18 - Emergency
Things are getting busy for Mary at the University of Studies. Does Abi have a solution to help Mary let her hair down and have some fun? And what are Professor Not and Sharon doing at the yoga class?
Language focus
Getting help in an emergency
Mary gets help for Professor Not after his accident by using these phrases…
- We have an emergency in the yoga class. We need help.
- How long do you think you'll be?
- Please could you come as soon as possible.
- Is there anything we can do before you arrive?
Vocabulary
Words and phrases used in this episode related to relaxing
- all work and no play
- let her hair down
- chillax
- chill out
Transcript
Narrator
Hello. It's time for English at University – we're following Mary through her first year of study abroad and helping her and you learn some useful phrases. University life is not all work and no play – it's about having fun too and today Mary needs some persuading to let her hair down – you know, relax and enjoy herself with some extracurricular activities. And someone who knows most about doing that is her roommate Abi…
Abi
Still studying Mary? You look glued to that desk.
Mary
Yes, I think I am. I'm just writing up my notes and then I've got to read Professor Not's new book… and then I’ve got to…
Abi
Blah blah blah! I don't know what you're saying. It really is time to chillax… have a break. Come on… you're coming with me.
Mary
Phew! It's hot in here. Oh hello Professor and hello Sharon.
Prof. Not and Sharon
Hello, Mary.
Abi
Now, this is Bikram yoga – it'll keep you fit and help you lose weight. And that guy over there's quite fit too!
Sharon
I've lost a kilo in a month haven't I Robert… I mean-?
Prof. Not
Err - yes. It improves your mind too Mary.
Yoga teacher
Welcome everyone. Let's begin. Just follow me… first of all, stand straight and breathe deeply… in… out… hold it there… good… next stretch your arms out, then slowly bend to touch your toes.
Prof. Not
Oh no… I seemed to have pulled something in my back. Sharon, could you give me a hand…
Sharon
Oh - you've gone a funny colour. Oh, he's so heavy. Abi, could you give me a hand? Mary, can you call for help?
Mary
Yes of course… oh what should I do?
Narrator
You need to call the medical centre and tell them there's an emergency. Explain what's happened and ask for someone to come and help 'asap' – as soon as possible. Go on Mary, get calling!
Mary
Right ok. Yes hello. Is that the medical centre? Good. We have an emergency in the yoga class… in the sports hall. Professor Not has hurt his back and he needs help. Yes, he bent over and couldn't stand up again… I'll ask him. She says "Does it hurt?"
Prof. Not
Oww. Yes! When are they coming?
Mary
He says "Yes". How long do you think you'll be? Really? Please could you come as soon as possible?
Sharon
Ask them what we should do until they get here.
Mary
Right, yes… Is there anything we can do before you arrive? Yes, aha, right. I'll do that. Thank you. Bye.
Sharon
What did they say?
Mary
They said "chill out" – whatever that means!
Narrator
Goodness. What a drama! It looks like Professor Not's attempt to unwind has gone too far - but luckily, help is on its way thanks to these phrases that Mary used…
We have an emergency in the yoga class. We need help.
How long do you think you'll be?
Please could you come as soon as possible?
Is there anything we can do before you arrive?
You can practise these phrases, pick up a few more plus learn some top tips for studying in the UK on our website at bbclearningenglish.com. Right, let's see if help has arrived for Professor Not…
Sharon
You hold his feet and I'll hold his head and we'll get him into the ambulance.
Daniel
Oh hello do you need a hand? Oh, what's going on here then – and why are you all sweaty?
Sharon
Robert bent over too far…
Mary
…in yoga… Bikram yoga. He's hurt his back.
Daniel
Yoga! That's for girls isn't it?!
Mary
No! Abi, do you know what, I've really enjoyed myself today.
Abi
Good, feeling more relaxed I hope. So, are you going to join the yoga club then?
Mary
Definitely.
Daniel
How much is it to join exactly?
More
If you're studying abroad and need help with your English, we have lots to offer on our BBC Learning English website.
Look at this BBC guide to studying smartly.
Look at this series about academic listening.
Next
That's all from English at University for now. We hope you've enjoyed the series so far. Remember you can always watch the episodes again and revise your language on BBC Learning English.