers pay.

Action

PLUMBER: What seems to be the trouble?

YOU: Look, there's an inch of water on the floor. What a mess! Can you fix it?

PLUMBER: No sweat. Where's the main water valve?

YOU: The what?

PLUMBER: Do you know where I can cut off the water?

YOU: I think it's in the closet. What shall I do about all the water on the floor?

PLUMBER: Tell the manager to call a carpet cleaning service.

YOU: How much is this going to cost?

PLUMBER: I'm pretty sure the apartment owners will cover it, as long as you didn't cause the problem yourself.

YOU: How could I? I've been out of town for weeks. What a way to end my trip!

Lesson 27 «Asking Directions»

Vocabulary

102 (one hundred and two)

In reference to someone's "temperature" (a "high fever").

aching (pres. part. as adj.)

The expression most often used when talking about illness is a form of the verb "to have" + body part + "-ache." Here are some examples: "to have a stomachache," "I have a headache." "She has a legache." "Do you have an earache?" (but, if your throat hurts, you say, "I have a sore throat."). It is also possible to express pain or discomfort as follows: "My throat hurts." "Her arm hurts."

aspirin (noun)

Many people refer to "aspirin" by its "brand name," or its chemical composition (such as "acetaminophen").

better (colloq. for had better)

Colloquial for "had better," when you tell someone that "they better do something," you're really saying that they "should" do something, or that it would be wise to do something.

body (noun)

Remember that the plural of nouns ending in "-y" change to "-ies" as in "body" - "bodies."

chills (noun, pl.)

clinic (noun)

Small "medical clinics" or "minor emergency clinics" are found in larger cities, and are visited by people who are not seriously injured or ill enough to warrant a visit to a "hospital emergency room." A "clinic" can also specialize in a specific branch of medicine or health-related issues.

degrees (noun, pl.)

When you have your temperature taken, it will most likely be given to you in degrees Fahrenheit (and not Celsius, as you may be used to). 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is normal body temperature in human beings. Anything over one hundred and one degrees (40 degrees Celsius) in considered to be very high, warranting a visit to a medical professional.

doctors (noun, pl.)

far (adj.)

fever (noun)

The expression "to have a temperature" means "to have a fever." Any temperature beyond 98.6 Fahrenheit is considered a fever.

infection (noun)

An infection can be caused by "bacteria" (a "bacterial" infection) or a "virus" (a "viral" infection).

medical (adj.)

nurse (noun)

You may also be examined by a "nurse" or a "physician's assistant" in the event that your illness isn't serious.

personal (adj.)

terrible (adj.)

thermometer (noun)

worry! (imp., to worry)

One may say, "Stop worrying!"

Story

After a day of cleaning, your apartment is ready again. But you're not feeling well at all. Your body is aching and you have chills. You take your temperature with a thermometer and discover that you have a fever. You decide to call a medical clinic not far from your apartment. A nurse answers the phone.