Describing an incident and giving clear advice
CEFR: B1
Read/Listen first
Last week a relative had a fall at home and needed a quick check at the hospital. We drove carefully, explained what happened, and waited while the nurse asked routine questions about symptoms and medication. The doctor said the scan would take a few minutes and told us to switch phones to silent mode to protect patient privacy. I stayed calm and asked simple questions about rest and follow‑up care to avoid confusion later. After the check, we were told to watch for warning signs, take notes, and call if pain increased or balance worsened during the night. We also received a leaflet explaining when to return. On the way out we thanked the staff and arranged a short video call with family to reassure everyone. It was a long day, but clear, direct instructions helped us feel in control and reduced stress for the evening.⚡ Learning goals
- Can describe a simple medical incident clearly and calmly.
- Can report instructions with tell + object + to + verb.
- Can ask for and give practical follow‑up advice.
✨ Key language
- tell + object + to + verb ““The doctor told us to switch phones to silent mode.””
- watch for warning signs ““Watch for warning signs during the night.””
- ask simple follow‑up questions ““I asked simple questions about rest and care.””
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ Past simple for incident description
Rule: Use short, clear past sentences to report what happened.Examples: A relative had a fall; We drove carefully; The nurse asked questions
Common pitfall + fix: Overusing long complex sentences — Keep steps short and ordered.
Choose the best past sentence.
Tip: Use past simple for finished events.
Fill with the best answer: We ____ carefully to the hospital.
Tip: Past of drive.
2️⃣ Tell + object + to + verb for instructions
Rule: Use tell + someone + to + verb to report guidance.Examples: told us to switch phones; told me to call if pain increased; told her to rest
Common pitfall + fix: Using say for instructions — Prefer tell + object + to + verb.
Pick the correct pattern.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
Fill with the best answer: They ____ us to take notes during the evening.
Tip: Tell + object.
3️⃣ Watch for + noun to give advice
Rule: Use watch for + signs/symptoms when advising.Examples: watch for warning signs; watch for swelling; watch for dizziness
Common pitfall + fix: Using look after instead of watch for — Use watch for + noun.
Choose the best advice.
Tip: Use watch for + noun.
Fill with the best answer: ____ for dizziness or severe pain.
Tip: Base form in instructions.
4️⃣ Ask + object + about + noun
Rule: Use ask about to request information.Examples: ask about rest; ask about follow‑up; ask about medication
Common pitfall + fix: Using ask for when requesting information — Use ask about + topic.
Pick the best sentence.
Tip: Use ask about for information topics.
Fill with the best answer: I ____ about follow‑up care.
Tip: Past of ask.
✍️ Vocabulary
scan
Meaning: a medical test that creates an image.Synonyms: imaging, screening.
Chunk/Idiom: the scan will take a few minutes.
Example: The scan took a few minutes.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Explain when a scan is used..
symptom
Meaning: a sign of illness or injury.Synonyms: indicator, sign.
Chunk/Idiom: describe symptoms.
Example: We described the symptoms.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: List two symptoms to watch for..
leaflet
Meaning: a small printed information sheet.Synonyms: handout, brochure.
Chunk/Idiom: receive a leaflet.
Example: We received a leaflet with advice.
Morphology: noun.
Self-practice: Summarise a leaflet in one line..
follow‑up
Meaning: additional checks after first care.Synonyms: aftercare, review.
Chunk/Idiom: follow‑up care.
Example: We asked about follow‑up care.
Morphology: noun/adj..
Self-practice: Plan a follow‑up call..
reassure
Meaning: to make someone feel less worried.Synonyms: comfort, calm.
Chunk/Idiom: reassure family.
Example: We called to reassure family.
Morphology: verb.
Self-practice: Reassure someone in one sentence..
warning signs
Meaning: indications of a problem.Synonyms: red flags, alerts.
Chunk/Idiom: watch for warning signs.
Example: Watch for warning signs overnight.
Morphology: noun phrase.
Self-practice: Name two warning signs..
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
A relative had a fall at home last week.
The doctor told us to switch our phones to silent.
We were told to watch for warning signs.
We thanked the staff before leaving.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
Choose the correct past form.
Tip: Past simple: drove.
Pick the best instruction pattern.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
Fill with the best answer:
The scan would ____ a few minutes.Tip: Base verb after would.
Fill with the best answer:
We ____ about follow‑up care.Tip: Past of ask.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Which word means a medical image test?
Tip: Scan creates internal images.
Which verb means calm someone?
Tip: Reassure = make less worried.
Fill with the best answer:
We received a ____ with advice for the night.Tip: Information sheet.
Fill with the best answer:
Watch for ____ signs such as dizziness.Tip: Compound noun.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Should we call if pain increases?B: Yes, call and describe the symptoms.
Why this matters:
Calm reporting helps staff help you. Clear instructions reduce stress. Short notes keep details accurate.Verb & Adjective Pack:
switch to silent — “Switch to silent in clinical areas.”watch for — “Watch for swelling or dizziness.”
follow up — “Follow up if symptoms return.”
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: They ____ us to switch phones to silent mode.
Tip: Tell + object + to + verb.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: We asked for when return.
Tip: Use ask about + topic.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
Tip: Say it slowly and clearly.