S - Unit 10 - A2

1. Polite Requests

   • "Could you please...?"
     Example: "Could you please help me with this?"
   • "Would you mind...?"
     Example: "Would you mind closing the window?"
   • "Can you please...?"
     Example: "Can you please give me a call later?"
   • "Could I ask you to...?"
     Example: "Could I ask you to send me the report?"

2. Direct Requests

   • "Please..."
     Example: "Please pass me the salt."
   • "I need you to..."
     Example: "I need you to finish this by tomorrow."
   • "Can you...?"
     Example: "Can you help me find my keys?"
   • "Would you...?"
     Example: "Would you write a letter for me?"

3. Requesting Permission

   • "May I...?"
     Example: "May I use your phone?"
   • "Is it okay if I...?"
     Example: "Is it okay if I leave early today?"
   • "Do you mind if I...?"
     Example: "Do you mind if I sit here?"

Responding to Requests

1. Agreeing to Help

   • "Sure, I’d be happy to..."
     Example: "Sure, I’d be happy to help you with that."
   • "Of course, I can..."
     Example: "Of course, I can lend you my book."
   • "No problem, I’ll..."
     Example: "No problem, I’ll send you the email now."
   • "Yes, I can do that."
     Example: "Yes, I can do that for you."

2. Polite Refusals

   • "I’m sorry, but I can’t..."
     Example: "I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that."
   • "Unfortunately, I’m not able to..."
     Example: "Unfortunately, I’m not able to meet today."
   • "I’d like to help, but..."
     Example: "I’d like to help, but I’m too busy right now."
   • "I’m afraid I can’t..."
     Example: "I’m afraid I can’t lend you the car."

3. Seeking Clarification

   • "Could you please clarify...?"
     Example: "Could you please clarify what you need help with?"
   • "What exactly do you want me to do?"
     Example: "What exactly do you want me to do?"
   • "Can you give me more details?"
     Example: "Can you give me more details about what you need?"

4. Offering Alternatives

   • "I can’t do that, but I can..."
     Example: "I can’t do that, but I can help with something else."
   • "How about I... instead?"
     Example: "How about I send you the information by email instead?"
   • "If you need anything else, let me know."
     Example: "If you need anything else, let me know."

These expressions and phrases will help you effectively make and respond to requests in a polite and clear manner.

Here are some examples of conversations illustrating how to make and respond to requests:

1. Requesting Information

Person A: "Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest subway station?"

Person B: "Sure! Walk straight down this street, then turn left at the first intersection. The subway station will be on your right."

Person A: "Thanks for the help!"

Person B: "You’re welcome. Have a good day!"

2. Requesting Help in a Classroom

Student: "Can I ask you a question about the homework assignment?"

Teacher: "Of course! What do you need help with?"

Student: "I’m not sure how to solve question 3. Can you explain it to me?"

Teacher: "Certainly. Let’s go over the problem together."

3. Requesting a Favor from a Friend

Person A: "Hey, could you help me move this weekend? I need an extra pair of hands."

Person B: "I’d be happy to help! What time do you need me to come over?"

Person A: "I’ll need help on Saturday morning. Does that work for you?"

Person B: "Saturday morning is perfect. See you then!"

4. Responding to a Request for a Recommendation

Person A: "Can you recommend a good book to read? I’m looking for something in the mystery genre."

Person B: "Sure! You might enjoy ‘The Da Vinci Code’ by Dan Brown. It’s a gripping mystery."

Person A: "Great, I’ll check it out. Thanks!"

Person B: "You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy it!"

5. Making a Request in a Restaurant

Customer: "Could I get the check, please?"

Waiter: "Certainly. I’ll bring it right over."

Customer: "Also, can you add a tip to the bill?"

Waiter: "Yes, I can do that. How much would you like to add?"

Customer: "Please add 15% to the total."

6. Responding to a Request for Time Off

Employee: "Could I take a day off next Friday? I have a personal appointment."

Manager: "Let me check the schedule. It looks like we’re covered that day, so it should be fine."

Employee: "Thank you! I’ll make sure everything is in order before I leave."

Manager: "Great. Just remind me a day before."

7. Making a Request for Clarification

Person A: "I didn’t quite understand the last part of your explanation. Can you clarify it?"

Person B: "Sure. What didn’t you understand?"

Person A: "The part about how to complete the form. Can you go over it again?"

Person B: "Absolutely. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing the form."

8. Responding to a Request for Assistance

Person A: "Can you help me with this presentation? I’m having trouble with the slides."

Person B: "I’d be happy to help. What specifically are you having trouble with?"

Person A: "I’m not sure how to format the slides properly."

Person B: "Let’s work on it together. I can show you how to format them."

9. Making a Request for a Reservation

Customer: "I’d like to make a reservation for two at 7 PM tonight. Is that possible?"

Host: "Let me check our availability. Yes, we have a table available at that time."

Customer: "Perfect. Can you please confirm the reservation?"

Host: "Yes, it’s confirmed. We’ll see you at 7 PM."

10. Responding to a Request for Feedback

Person A: "Can you give me feedback on my essay? I’d like to improve it."

Person B: "Sure, I can review it. What specific areas are you concerned about?"

Person A: "Mainly the structure and clarity."

Person B: "Alright, I’ll focus on those areas and give you some suggestions."

These examples illustrate how to make requests and respond to them effectively in various contexts, from everyday interactions to formal situations.