english for medical students coursebook

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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UNIT 1 – VITAMIN
I. CLOZE TESTS
1.1. Fill each gap with one of the words given in the box.
A. acid,
B. amounts, C. called, D. catalysts, E. clotting,
F. decades, G. involved, H. ingested, I. intake, J. stored
What are Vitamins?
Vitamins are nutrients required in very small _________(1)
for essential metabolic reactions in the body. Vitamins are
biomolecules that act both as _________(2) and substrates
in chemical reactions. When acting as a catalyst, vitamins
are bound to enzymes and are _________(3) cofactors, for
example vitamin K forms part of the proteases
_________(4) in blood _________(5) .
Vitamins also act as coenzymes to carry chemical groups
between enzymes, for example folic _________(6) carries
various forms of carbon groups (methyl, formyl or methylene) in the cell.
Until the 1900s, vitamins were obtained solely through food _________(7). Many food sources contain
different ratios of vitamins. Therefore, if the only source of vitamins is food, changes in diet will alter the types
and amounts of vitamins _________(8). However, as many vitamins can be _________(9) by the body,
short-term deficiencies do not usually cause disease.

Vitamins have been produced as commodity chemicals and made widely-available as inexpensive pills for
several _________(10), allowing supplementation of the dietary intake.
biomolecule
catalyst
clotting
cofactor

phân tử sinh học
chất xúc tác
sự đông (máu)
đồng yếu tố

protease
ratio
substrate
supplementation

enzym tiêu protein
tỷ lệ
chất nền / chất phản ứng
bổ sung

1.2. Fill each gap with one of the words given in the box.
A. accepted B. caused C. eating D. feeding E. healing
F. known G. maintaining H. plagued I. practicing J. using
History of Vitamin research
The value of _________(1) certain foods to maintain health was recognized long
before vitamins were identified. The ancient Egyptians knew that _________(2) a
patient liver would help cure night blindness, now _________(3) to be caused by
a vitamin A deficiency. In 1747, the Scottish surgeon James Lind discovered that

citrus foods helped prevent scurvy, a particularly deadly disease in which collagen
is not properly formed, and is characterized by poor wound _________(4),
bleeding of the gums, and severe pain. In 1753, Lind published his Treatise on the
Scurvy, which recommended _________(5) lemons and limes to avoid scurvy, which was adopted by the
British Royal Navy. This led to the nickname Limey for sailors of that organization. Lind's discovery, however,
was not widely _________(6) by individuals in the Royal Navy's Arctic expeditions in the 19th century, where
it was widely believed that scurvy could be prevented by _________(7) good hygiene, regular exercise, and
by _________(8) the morale of the crew while on board, rather than by a diet of fresh food. As a result,
Arctic expeditions continued to be _________(9) by scurvy and other deficiency diseases. In the early 20th
century, when Robert Falcon Scott made his two expeditions to the Antarctic the prevailing medical theory
was that scurvy was _________(10) by "tainted" canned food.
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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adopt
citrus
crew
expedition
gum
hygiene
lime, lemon

chấp nhận
cam, chanh
thuỷ thủ đoàn
thám hiểm
lợi
vệ sinh

chanh

morale
night blindness
plague (n,v)
prevailing
scurvy
tainted
treatise

tinh thần
quáng gà
dịch, gây dịch
thịnh hành
bệnh sco-bút
hư, hỏng
chuyên luận

1.3. Fill each gap with one of the words given in the box.
A. avoid B. classified C. consumption D. couple E. deficiency
F. interfere G. limits H. liver I. occurs J. result

Vitamin Deficiencies
Deficiencies of vitamins are _________(1) as either primary or secondary. A primary deficiency
_________(2) when you do not get enough of the vitamin in the food you eat. A secondary deficiency may
be due to an underlying disorder that prevents or _________(3) the absorption or use of the vitamin, due to
a “lifestyle factor”, such as smoking, excessive alcohol _________(4), or the use of medications that
_________(5) with the absorption or the body's use of the vitamin. Individuals who eat a varied diet are
unlikely to develop a severe primary vitamin _________(6). In contrast, restrictive diets have the potential to
cause prolonged vitamin deficits, which may _________(7) in often painful and potentially deadly diseases.

Because humans do not store most vitamins in their bodies, a human must consume them regularly to
_________(8) deficiency. Human corporeal stores for different vitamins vary widely; vitamins A, D, and B12
are stored in significant amounts in the human body, mainly in the _________(9), and an adult human may
be deficient in vitamin A and B12 for long periods of time before developing a deficiency condition. Vitamin
B3 is not stored in the human body in significant amounts, so stores may only last a _________(10) of
weeks.
consumption,
consume
interfere with
avoid
primary
secondary

tiêu thụ

underlying
absorption
varied diet
deficit
regularly
corporeal

can thiệp
tránh
nguyên phát
thứ phát

căn nguyên
hấp thu
chế độ ăn thay đổi

thiếu hụt
đều đặn
thuộc thân thể

1.4. Fill each gap with one of your own.
Classification of Vitamins
Vitamins are classified _________(1) water soluble,
meaning that they dissolve easily in water, or fat soluble,
and are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the help
of lipids. Each vitamin is typically used in multiple
reactions and therefore, most have multiple functions.
In humans there are thirteen vitamins, divided
_________(2) two groups; four fat-soluble vitamins (A, D,
E and K), and nine water-soluble vitamins (eight B
vitamins and vitamin C).
Vitamins are essential _________(3) the normal growth
and development of a multicellular organism. Using the genetic blueprint inherited _________(4) its
parents, a fetus begins to develop, at the moment of conception, from the nutrients it absorbs. The
developing fetus requires certain vitamins and minerals to be present _________(5) certain times.
These nutrients facilitate the chemical reactions that produce, among other things, skin, bone, and
muscle. If there is serious deficiency _________(6) one or more of these nutrients, a child may
develop a deficiency disease. Even minor deficiencies have the potential to cause permanent
damage.
For the most part, vitamins are obtained through food sources. However, a few vitamins are obtained
_________(7) other means: for example, microorganisms in the intestine - commonly known as "gut
flora" - produce vitamin K and biotin, while one form of vitamin D is synthesized in the skin
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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_________(8) the help of natural ultraviolet in sunlight. Humans can produce some vitamins
_________(9) precursors they consume. Examples include vitamin A, which can be produced from
beta carotene; and niacin, from the amino acid tryptophan.
Once growth and development are completed, vitamins remain essential nutrients for the healthy
maintenance of the cells, tissues, and organs that make up a multicellular organism; they also enable
a multicellular life form to efficiently use chemical energy provided by food eaten, and to help process
the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats required _________(10) respiration.
blueprint
conception
damage(v,n)
facilitate
gut flora
inherit

bản vẽ
sự thụ thai
tổn thương
làm thuận lợi
hệ vi khuẩn ruột
thừa kế

maintenance
permanent
potential (n, adj)
precursors
ultraviolet
obtain

sự duy trì

lâu dài
tiềm năng, tiềm tàng
tiền chất
tia UV, tử ngoại
thu được, có được

II. READING PASSAGES Read the passages and answer the
questions below.
2.1. PASSAGE 1: Risk Factors for Vitamin D Deficiency
Exclusively breast fed infants: Infants who are exclusively breast fed and do not receive vitamin D
supplementation are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, particularly if they have dark skin and/or
receive little sun exposure. Human milk generally provides 25 IU of vitamin D per liter, which is not
enough for an infant if it is the sole source of vitamin D. Older infants and toddlers exclusively fed
with milk substitutes and weaning foods that are not vitamin D fortified are also at risk of vitamin D
deficiency. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants that are not consuming
at least 500 ml (16 ounces) of vitamin D fortified formula or milk be given a vitamin D supplement of
200 IU/day.
Dark skin: People with dark skin synthesize less vitamin D on exposure to sunlight than those with
light skin. The risk of vitamin D deficiency is particularly high in dark-skinned people who live far from
the equator. In the U.S., 42% of African American women between 15 and 49 years of age were
vitamin D deficient compared to 4% of white women.
Aging: The elderly have reduced capacity to synthesize vitamin D in the
skin when exposed to UVB radiation, and are more likely to stay indoors
or use sunscreen. Institutionalized adults are at extremely high risk of
vitamin D deficiency without supplementation.
Covering all exposed skin or using sunscreen whenever outside:
Osteomalacia has been documented in women who cover all of their
skin whenever they are outside for religious or cultural reasons. The
application of sunscreen with an SPF factor of 8 reduces production of
vitamin D by 95%.

Fat malabsorption syndromes: Cystic fibrosis and cholestatic liver disease impair the absorption of
dietary vitamin D.
Inflammatory bowel disease: People with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s disease appear
to be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency, especially those who have had small bowel
resections.
Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Once vitamin D is synthesized in the skin
or ingested, it is deposited in body fat stores, making it less bioavailable to people with large stores of
body fat.
bioavailable
sinh khả dụng
institutionalized
ở hoài trong nhà
bowel
ruột
malabsorption
hấp thu kém
cholestatic
ứ mật
obesity
chứng béo phì
cystic fibrosis
xơ nang
osteomalacia
nhuyễn xương
deposit(v,n)
lắng đọng
resection
cắt bỏ
equator
xích đạo

substitute (n,v)
thay thế
exclusively
chỉ riêng mỗi
sunscreen
chất chống nắng
fortify
tăng cường
toddler
trẻ mới biết đi
infant
trẻ em
wean
cai, dứt, kiêng
Questions
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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1.
2.

3.
4.

5.

People with _________ skin are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency.
A. fair

B. white
C. dark
D. bright
Which of the following is NOT true?
A. Infants cannot get enough Vitamin D from breastfeeding.
B. Older infants exclusively fed with milk substitutes are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
C. All infants should be given a vitamin D supplement of 200 IU/day.
D. Infants receiving little sun exposure are at risk of vitamin D deficiency.
It is better for dark-skinned people to live in _________ areas to get sufficient vitamin D.
A. tropical
B. temperate
C. polar
D. coastal
The percentage of African American women suffering from vitamin D deficiency is _________
times as high as that of American white women aged 15-49
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 10
Which of the following does NOT facilitate a vitamin D deficiency?
-_________.
A. frequently staying indoors
B. using sunscreen outdoors
C. overdressing
D. reducing obesity

2.2. PASSAGE 2: Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin used to treat and prevent a wide variety of conditions. Often,
people use it to prevent or treat the common cold. However, there are other claimed uses of vitamin
C as well, such as for reducing the risk of heart disease. Some of these uses are more valid than

others.
The vitamin has several different effects in the human body, such as:
- Antioxidant -- Many of the effects of vitamin C can be attributed to its antioxidant effects. As an
antioxidant, it helps prevent the formation of free radicals, damaging molecules or atoms that can
start a chain reaction of cellular damage. Free radicals play a role in various age-related conditions,
such as cancer and heart disease.
- Immune function -- There are numerous different proposed mechanisms by which vitamin C may
improve immune function. At this time, it is not entirely clear how the vitamin stimulates the immune
system.
- Iron absorption -- Vitamin C aids in the absorption of iron from the digestive tract into the body.
- Various metabolic pathways and synthesis processes -- It is important for many different crucial
processes in the body, including forming cartilage and proteins and building or breaking down
numerous other compounds or tissues in the body.
Vitamin C may be effective for several different uses. However, there is much controversy about
some uses, such as for the common cold.
Most people do not experience side effects with vitamin C (at normal doses). However, some people
may experience side effects (especially with high doses), including, but not limit to nausea, vomiting,
heartburn or indigestion, insomnia, kidney stones. Normal doses are probably safe for most people,
but high doses can cause problems. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to
vitamin C.
Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

As an antioxidant Vitamin C can be used to treat _______.
A. hepatitis

B. heart disease
C. common cold
D. All of these
Vitamin C play an important part in the processes of _______
A. iron absorption
B. cartilage formation
C. protein synthesis
D. All of these
The mechanism of by which Vitamin C fight common cold is _______.
A. entirely clear
B. has been proved
C. debatable
D. its antioxidant
effects
Which of the following is NOT true?
A. Vitamin C is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease
B. Antioxidant effects of Vitamin C result in its many uses in prevention and treatment of
diseases
.
C. High doses of Vitamin C can be safe for most people.
D. Vitamin C can strengthen the body’s defence against diseases.
Which one is NOT a side effect caused of vitamin C?
A. bringing up food
B. sleeplessness
C. nephrolithiasis
D. malnutrition

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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III. STRUCTURE & VOCABULARY
Choose the best answer among A, B, C, and D.

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

7.
8.

9.

10
.

Although most Americans consume a wide variety of food additives daily, only a small number have
been associated _________ reactions.
A. by
B. to
C. with
D. of

In vitamin deficiency, normal body functions can break down and make a person susceptible
_________ disease.
A. to
B. with
C. of
D. for
The combination of vitamin A and iron seems to reduce anemia more effectively than either iron or
vitamin A alone.
A. decrease
B. increase
C. shorten
D. minimize
People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy.
A. digesting …to
B. changing …into
C. exchanging … for
D. introducing… into
The ancient Egyptians knew that feeding a patient with liver would help cure night blindness, now
_________ to be caused by a vitamin A deficiency.
A. knowing
B. to know
C. known
D. is known
Women of all ages should be _________ about heart disease. All women should take steps to
prevent heart disease.
A. related
B. concerned
C. associated
D. linked
In infants, rickets may result in delayed closure of the fontanels (soft spots) in the skull.

A. cause
B. led to
C. be due to
D. be associated with
Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing
75 grams of glucose _________ in water.
A. solved
B. soluble
C. dissolved
D. unsolved
Antibiotics are essential tools in improving and maintaining the quality of life by helping to prevent
infectious diseases
A. initial
B. final
C. principle
D. extremely necessary
People with substance abuse problems, e.g. drinking alcohol excessively, find it very difficult to take
medicines reliably every day.
A. immoderately
B. frequently
C. irregularly
D. continuously

IV. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Put one term in each gap
A. coenzymes, B. catalyst, C. arthritis, D. hypercalcemia,
E. homeostasis F. hyperalimentation, G. contagious,
H. hypercalciuria, I. gut flora, J. fermentation,
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10
.

_______ might be produced if there is a high amount of calcium in the blood.
_______ is a relatively common clinical problem. It typically manifests as mild chronic calcium
elevation
_______ does not use the digestive system. It may be given to people who are unable to absorb
nutrients through the intestinal tract
Human _______ refers to the body's ability to regulate physiologically its inner environment to
ensure its stability.
The term _______ refers to the delicate balance of microbes and other 'germs,' both good and bad.
During the primary _______, the fermentable sugars, mainly maltose and glucose are converted to
ethanol and carbon dioxide
_______ disease is an infectious disease that is spread through contact with infected individuals;
also called a communicable disease.
_______ are small organic non-protein molecules that carry chemical groups between enzymes.
A _______ is a substance which alters the rate of a chemical reaction but is chemically unchanged
at the end of the reaction.
_______ is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints.

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

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V. REWRITING
Rewrite the following sentences, beginning with the given initials.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The currently available antibiotics are known to inhibit or kill some of these microorganisms
 People _______
This hormone that is believed to control how the beta cells make and release insulin
 They believed _______
Daily multivitamin supplements have been found to reduce HIV disease progression among men
and women.
 It has _______
The disease has been reported to be reduced significantly with 4000 IU of Vitamin D3 daily over
6 months.
It has _______
The pain results from a narrowing of the blood vessels feeding the muscle.
 The pain is caused _______

VI. LISTENING 1 Listen to an article about Vitamin D and answer the
following questions
1
2
3
4

Vitamin D is manufactured naturally in the _______.
A. liver
B. intestine
C. blood
Which is NOT mentioned as a natural source of vitamin A?
A. liver
B. egg
C. fish
Vitamin D helps to increase levels of _______ in the blood.
A. sugar
B. calcium
C. sodium
Vitamin D was added to milk in order to prevent _______
A. rickets
B. beri-beri
C. scobut

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

8

D. cell
D. meat
D. serum
D. All of these


UNIT 2

–

ALLERGY

I. CLOZE TESTS
1.1. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. antibodies B. characterized C. leading
F. refer G. response H. stem

D. life-threatening
I. suffer J. which

E. named

Allergy
An allergy can _________(1) to several kinds of
immune reactions including Type I hypersensitivity
in _________(2) the person's body is
hypersensitised and develops immunoglobulin E
(IgE), a certain class of _________(3) to typical
proteins. When a person is hypersensitised, these
substances are known as allergens. The word
allergy derives from the Greek words allos meaning
"other" and ergon meaning "work". Type I
hypersensitivity is _________(4) by excessive
activation of mast cells and basophils by
immunoglobulin E, resulting in a systemic
inflammatory response that can result in symptoms
as benign as a runny nose, to _________(5)
anaphylactic shock and death.

Allergy is a very common disorder and more than 50 million Americans _________(6) from allergic
diseases. Allergies are the sixth _________(7) cause of chronic disease in the United States,
costing the health care system $18 billion annually.
The term and concept of "allergy" was coined by a Viennese pediatrician _________(8) Clemens von
Pirquet in 1906. He observed that the symptoms of some of his patients might have been a
_________(9) to outside allergens such as dust, pollen, or certain foods. For a long time all
hypersensitivities were thought to _________(10) from the improper action of inflammatory
immunoglobulin class IgE, however it soon became clear that several different mechanisms utilizing
different effector molecules were responsible for the myriad of disorders previously classified as
"allergies". A new four-class (now five) classification scheme was designed by H. Gell and A.
Coombs. Allergy has since been kept as the name for Type I Hypersensitivity, characterised by
classical IgE mediation of effects.
activation
anaphylactic shock
annually
basophils
benign
coin
derive
effector

sự hoạt hoá
sốc quá mẫn, phản vệ
hàng năm
bạch cầu ái toan
lành tính
tạo nên
xuất phát
chất tác động

hypersensitivity
improper
mast cells
mediation
myriad
pollen
scheme
utilize

1.2. Fill each of the gaps with one word of your own.
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

9

sự q mẫn
khơng thích hợp
tế bào bón, dưỡng bào
trung gian
vô số
phấn hoa
hệ thống, sơ đồ
sử dụng


Signs and symptoms of Allergy
Allergy is characterised _________(1) a local or systemic inflammatory response to allergens. Local
symptoms are:
Nose: swelling of the nasal mucosa (allergic rhinitis)
Eyes: redness and itching of the conjunctiva (allergic conjunctivitis)
Airways: bronchoconstriction, wheezing and dyspnoea, sometimes attacks of asthma

Ears: feeling of fullness, possibly pain, and impaired hearing due _________(2) the lack of eustachian
tube drainage.
Skin: various rashes, such _________(3) eczema, hives (urticaria) and
contact dermatitis.
Head: while not as common, headaches are seen in some with
environmental or chemical allergies.
Systemic allergic response is also called anaphylaxis. Depending
_________(4) the rate of severity, it can cause cutaneous reactions,
bronchoconstriction, edema, hypotension, coma _________(5) even death.
Hay fever is one example of an exceedingly common minor allergy - large
percentages of the population suffer _________(6) hay fever symptoms
_________(7) response to airborne pollen. Asthmatics are often allergic _________(8) dust mites.
Apart _________(9) ambient allergens, allergic reactions can be caused _________(10) medications.
ambient
asthma
bronchoconstriction
characterise
coma
conjunctiva
drainage
dyspnoea

xung quanh
hen
co phế quản
đặc trưng
hơn mê
kết mạc
dịch thốt ra
khó thở

eczema
eustachian tube
hay fever
hive, urticaria
impaired
itching
rash
swelling

chàm
vịi nhĩ
sốt cỏ khơ, cảm mạo
mày đay
suy yếu, suy tổn
ngứa
ban
sưng

1. 3. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. allergic B. injected C. known D. marked E. performing
F. reduce G. sensitive H. suspected I. testing J. within
Diagnosis of Allergy
There are several methods for the diagnosis and assessment of allergies.
Skin test
The typical and most simple method of diagnosis and monitoring of Type I Hypersensitivity is by skin
testing, also _________(1) as prick testing due to the series of pricks made into the patient's skin.
Small amounts of _________(2) allergens and/or their extracts (pollen, grass, mite proteins, peanut
extract, etc.) are introduced to sites on the skin _________(3) with pen or dye (the ink/dye should be
carefully selected, lest it cause an allergic response itself). The allergens are either _________(4)

intradermally or into small scratchings made into the patient's skin, often with a lancet. Common areas
for _________(5) include the inside forearm and back. If the patient is _________(6) to the substance,
then a visible inflammatory reaction will usually occur _________(7) 30 minutes. This response will
range from slight reddening of the skin to full-blown hives in extremely _________(8) patients.
After _________(9) the skin test and receiving results, the doctor may apply a steroid cream to the
test area to _________(10) discomfort (such as itching and inflammation).
apply
assessment
discomfort
extract
full-blown
intradermally

bôi
đánh giá
khó chịu
dịch chiết
tồn phát
trong chân bì, nội bì

lancet
lest
monitor
peanut
prick
scratching

dao mỗ
để khơng, để khỏi
theo dõi

lạc
chích, chọc, châm
xước, cào

1.4. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. additionally

B. by

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

C. if
10

D. react

E. sensitize


F. through

G. to H. which I. while J. without
Problems with skin test
_________(1) the skin test is probably the most preferred means of testing because of its simplicity
and economics, it is not_________(2) complications. Some people may display a delayed-type
hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction _________(3) can occur as far as 6 hours after application of the
allergen and last up to 24 hours. This can also cause serious long-lasting tissue damage
_________(4) the affected area. These types of serious reactions are quite rare.
_________(5), the application of previously unencountered allergens can actually _________(6)
certain individuals to the allergen, causing the inception of a new allergy in susceptible individuals.

Skins tests also are not always able to pinpoint a patient's specific allergies _________(7) the patient
has an allergy but does not _________(8) to the skin test allergen.
Total IgE count: Another method used to qualify type I hypersensitivity is measuring the amount of
serum IgE contained within the patient's serum. This can be determined _________(9) the use of
radiometric and colormetric immunoassays. Even the levels the amount of IgE specific to certain
allergens can be measured _________(10) using of the radioallergosorbent test (RAST).
colormetric
damage(v,n)
determine
immunoassay
inception
measure
pinpoint

đo màu
thương tổn
xác định
xét nghiệm miễn dịch
khởi đầu
đo
chỉ ra, xác định

qualify
radioallergosorbent
radiometric
serum
specific
susceptible
unencountered

định tính
hấp thu phóng rạ dị ứng
đo phóng xạ
huyết thanh
đặc hiệu
mẫn cảm
chưa gặp phải

II. READING PASSAGES Read the passages and answer the
questions below.
2.1. PASSAGE 1: Relationship with parasites
Some recent research has also begun to show that some kinds of common parasites, such as
intestinal worms (e.g. hookworms), secrete immunosuppressant chemicals
into the gut wall and hence the bloodstream which prevent the body from
attacking the parasite. This gives rise to a new slant on the "hygiene
hypothesis" — that co-evolution of man and parasites has in the past led to
an immune system that only functions correctly in the presence of the
parasites. Without them, the immune system becomes unbalanced and
oversensitive. Gut worms and similar parasites are present in untreated
drinking water in undeveloped countries, and in developed countries until
the routine chlorination and purification of drinking water supplies. This also
coincides with the time period in which a significant rise in allergies has been observed. So far, there is
only sporadic evidence to support this hypothesis — one scientist who suffered from seasonal allergic
rhinitis (hay fever) infected himself with gut worms and was immediately 'cured' of his allergy with no
other ill effects. Full clinical trials have yet to be performed however. It may be that the term 'parasite'
could turn out to be inappropriate, and in fact a hitherto unsuspected symbiosis is at work.
chlorination
xử lý bằng clo
hygiene
vệ sinh

clinical trial
thử nghiệm lâm sàng
hypothesis
giả thuyết, lí thuyết
co-evolution
đồng tiến hố
immunosuppressant
ức chhé miễn dịch
coincide with
trùng với
purification
làm tinh khiết
evidence
bằng chứng
significant
đáng kể
gut wall
thành ruột
slant
thiên kiến
hence
sau đó
sporadic
đơn lẻ
hitherto
từ nay trở đi
symbiosis
cộng, đồng sinh
hookworm
giun móc

unsuspected
khơng nghi ngờ
TRUE/FALSE QUESTIONS
1.
_________ Intestinal worms harm the human body by secreting immunosuppressant chemicals.
2.
_________ According to the text the human immune system cannot function correctly without the
parasites.
3.
_________ It can be inferred that a significant rise in allergies in developed countries is related to
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

11


4.
5.

the routine chlorination and purification of drinking water supplies.
_________ One scientist was successful in curing him of hay fever by infecting himself with gut
worms.
_________ The presence of parasites in the human body is inappropriate.

2.2. PASSAGE 2: Read the passage and answer the questions below
Medical scientists are becoming more and more interested in allergies. An allergy is a condition
caused by an excessive reaction in some people to a substance or substances which would not normally
cause a disease. In fact, some researchers do not classify allergies as diseases, although they can be
just as troublesome. Severe reactions can even result in death.
Substances that cause allergies are called allergens. The most common
natural allergens are dust and pollen. Some plants and flowers give out pollen to

the atmosphere during spring and early summer. Many people develop
symptoms like those of the common cold such as watery eyes and nose,
sneezing and a slight rise in temperature. This is commonly called the hay fever.
Allergic reactions can also be caused by food. Milk and eggs are known to be
allergenic for some people. However, almost anything eaten, drunk, inhaled or
touched can cause a reaction.
Drugs, even the common ones like aspirin, can result in distressing
symptoms. Some are dangerous. When penicillin was first manufactured on a large scale, it proved to
be effective against many pathogens. But it had a tendency to cause reactions so strong that patients
sometimes died. The sulpha drugs were also quite dangerous, although they did not kill as many people
as penicillin did. We now have better antibiotics, but they must be taken with great care.
There is no sure remedy for allergies. Sometimes the body cures itself. Treatment might consist of
giving drugs either to reduce the symptoms or to suppress the reaction. Drugs of the second type are
called antihistamines. They are not always effective, and they tend to make the patient sleepy. Some
doctors think it is better to identify and avoid the allergen, but this in not always possible.
A. Circle the letter of the best answer.
1. A good title for this passage is
A. Treatment of Allergies
B. Causes of Allergies
C. Definition and Classification of Allergies
D. Allergies
2.
Sulpha drugs were _______ than penicillin.
A. less dangerous
B. more dangerous
C. more common
D. less common
3.
The word ‘they’ refers to _______
A. drugs

B. sulpha drugs
C. penicillin drugs
D. better antibiotics
4.
The word ‘antibiotics’ means _______.
A. chemicals that work with life
B. chemicals that work for life
C. drugs that work against allergies
D. drugs that work against life
5.
From the last paragraph you can infer that antihistamines are _______
A. allergy causing substances.
B. disease causing agents.
C. drugs to suppress allergic reactions
D. drugs to reduce the severity of the symptoms.
6.
Which of the following statements is true, according to the passage?
A. Dust and pollen are the rarest allergens in nature.
B. There is no definite treatment for allergies.
C. Antibiotics are given to patients to reduce the symptoms.
D. People should avoid milk and eggs to prevent allergies.
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Say whether the following statements are true or false.
_______ A substance causing an allergy can easily be avoided.

_______ Some scientists do not think allergies are diseases.
_______ Early antibiotics were quite dangerous.
_______ Penicillin is an effective antihistamine.
_______ The common cold is also known as the hay fever.

III. STRUCTURE & VOCABULARY
Choose the best answer among A, B, C and D.

1.

The value of eating certain foods to maintain health was recognized long before vitamins were
identified.

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

12


2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

7.
8.
9.

10
.

A. invented
B. recognized
C. produced
D. consumed
The manufacturer should be responsible for ensuring that its dietary supplement products are safe
before they are marketed.
A. seller
B. physician
C. consumers
D. producer
Consequently, PTH (pancreatropic hormone) production by the parathyroid glands is increased
and calcium is mobilized from the skeleton to maintain normal serum calcium levels
A. In fact
B. Moreover
C. As a result
D. Finally
A healthcare provider diagnoses sinusitis after obtaining a complete medical history and physical
examination.
A. checking
B. getting
C. making
D. reporting
This can occur as a cold, which may clear rapidly or continue with symptoms longer than a week.
A. last
B. end
C. happen

D. serve
The symptoms of contact dermatitis need to be brought under control; otherwise the results will be
unreliable.
A. or else
B. unless
C. likewise
D. other than
Patients should take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
A. demanded
B. commented
C. remarked
D. recommended
Waste is released in water from factories and processing plants.
A. dissolved
B. disposed of
C. transported
D. treated
Most of the physiological effects attributed to vitamin A appear to result from its role in cellular
differentiation.
A. ascribed
B. contributed
C. described
D. mentioned
A deficiency may result in changes in the conjunctiva (corner of the eye) _________ Bitot's spots.
A. known as
B. called as
C. told as
D. spoken as

IV. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Put each term in each gap.
A. hyperparathyroidism, B. irradiation, C. metabolism,
D. metabolites E. micronutrient F. nausea, G. night blindness,
H. nutrients, I. obesity, J. osteomalacia
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10
.

Billions of people in developing countries suffer from _______ malnutrition, also known as "hidden
hunger," that is caused by lack of vitamins and minerals.
Food _______ can prevent the growth of microorganisms that cause food spoilage
_______ is overactivity of the parathyroid glands resulting in excess production of parathyroid
hormone (PTH)
Lack of vitamin A causes _______ or inability to see in dim light
_______ is the sensation that there is a need to vomit
_______ from food are absorbed by the body as it passes through the digestive system
_______ is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may
be negatively affected
_______ is the general term for the softening of the bones due to defective bone mineralization.
Our bodies get the energy they need from food through _______.
Secondary _______ are organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth,
development or reproduction of organisms.

V. REWRITING
Rewrite the following sentences, beginning with the given
initials.

1.
2.
3.

Long-term chemical exposure is capable of causing many systemic disturbances.
 Long-term chemical exposure is _______
Thickening of the skin of the palm results in loss of ability to hold hand straight.
 Loss of ability to hold hand straight _______
It is thought that the use of purified insulin helps avoid or reduce some of the problems of people
with diabetes such as allergic reactions.

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

13


4.
5.

 The use of purified insulin _______
Patients find that it is hard to remember things
 Patients find it _______
You may find it useful to breathe through a wet towel or tissue when you feel the symptoms are
acute.
 You may find that _______

VI. LISTENING 2
Listen and fill in the gaps the words you hear.

Tobacco smoke contains many harmful chemicals including nicotine which is a _______(1), addictive
drug. It also damages the heart, blood vessels and _______(2). Smokers become addicted to nicotine
and so find it hard to give up smoking. Tar causes lung cancer and other types of cancers. This has
been _______(3) by comparing the numbers of smokers and non-smokers who _______(4) cancer.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas. It reduces the amount of oxygen that can be _______(5) in the
blood by irreversibly combining with the haemoglobin in red blood cells. In pregnant women, this can
deprive the developing foetus of oxygen resulting in a low birth mass or a _______(6) birth.
Tiny particles in the smoke get trapped in the _______(7) of
the trachea and bronchial tubes and extra mucus is
produced. Chemicals in the smoke paralyse the tiny
_______(8) which normally clear the mucus out of the air
passages. The only way to clear this is by _______(9).
Because the lungs cannot be kept clean, smokers often
develop bronchitis and chest infections. Repeated coughing
causes the delicate walls of the alveoli to be _______(10),
which reduces the surface area for gas exchange. This is
one of the reasons why smokers are often short of breath. The lungs can develop large holes which
blow up like balloons. This condition is called emphysema (khí phế thủng).

UNIT 3 NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES

I. CLOZE TESTS
1.1. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. accounting,

B. considered, C. developed,

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

14

D. diabetes,

E. estimated,


F. factors,

G. level,

H. preventable,

I. urban,

J. vulnerable

Chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health
disorders, and injuries and violence are major problems,
_________(1) for over 40 per cent of the disease burden in
high mortality developing countries, and over 75 per cent in
lower mortality developing countries. NCDs, such as
cardiovascular disease, _________(2), chronic respiratory
disease and major cancers, are often _________(3) to be
"diseases of affluence". However, the majority of their disease
burden occurs in developing countries, and at rates, particularly
in _________(4) areas, that are often higher than in

_________(5) countries. As the populations of developing
countries age, and with rapid urbanisation and globalisation
driving increases in the risk _________(6) for chronic NCDs,
their burden is increasing rapidly.
Of the _________(7) 400 million persons affected by mental
disorders, most live in developing countries which command
only a fraction of global mental health resources. Mental
disorders account for 5-10 per cent of the burden of disease in
these countries. _________(8) populations, such as the poor and those affected by disasters, are at
greater risk. Mental disorders can be effectively and affordably treated at the local _________(9).
However, most of those in need do not receive any treatment. Injuries, including those caused by
violence, are also a major public health concern, leading to over five million deaths worldwide each
year. They include motor vehicle crashes, homicide, suicide, falls, poisoning, drowning, fires and
burns. On the whole, injuries do not occur at random: they are largely predictable and, therefore,
_________(10).
affluence
affordable
age
at random
burden
chronic
command a fraction
concern
drive
drown
estimate
globalisation

sự giàu có
có thể, đủ sức mua

già đi
ngẫu nhiên
gánh nặng
mạn tính
chiếm tỷ lệ
quan tâm
thúc đẩy, tạo động lực
chết đuối
ước tính
tồn cầu hố

health resource
homicide
mental disorder
mortality
predictable
preventable
public health
risk factor
suicide
urbanisation
violence
vulnerable to

nguồn lực y tế
giết người
rối loạn tâm thần
tỷ lệ tử vong
có thể dự đốn được
có thể đề phịng được

y tế cơng cộng
yếu tố nguy cơ
tự sát
đơ thị hố
bạo hành
dễ bị tổn thương

1.2. Fill each of the gaps with one word of your own.
Common non-communicable Diseases
Cancers: Cancer is amongst the three leading causes
_________(1) death in the UK. The most common killers are lung,
breast, colorectal and prostate cancer _________(2) together
account _________(3) about 62,000 deaths each year.
Lung cancer: About one fifth of all cancer cases and one quarter
of cancer deaths in men are due _________(4) lung cancer. This
represents about 23,000 cases and 18,000 deaths in men each
year (12,000 and 10,000 respectively in women). In both men and
women only about six patients _________(5) every hundred will
still be alive five years after diagnosis. More than £130 million is
spent by the NHS _________(6) lung cancer care each year.
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

15


Breast cancer: Nearly one third of cancer cases and one fifth of cancer deaths in women result
_________(7) breast cancer. This represents about 30,000 cases and 11,000 deaths each year.
About two thirds of women with breast cancer survive _________(8) at least five years after diagnosis.
More than £150 million is allotted by the NHS _________(9) breast cancer care each year.
Prostate cancer: In men approximately one cancer case out_________(10) seven are associated

_________(11) prostate cancer. This represents about 15,000 cases and 8,000 deaths each year.
About two fifths of men with prostate cancer can expect to live for at least five years after diagnosis.
Nearly £100 million is spent by the NHS every year to cope _________(12) prostate cancer each year.
account for
allot
approximately
colorectal
diagnosis

giải thích cho, chiếm tỷ lệ
phân cho, giao cho, cấp
xấp xỉ
thuộc kết-trực tràng
chẩn đoán

NHS
prostate
represent
respectively
survive

National Health Service
tiền liệt tuyến
đại diện cho, thể hiện
theo thứ tự đó
sống qua, sống sót

1. 3. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
E. gap,

A. circulatory, B. death, C. developing, D. factors,
F. intake, G. lifestyle, H. pressure, I. reductions, J. target

Coronary heart disease and strokes
Coronary heart disease and stroke, along with other diseases of the _________(1) system, account
for over 200,000 of the half a million deaths which occur in this country each year. While
_________(2) rates are improving substantially for the best off in society, the worst off have not
benefited to anything like the same extent, thus widening the health _________(3).
Several of the major risk _________(4) which increase the chances of people _________(5) coronary
heart disease or having a stroke are now well established. The key _________(6) risk factors, shared
by coronary heart disease and stroke, are smoking, poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity and high
blood _________(7). Excess alcohol _________(8) is an important additional risk factor for stroke.
Many of these risk factors are unevenly spread across society, with poorer people often exposed to
the highest risks.
In England the Department of Health has set a _________(9) to reduce the death rate from cancer in
people under 75 years by at least a fifth by 2010 - saving up to 100,000 lives in total. It supports all
efforts to reduce the toll cancer take on our society. There are many supported actions including
improved screening programs, the promotion of healthy diets and occupational health protection.
However, the biggest gains will be made through further controls and campaigns to reduce smoking.
The target includes: major changes in diet, particularly among the worst off, with increased
consumption of such foods as fruit, vegetables, and oily fish; large _________(10) in tobacco smoking
particularly among young people, women and people in disadvantaged communities; people keeping
much more physically active - by walking or cycling, for example - on a regular basis; people
controlling their body weight so as to keep to the right level for their physique; avoiding drinking
alcohol to excess.
benefit (n,v)
best off
campaign
consumption
disadvantaged

effort
extent
improve
occupational
on a regular basis

lơị ích, làm lợi, hưởng lợi
nhà giàu, người giàu
chiến dịch
tiêu thụ
bất lợi, yếu thế
nỗ lực
mức độ, tầm
cải thiện
thuộc nghề nghiệp
đều đặn

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

physique
reduce
screening
society
stroke
substantially
support
target
toll, take toll on
worst off

16

cơ thể
giảm
khám, tét sàng lọc
xã hội
đột quỵ
về thực chất, căn bản
ủng hộ, hỗ trợ
mục tiêu
tử vong, gây tử vong
người nghèo, nhà nghèo


II. READING PASSAGES Read the passages and answer the
questions below.
2.1. PASSAGE 1:
Non-communicable Diseases are not disease of Affluence
Non-industrialized regions often have lower life expectancies, even for non-communicable causes of
death. Although these diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the largest proportional killers
of people in the industrialized world, they often kill a large population in non-industrialized world, and
at a younger age. For example in
1990, of the 6.3 million people that
died of heart disease, 57% were in the
non-industrialized regions; among the
4.4 million people that died of stroke,
68% were in non-industrialized
countries. When one looks at the
probability of dying between the ages
of 15 and 60, the industrialized and

non-industrialized worlds have similar
rates for non-communicable diseases.
For people between the ages of 60 and
70, some non-industrialized regions
have a higher rate of death from noncommunicable diseases than the
industrialized regions. This shows that
unequal access to treatment and other
factors causes premature mortality rates in non-industrialized countries.
This refutes the myth that non-communicable diseases, such as stroke and heart disease, mainly
impact the affluent. Instead, it highlights that communicable diseases kill children in non-industrialized
countries most often, and these deaths have a significant impact on overall world mortality rates.
Controlling these diseases, through immunization and other means, can be one large step toward
achieving health equality.
access to
equality
expectancy
highlight
immunization
impact (n,v)
industrialized
killer
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

tiếp cận với
bình đẳng
tuổi thọ
nêu bật, làm nổi rõ
chủng ngừa
tác động
đã cơng nghiệp hố
ngun nhân tử vong

means
myth
overall
premature
probability
proportion
refute
significant

phương tiện
quan niệm sai lầm
toàn bộ, toàn diện
chưa tới tuổi trưởng thành
xác suất
tỷ lệ
bác bỏ
quan trọng, có ý nghĩa

The number of people dying of heart disease in the non-industrialized regions in 1990 was
_________.
A. 6.3 million

B. 3.6 million
C. 5.7 million
D. 4.4 million
The mortality from non-communicable diseases between the ages of 15 and 60 in the nonindustrialized world is _________ that of the industrialized world.
A. higher than
B. lower than
C. different from
D. similar to
The mortality from non-communicable diseases between the ages of 60 and 70 in the nonindustrialized world is _________ that of the industrialized world.
A. higher than
B. lower than
C. different from
D. similar to
The word refute in the last paragraph is similar in meaning to _________.
A. improve
B. disprove
C. prove
D. discover
Which of the following statements is not true?
A. Non-communicable diseases kill a large population in industrialized countries.
B. Non-communicable diseases are found only in aged people.
C. Non-communicable diseases increase overall world mortality rates.
D. Non-communicable diseases impact both the rich and the poor.

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

17


2.2. PASSAGE 2: CANCER

It would be much easier to detect and treat cancer if it were a single disease, as many people think.
There are actually some 200 different diseases that can be called cancers. They all have different
causes; originate in various tissues; develop for various reasons and in different ways; and demand
very different types of treatment.
Cancers can be categorized into three major groups: those arising in epithelial (covering) tissue are
called carcinomas; those originating in connective tissue, such as bones and muscle, are sarcomas;
and the third group called leukemias and lymphomas are cancerous diseases of blood tissue and
lymphatic system respectively. The last group is very different from the previous two in that it does not
produce solid tumors.
Carcinomas are the most
common type of cancer that
people suffer from. They develop
on the surface of an organ such
as the skin, the lining of the
uterus, mouth, nose, throat, air
tubes in the lungs, inside a duct in
the breast or any other site. Most
of these cancers can be treated
successfully as long as the
cancerous (malignant) cells
remain as a separate mass—
without invading the nearby
tissues.
Sarcomas include tumors of
the kidney, pancreas, liver and
brain, and bone tissue like the
spine, pelvis, ribs and femur.
Cancers of muscle, tendons and
ligaments are very rare. The bone cancers, named separately as myelomas, usually cause the bone
to break easily or collapse under pressure. Again, as in many forms of cancer, early detection can lead

to treatment by excision or destruction (using radiation) of the affected part or area of an organ.
The third category is that of cancers of blood tissue and the lymphatic system known as leukemias
and lymphomas. Leukemias (usually referred to in the plural) are different forms of cancer affecting
various white blood cells. Children under 12 outnumber adults of all ages in developing leukemias.
Lymphosarcomas and lymphomas are cancers of lymph nodes and reticular cells respectively. Cancer
of the thyroid glands is the most common example in this group.
Whatever the type, cancer remains one of the fatal diseases of modern times. It is the second
biggest killer in the developed world and may soon become the number one killer. After detection, only
one out of five survives—only for a period of five years.
A. Circle the letter of the best answer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Cancer of the skull would be called a _______
A. myeloma
B. carcinoma
C. sarcoma
D. leukemia
The word ‘two’ refers to _______
A. leukemias and lymphomas.
B. carcinomas and sarcomas
C. leukemias and carcinomas.
D. myelomas and sarcomas.
The most frequent type of cancer in man is _______.
A. carcinoma

B. sarcoma
C. leukemia
D. A&B
If a patient has lung cancer, he has a _______
A. leukemia
B. sarcoma
C. carcinoma
D. myeloma
Cancer is a deadly disease because it _______
A. develops in various ways and reasons.
B. it is treated very differently.
C. develops in various body organs.
D. it kills four out of five patients.
The topic of the second paragraph is _______
A. causes of cancer.
B. classification of cancer.
C. explanation of cancer.
D. treatment of cancer.
From the passage it can be inferred that _______
A. there is no definite treatment for cancer.
B. all forms of cancer are fatal.

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

18


C. cancer is an incurable disease.

D. any part of the body can develop cancer.

B. Fill in the following classification chart by using the given words.
A. myelomas, B. leukemias, C. prostate gland,
E. lung cancer, F. pancreas, G. carcinomas,

D. blood cells,
H. sarcomas

CANCER

1. _______
affect nose, throat and
4. _______
include: 7. _______
and breast cancer

2. _______
affect
5. _______
include: 8. _______
and brain tumors

3. _______
& lymphomas, affect
6. _______
include
thyroid cancer

C. Write the synonyms of the following words from the passage.
1. begin/start (v)

= _______
2. classified (v)
= _______
3. covering (adj)
= _______
4. in the same order (adv) = _______
5. attacking (v)
= _______
6. resulting in death (adj = _______

Leukemia
III. STRUCTURE & VOCABULARY
Choose the best answer among A, B, C, and D.

1.

Rapidly growing bones are most severely affected by rickets.
A. changed
B. increased
C. stopped
D. moved
2.
_________ average, the intake of this vitamin from food in the U.S. is approximately 9 mg daily for
men and 6 mg daily for women
A. In
B. On
C. At
D. For
3.
The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the things to which you are allergic.

A. keep on
B. keep away from
C. get used to
D. prevent
4.
It may create a potential pathway for infection, which could result in meningitis.
A. reduce
B. produce
C. delay
D. block
5.
Ultrasound investigation of the renal tract is often used to distinguish between various sources of
bleeding.
A. differ
B. differentiate
C. extinguish
D. distinct
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –
19


6.

7.
8.
9.
10
.

Chemical exposure - particularly long-term - is capable of causing many systemic disturbances,

especially within the functioning of the immune and central nervous systems.
A. disorder
B. contribution
C. discomfort
D. distance
An estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes
A. required
B. roughly calculated
C. highly valued
D. predicted
Nonsmokers who are exposed _________ constant smoke also have an increased risk.
A. with
B. for
C. to
D. of
Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal.
A. extreme cold
B. extreme heat
C. excitement
D. extreme tiredness
Measles and malaria, are more frequent causes of death in Sub-Saharan Africa than elsewhere.
A. severe
B. habitual
C. unusual
D. special

IV. MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
Put one term into each gap
A. osteoporosis B. overdose C. parathyroid D. plague E. precursors
F.rickets G. scurvy H.substrate I.sunscreen J. tuberculosis

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10
.

Accidental drug _______ may be the result of misuse of prescription medicines or commonly used
medications like pain relievers and cold tablets.
In biochemistry, a _______ is a molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
_______ is the silent disease that makes bones prone to fracture and is a major public health
threat for more than 28 million Americans.
_______ hormone is the most important endocrine regulator of calcium and phosphorus
concentration in extracellular fluid.
Persons with a history of intravenous drug abuse also are more likely to have _______ of the
lungs.
_______ is a disease of rodents that can be spread to humans another animals by infected fleas.
_______ is a disorder primarily caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, or phosphate, which leads to
softening and weakening of the bones.
_______ was a serious problem in the past, when fresh fruitsand vegetables were not available
during the winter in many parts of the world.
_______ can be applied to the bridge of the nose, ear tips, skin surrounding the lips, and any area
where pigmentation is low.
The _______ of vitamin A (retinol) are the carotenoids (most commonly beta-carotene).

V. REWRITING Rewrite the following sentences, beginning with the given initials.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Organisms causing an infectious disease in a host with depressed resistance are classified as
opportunistic pathogens.
 Organisms that _______
Malaria is caused by Plasmodial parasites.
 Plasmodial parasites are _______
You should take care of yourself so that a disease has less of an effect on your body.
 You should take care of yourself in _______
An area near the center of the retina of the eye is responsible for fine or reading vision.
 An area near the center of the retina of the eye is involved _______
Although there are many claims of nutritional cures, there is no reliable proof of their
effectiveness.
 Despite _______

VI. LISTENING 3

6.1. Listen and complete the text with what you hear
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

20


Diseases can cause many problems. Alzheimer's disease makes people have problems with their
_______(1). Even easy tasks are _______(2) to do.

A German doctor discovered the disease in _______(3). Back then, it was considered a _______(4)
disease. Today, it is known to be more _______(5).
Alzheimer's disease attacks the _______(6). It slowly destroys a person's _______(7). It changes their
thinking and the way they act. About 4 million American adults have this disease.
At times, a person with this disease can become confused. They can have a hard time trying to
_______(8). Sometimes they forget where they are. Sometimes they do not remember their own
_______(9). Eventually, people who have this disease can no longer take care of themselves.
Alzheimer's disease cannot be cured, but it can get better with treatment. It is important to see a
_______(10) doctor if you have this disease.

6. 2. Listen to the story and answer the questions.
1
2
3
4
5

How many people died of skin cancer this year?
A. 900
B. 1900
C. 9000
How many types of cancer are mentioned?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
Your chances of skin cancer are higher if you _______.
A. have light-colored skin
B. have black eyes
C. have black hair
D. are fat

If found and treated early about _______ victim of skin cancer can be cured.
A. 18%
B. 28%
C. 80%
How many therapies for skin cancer are mentioned here?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3

D. 90,000
D. 4

D. 78%
D. 4

UNIT 4
DIABETES
I. CLOZE TESTS
1.1. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. blindness, B. developed, C. glucose, D. hyperglycemia,
E. incurable, F. interaction, G. leading, H. pregnancy, I. renal, J. single
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by _________(1) (high glucose blood sugar),
among other signs. The World Health Organization recognizes three main forms of diabetes: type 1,
type 2 and gestational diabetes (or type 3, occurring during _________(2)). Although these share
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –
21


signs and symptoms, they have different causes and population distributions. They are not a
_________(3) disease or condition. Type 1 is generally due to autoimmune destruction of the insulinproducing cells — pancreatic beta cells — while type 2 is characterized by tissue wide insulin

resistance and varies widely. Gestational diabetes is due to a poorly understood _________(4)
between fetal needs and maternal metabolic controls. Type 2 sometimes progresses to loss of beta
cell function as well.
Since the first use of insulin (1921) Types 1 and 2 have been _________(5), but treatable chronic
conditions; gestational diabetes typically resolves with delivery. Aside from acute _________(6) levels
abnormalities, the main risks to health are the characteristic long-term complications. These include
cardiovascular disease, chronic _________(7) failure (the main cause of dialysis in developed world
adults), retinal damage (which can lead to _________(8) and is the most significant cause of adult
blindness in the non-elderly in the _________(9) world), nerve damage, microvascular damage, the
_________(10) cause of non-traumatic amputation in developed world adults.
abnormality
adult
amputation
aside from
autoimmune
blindness
cardiovascular
characterize
chronic
complication
delivery
dialysis

bất thường
người lớn
cắt cụt (chi)
ngồi, bên cạnh
tự miễn
mù
thuộc tim mạch

đặc trưng
mạn tính
biến chứng
sinh, cuộc sinh
thấm tách

distribution
failure
gestational diabetes
interaction
loss
metabolic
pregnancy
renal
resolve
retinal damage
traumatic
typically

phân bố, phân phối
suy
đái dường thai nghén
tương tác
mất
chuyển hoá
mang thai
thuộc thận
hồi phục
tổn thương võng mạc
thuộc chấn thương

thông thường

1.2. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. attracted, B. dependent, C. excessive, D. kidney,
E. mean,
F. named, G. related,
H. sweet,
I. tasting, J. urine
Diabetes mellitus - Terminology
The term diabetes (Greek: διαβήτης) was coined by Aretaeus of Cappadocia. It is derived from the
Greek word διαβαίνειν, diabaínein that literally means "passing through," a reference to one of
diabetes' major symptoms - _________(1) urine production. In 1675 Thomas Willis added mellitus
from the Latin word meaning a sweet taste. This had been noticed long before in ancient times by the
Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, and Indians. In 1776 Matthew Dobson confirmed the _________(2) taste
was because of an excess of a kind of sugar in the _________(3) and blood of people with diabetes.
The ancient Indians tested for diabetes by observing whether ants were _________(4) to a person's
urine, and called the ailment "sweet urine disease". The Korean, Chinese and Japanese words for
diabetes all _________(5) "sweet urine disease". Medieval European doctors
tested for it by _________(6) the urine themselves.
While the term, diabetes, usually refers to diabetes mellitus, there are several
other, rarer, conditions also _________(7) diabetes. The most common of
these is diabetes insipidus, in which the urine is not sweet; it can be caused
by either _________(8) (nephrogenic DI) or pituitary gland (central DI)
damage.
The term "type 1diabetes" has universally replaced several former terms,
including childhood onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes and insulin dependent
diabetes. "Type 2 diabetes" has also replaced several older terms, including
adult-onset diabetes, obesity _________(9) diabetes, and non-insulin
dependent diabetes. Beyond these numbers, there is no standard, so a type 2 who has become
insulin _________(10) has sometimes been called type 3, while the same term is also used for

gestational diabetes in some cases.
A. attracted, B. dependent, C. excessive, D. kidney,
E. mean,
F. named, G. related,
H. sweet,
I. tasting, J. urine,
ailment

bệnh

MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

literally
22

theo nghĩa đen


ancient times
attract
coin
confirm
derive from
diabetes insipidus
excessive
juvenile

thời cổ đại
thu hút
tạo ra

thừa nhận, khẳng định
xuất phát từ
đái tháo nhạt
thừa
thanh thiếu niên

Medieval
nephrogenic
obesity
observe
onset
pituitary gland
refer to
universally

thuộc thời Trung cổ
do thận
chứng mập phì
quan sát
sự khởi, phát bệnh
tuyến yên
đề cập đến
phổ biến

1. 3. Fill each of the gaps with one word from the box.
A. accumulated, B. addition, C. associated, D. consumption, E. elevated,
F. levels, G. prevented, H. preventive, I. protective, J. reliable
Diabetes - Prevention
As little is known on the exact mechanism by which type 1 diabetes develops, there are no
_________(1) measures available for that form of diabetes. Some studies have attributed a

_________(2) effect of breastfeeding on the development of type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can be _________(3) in many cases by making changes in diet and increasing
physical activity. Some studies have shown delayed progression to diabetes through the use of
metformin or valsartan. Breastfeeding might also be correlated with the prevention of type 2 of the
disease in mothers.
As of late 2006, although there are many claims of nutritional cures, there is no _________(4) proof of
their effectiveness. In _________(5), despite claims by some that vaccinations may cause diabetes,
there are no studies proving any such connection.
Individuals with _________(6) levels of persistent organic pollutants (DDT, dioxins, Chlordane…) in
their body are 38 times more likely to have diabetes than individuals with low _________(7) of these
pollutants, according to a Korean study. Among study participants, obesity was _________(8) with
diabetes only in people who was tested high for these pollutants. These pollutants are _________(9)
in animal fats, so minimizing _________(10) of animal fats may reduce the risk of diabetes.
accumulate
tích lũy
minimize
giảm tới mức tối thiểu
attribute
cho là, quy cho
participant
người tham gia
claim
sự cáo buộc , cho rằng persistent
lâu dài, bền bĩ
correlate
tương quan
pollutant
chất gây ơ nhiễm
delay
chậm, trì hỗn

reduce
làm giảm
elevate
gia tăng
reliable
đáng tin vậy

II. READING PASSAGES
Read the passages and answer the questions below.
2.1. PASSAGE 1: Types of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that is marked by
elevated blood glucose (commonly referred to as
blood sugar). A large portion of the food that we
eat is converted by the body into glucose. The
blood delivers glucose throughout the body, but
the hormone insulin is needed in order for it to be
transported into most cells. Insulin comes from the
pancreas. If the pancreas does not make sufficient
insulin or cells are resistant to its activity of
promoting glucose uptake, the blood glucose level
becomes elevated.
Type I diabetes represents approximately 5-10%
of diabetic patients. It usually has a rapid onset
and most frequently manifest in children and
adolescents. Because the body cannot use dietary
glucose, the level in the blood is elevated and
excess glucose is lost in the urine, causing
weakness, thirst and hunger. The treatment for
type I diabetes is insulin replacement.
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23


Type II diabetes is found in some 120 million adults, who are able to produce insulin but the liver and
body cells are resistant to its actions. Some type II diabetics can be effectively treated with diet alone,
but many require oral medications. Historically, this has been thought of as maturity onset diabetes
because it tends to occur after age 50, but there has been a dramatic increase in the number of
adolescents with the disease. This is thought to be due to increased obesity and decreased physical
activity in this age group.
The major complication of diabetes is damage to the heart and blood vessels, which can cause heart
attacks, strokes, and poor circulation. The effects on blood vessels also increase the risk of developing
high blood pressure (hypertension).
Diabetics have an increased risk of eye disease. Damage to the retina associated with diabetes is the
leading cause of blindness in adults under age 65 in the US.
When blood glucose is high, nerve cells swell and scar. The disease associated with damage to the
nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. The most common
type of neuropathy in diabetics involves impairment of sensory nerves. Impaired nerve signals to the
brain about sensations such as the detection of heat or pain may lead to burns or undetected cuts that
can become infected. If untreated, infected foot and leg ulcers can spread to the bone and may require
amputation. Burning, pain or tingling sensations in the hands, legs and feet are also common.
adolescent
convert
detection
dietary
impairment
peripheral neuropathy
promote

1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

6.

7.

8.
9.

vị thành niên
chuyển đổi
theo dõi
thuộc chế độ ăn
suy yếu
đau thần kinh ngoại vi
gia tăng, tăng cường

scar
sensation
swell
thirst
tingling sensation
ulcer
uptake

sẹo, thành sẹo
cảm giác
sưng
khát
cảm giác đau nhói
loét
sự hấp thu

Insulin is used to _________.
A. break down glucose.
B. change food into glucose.
C. transport glucose into cells.
D. make glucose.
Insulin is made by this organ _________.
A. liver
B. brain
C. pancreas
D. heart
When blood sugar levels are elevated, glucose is lost through the _______.
A. urine
B. blood
C. pancreas
D. liver
The treatment for type I diabetes is _________.
A. controlling diet.
B. drinking lots of water. C. increased exercise. D. insulin
replacement.
The treatment for type II diabetes is _________.
A. controlling diet.
B. drinking lots of water. C. increased exercise. D. insulin

replacement.
Type II diabetes is increasing in adolescents because of _________
A. increased obesity.
B. decreased physical activity.
C. both of these
D. none of these
The major complication of diabetes is _________.
A. damage to the eyes.
B. nerve damage.
C. damage to the heart and blood vessels.
D. damage to the kidneys.
A disease damaging nerves outside the brain and spinal cord ________.
A. diabetes.
B. hypertension.
C. stroke.
D. neuropathy.
A diabetic may be forced to have an amputation if_________
A. infection begins.
B. hypertension begins.
C. poor circulation develops.
D. infection spreads to the bone.

2.2. PASSAGE 2: Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common of the two forms of diabetes,
affecting 90% or greater of the people with diabetes. In type 2
diabetes the pancreas produces insulin but the cells of the body
become resistant or the amount of insulin produced is not enough.
Glucose builds up in the blood stream (hyperglycemia) and the cells
of the body are unable to function properly.
MEDICAL ENGLISH 2 – WORKBOOK –

24


Type 2 diabetes can affect anyone at any age but is more common in overweight populations, people
with a family history of type 2 diabetes, the elderly, and people with metabolic syndrome (problems with
hypertension and cholesterol issues.)
Some life-threatening problems that can occur with uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Retinopathy is
caused by damage to the small blood vessels of the retina. These blood vessels begin to leak fluid into
the retina, which leads to blurred vision. Kidney damage is caused by destruction of the small vessels in
the nephrons allowing protein to flow into the urine. As this neuropathy continues, the function of the
kidney declines and leads to kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease. Circulatory problems and
nerve damage are cause by a hardening of the arteries. This causes loss of sensation, risk of ulcers,
infection and can lead to amputation.
51 What is the problem with insulin in type 2 diabetes?
.
A. The pancreas stops producing insulin.
B. The body cells are resistant to insulin.
C. There is not enough insulin.
D. B&C
52 What populations are most likely to get type 2 diabetes?
.
A. too fat people
B. too tall people
C. young people
D. All of these
53 What causes retinopathy in diabetes patients?
.
A. Damage to retina capillaries
B. Damage to retina fluid

C. Damage to the kidneys
D. Metabolic syndrome
54 What causes kidney damage in diabetes patients?
.
A. Damage to small vessels in the nephrons
B. Damage to small vessels in the liver
C. Damage to small vessels in the retina
D. Damage to small vessels in the stomach
55 What causes the circulatory problems in diabetes patients?
.
A. hardening of the arteries B. loss of sensation
C. ulcers
D. All of the

III. STRUCTURE & VOCABULARY
Choose the best answer among A, B, C, and D.

1.

2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.

9.

10
.

Because the microbes and their hosts have co-evolved together, the hosts have gradually become
resistant _________ the microorganisms.
A. to
B. with
C. by
D. for
In people with allergies, the immune system becomes sensitive to normally _________ substances
known as allergens.
A. harmful
B. harmless
C. harm
D. unharmed
Central air conditioning also has the benefit of lowering the humidity within the home.
A. fresh air
B. ventilation
C. temperature
D. moisture
This test is less convenient to administer.
A. effective
B. appropriate
C. harmful
D. complicated
Sometimes disability is caused by abnormal genes inherited from parents
A. separated
B. received
C. resulted
D. suffered

Unless the HIV lifecycle is interrupted by treatment, the virus infection spreads throughout the body
and results in the destruction of the body's immune system.
A. stopped
B. intensified
C. increased
D. relieved
A possible source for the misconception holds that AIDS infects only homosexual men
A. misuse
B. incorrect use
C. incorrect view
D. abuse
In early childhood mild disability (IQ 60–70) may not be obvious, and may not be diagnosed until
they begin school.
A. clean
B. clear
C. bright
D. light
Symptoms are not localized to one particular site.
A. sensitive
B. insensitive
C. specific
D. unspecific
The misconceptions prevent many people _________ HIV testing.
A. to seek
B. seeking
C. in seeking
D. from seeking

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25