A1Beginner201 words · 3 min
First appointment at the clinic
Tomás sees a doctor for the first time in Quebec: the front desk, the waiting room, a few words rehearsed in his head.
The text
Tomás a un rendez-vous à la clinique ce matin, et il arrive tôt. Il y a une salle d'attente avec des chaises bleues. Une secrétaire lui sourit. Il dit qu'il voudrait voir le médecin, et elle lui demande son nom : Tomás Restrepo.
La secrétaire lui demande sa carte d'assurance maladie. Tomás cherche dans son sac, où il y a beaucoup de papiers, et trouve la carte. Elle le remercie et lui dit de s'asseoir : il y a une dame avec un bébé et un monsieur qui lit le journal.
Tomás pense à son français et répète les mots dans sa tête : il a mal à la gorge depuis quelques jours. Une infirmière ouvre la porte et l'appelle. Tomás se lève et la suit.
Dans le petit bureau, la médecin lui dit bonjour et demande ce qui l'amène. Tomás répond qu'il voudrait... qu'il a mal à la gorge. Elle comprend tout et parle lentement. Elle dit qu'elle voudrait regarder sa gorge, et Tomás ouvre la bouche. Elle lui dit de se reposer et de boire de l'eau chaude.
Tomás sort de la clinique, et il y a du soleil dehors. Il est content : il a parlé français avec un médecin, tout seul.
Show the translationHide the translation
Tomás has an appointment at the clinic this morning, and he arrives early. There is a waiting room with blue chairs. A receptionist smiles at him. He says he would like to see the doctor, and she asks his name: Tomás Restrepo.
The receptionist asks for his health insurance card. Tomás looks in his bag, where there are a lot of papers, and finds the card. She thanks him and tells him to have a seat: there is a woman with a baby and a man reading the newspaper.
Tomás thinks about his French and repeats the words in his head: his throat has hurt for a few days. A nurse opens the door and calls him. Tomás stands up and follows her.
In the small office, the doctor greets him and asks what brings him in. Tomás answers that he would like... that his throat hurts. She understands everything and speaks slowly. She says she would like to look at his throat, and Tomás opens his mouth. She tells him to rest and drink warm water.
Tomás leaves the clinic, and there is sunshine outside. He is happy: he spoke French with a doctor, all by himself.
Underlined words are in the glossary: tap one for its definition.
Comprehension questions 4
1. Qu'est-ce que la secrétaire demande à Tomás ?（What does the receptionist ask Tomás for?）
Answer : Sa carte d'assurance maladie.
2. Qui est dans la salle d'attente ?（Who is in the waiting room?）
Answer : Une dame avec un bébé et un monsieur qui lit le journal.
3. Où Tomás a-t-il mal ?（Where does it hurt?）
Answer : À la gorge.
4. Pourquoi Tomás est-il content à la fin ?（Why is Tomás happy at the end?）
Answer : Il a parlé français avec un médecin, tout seul.
Grammar point in this text
Practise speaking
Santé et urgencesHealth and emergencies
The clinic, the pharmacy, emergencies — the French of healthcare.
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