Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

Hello, teachers!!

The following typical case history is reported by aleft-handed doctor, practicing as a neurologist:

I was first aware of right-left confusion in about the third grade when I had curious difficulty following simple instructions such as to do something on the right or the left side of the page. In order to orient myself, I had to first begin writing to determine which was my left hand and develop a point of reference... I sill [as a thirty-three-year-old] need to consciously make the rihgt-left decision, entally check my decision and will make an error if I am preoccupied, tired, or have had a ( ). I have no difficulty with direction otherwise.

Like this neurologist, Shakespeare was aware that alcohol made right-left confusion worse, Cassio in Othello protesting his sobriety by saying, "Do not think, gentlemen, I am drunk... this is my right hand; and this is my left hand."

----->

Which is a better word, "drink" or "headache" for ( )?

Thank you in advance.

[CP]

The right answer is drink.

He goes on to talk about the effect of drinking alcohol on the left-right confusion, and the structure of the sentence makes drink fit, but not headache.

I will make an error if I am preoccupied, tired, or have had a drink.

I will make an error if I am preoccupied, tired, or have a headache.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[learner12]

Dear CP:

Thank you so much for your quick replies.

Take care and have a nice day!!