Speedrun mission · Edinburgh Clinic

Edinburgh Clinic Booking

Can you book a visit before tomorrow's presentation?

Level A2–B180 s limit4 goals
▶ Play this missionFree · 80 seconds · voice or text

Your throat is sore, and you have a work presentation tomorrow. You need to speak to a clinic receptionist in Edinburgh and ask about an appointment. When you're worried about your voice, even a simple booking can feel difficult—especially if you have to explain your symptoms in English.

In this free Speedrun Mission, you have 80 seconds to cover four things: what's wrong with your throat, when it started, when you can come in, and how the clinic can contact you. Practise giving short, clear answers to the receptionist's questions before the timer runs out.

What you need to say

  1. Describe your throat problem
    • “My throat is sore.”
    • “I've lost my voice.”
    • “It hurts when I swallow.”
  2. Say when it started
    • “It started yesterday.”
    • “I've had it for three days.”
    • “My voice has been hoarse since Monday.”
  3. Give a time you can come
    • “I'm free this afternoon.”
    • “I can come after three.”
    • “Any time before five works for me.”
  4. Give a way to contact you
    • “You can call me on my mobile.”
    • “My phone number is 07700 900123.”
    • “Please email me at alex@example.com.”

Sample answers — your own words count too.

Key vocabulary

sore throat
pain or irritation in your throat
hoarse
sounding rough or weak when you speak
lost my voice
unable to speak normally
swallow
move food or drink down your throat
appointment
an arranged time to see someone
available
free to come at a particular time
this afternoon
later today, after midday
contact number
a phone number someone can reach you on
receptionist
the person who handles bookings at the front desk

Tips for this situation

  • Name the symptom first: “My throat is sore” or “I've lost my voice.”
  • Use “since” for a starting point (“since Monday”) and “for” for a duration (“for three days”).
  • Offer a useful appointment window, such as “I'm free this afternoon” or “I can come after three.”
  • Give one clear contact method: “You can call me on my mobile” or “Please email me.”
  • If you miss a question, ask the receptionist to repeat it: “Sorry, could you say that again?”

How Speedrun Mission works

  1. 1Tap play and sign up in seconds — it's free.
  2. 2The receptionist speaks English; answer by holding the mic (or type).
  3. 3Cover every goal before the 80-second clock runs out, then share your time.

Frequently asked questions

How do I describe a sore throat when booking a clinic appointment in English?

Start with a short sentence such as “My throat is sore.” If your voice is the main problem, say “I've lost my voice” or “My voice is hoarse.” You can add one detail, like “It hurts when I swallow.” You don't need to guess what is causing the problem.

How do I say when my throat problem started in English?

Use “It started yesterday” if you know when it began. To describe how long you've had it, try “I've had it for three days.” You can also say “My voice has been hoarse since Monday.” A simple, approximate answer is fine if you're not sure of the exact time.

How do I ask for an appointment before a presentation?

Explain your timing clearly: “I have a presentation tomorrow. Is there an appointment available today?” If the receptionist asks when you can come, give a window such as “I can come after three.” This tells them both why you're asking and which appointment times might work for you.

What contact details should I give a clinic receptionist in English?

Give a phone number or email address the clinic can use to reach you about the appointment. You might say “You can call me on my mobile” or “Please email me at alex@example.com.” Speak slowly when giving letters or numbers, and ask the receptionist to confirm them if needed.

Can you book a visit before tomorrow's presentation?

▶ Play this mission

More missions

All missions →