Free everyday English listening practice for daily life: listen to Mel and Josh, read along with the transcript, learn the key words and check your understanding with a short quiz.
1. Before you listen: key words
Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.
- call in sick tell your workplace you are unwell and can't come to work
- I'm afraid... a polite way to start bad news
- unwell sick, not feeling well
- urgent needing to be done very soon
- hand over give your work to someone else to do
- medical certificate a note from a doctor or other health professional saying you were sick
- cover for someone do someone's work while they are away
2. Listen to the episode
Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.
Josh: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.
Mel: And I'm Mel. Today's topic is something everyone has to do sometimes: calling in sick.
Josh: 'Calling in sick' means telling your workplace that you're unwell and can't come in today.
Mel: The first rule is timing. Let your manager know as early as you can, ideally before your shift starts.
Josh: And check how your workplace wants you to do it. Some want a phone call, not a text message.
Mel: Right. A simple start is, 'Hi Sarah, it's Mel. I'm afraid I'm not feeling well, so I won't be able to come in today.'
Josh: 'I'm afraid' is a polite way to give bad news. It makes the message softer.
Mel: You don't need to give lots of medical details. 'I've got a bad cold' or 'I've been unwell overnight' is usually enough.
Josh: Then think about your work. Is anything urgent today?
Mel: You could say, 'The client report is due at three. Jordan has the latest version, so he could send it.'
Josh: That's really helpful for your manager. It shows you've thought about the team.
Mel: Your manager might ask, 'Do you know when you'll be back?' If you're not sure, be honest.
Josh: 'I'm hoping to be back tomorrow, but I'll let you know by this evening.'
Mel: Many workplaces also ask for a medical certificate, especially if you're away for more than a day or two.
Josh: So it's worth checking your workplace's policy, or asking your manager, 'Will you need a medical certificate?'
Mel: Good tip. And when you get back, a short thank-you is nice: 'Thanks for covering for me yesterday.'
Josh: 'Covering for someone' means doing their work while they're away.
Mel: So: tell them early, keep it short, hand over anything urgent, and say when you expect to be back.
Josh: And rest! That's the most important part.
Mel: Exactly. Take care, and see you next time!
3. Check your understanding
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4. Shadow the hosts
Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.
5. Talk about it
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Keep learning: Everyday English lesson: calling in sick and running late.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?
Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.
What English level is this episode?
Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.
Which words will I learn in this episode?
call in sick, I'm afraid..., unwell, urgent, hand over, medical certificate, cover for someone. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.
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