Fear of the Dentists
Nigel is going to the dentists. He is very nervous and asks his friend, Jack, for some advice…
Jack: Nigel, you’re shaking like a leaf! What’s the matter?
Nigel: I’m going for a filling later today, but my heart is racing even thinking about it! I’ve
had a fear of going to the dentists since I was a child…
Jack: Well, it's not the most pleasant experience, but it’s not that bad… it’s something you
just have to get used to!
Nigel: I know I need to overcome my fear… It’s just the thought of it. My heart starts racing,
my hands start sweating and I can hardly breathe!
Jack: That must be really horrible… You need to find ways to help yourself relax. What
about listening to music? Practicing relaxation breathing? Or asking the dentist to explain
everything before doing it? Failing that, you can ask for medication to make you drowsy and
relaxed while you’re there.
Nigel: I’ve tried that before, but it didn’t really help…The last time I took medication, I
thought I was going to die! My heart started beating even faster and I could hardly breathe!
Jack: Oh no… It sounds like your fear is controlling you…What about trying hypnotherapy?
My mum tried it to help her overcome a phobia and it worked well for her.
Nigel: Really? I’d give anything a try! But it’s not going to help me today…
Jack: Well, that’s true. You should try the other tips I mentioned – start listening to soothing
music, practice relaxation breathing and ask the dentist to explain everything too.
Nigel: I’ll give them a go…Wish me luck…
PHRASAL VERBS
Phrasal verb | Meaning | Example sentence | Categories |
|---|---|---|---|
To run through something | To practice or repeat something from beginning to end. | Let’s run through the song one more time before we perform. | Home and School Life |
To fall behind (with | To fail to do something on time or fast enough. | 1. He missed most of classes and fell behind with his schoolwork. 2. He didn’t come to class for weeks so he fell behind. | Home and School Life |
To drop out (of) | To quit before you have finished something. | 1. He dropped out of school 2 months before he was due to complete his exams. 2. He dropped out. | Home and School Life |
To sail through | To succeed easily in doing something. | He sailed through the test and achieved the highest mark. | Home and School Life |
To keep up with | To continue being informed about something. | I like to watch the news to keep up with current affairs. | Home and School Life |