S - Unit 9 - A2
Expressing needs and wants
Expressing Needs
Basic Needs
- "I need [item/service]."
Example: "I need a pen." - "Can I have [item/service], please?"
Example: "Can I have a glass of water, please?" - "I need to [action]."
Example: "I need to find a bus stop." - "I’m looking for [item/service]."
Example: "I’m looking for a pharmacy."
- "I need [item/service]."
Requesting Assistance
- "Could you help me with [task]?"
Example: "Could you help me with this form?" - "I need some assistance with [task]."
Example: "I need some assistance with my luggage." - "I’m having trouble with [task]."
Example: "I’m having trouble with my computer."
- "Could you help me with [task]?"
Describing Essential Needs
- "It’s important for me to [action]."
Example: "It’s important for me to get to the airport on time." - "I must [action]."
Example: "I must make an appointment."
- "It’s important for me to [action]."
Expressing Urgent Needs
- "I urgently need [item/service]."
Example: "I urgently need a phone charger." - "This is very important to me."
Example: "This is very important to me because I have a meeting."
- "I urgently need [item/service]."
Expressing Wants
Stating Desires
- "I want [item/service]."
Example: "I want a new book." - "I would like [item/service]."
Example: "I would like a coffee, please." - "I’m interested in [activity/item]."
Example: "I’m interested in learning Spanish."
- "I want [item/service]."
Making Requests for Preferences
- "Can I get [item/service]?"
Example: "Can I get a seat near the window?" - "I’d like to [action]."
Example: "I’d like to join the gym." - "I’m looking forward to [activity]."
Example: "I’m looking forward to the concert."
- "Can I get [item/service]?"
Expressing Future Desires
- "I hope to [action]."
Example: "I hope to travel to Italy next year." - "I plan to [action]."
Example: "I plan to start a new hobby." - "I’d love to [action]."
Example: "I’d love to go on vacation."
- "I hope to [action]."
Describing Ideal Situations
- "It would be great if I could [action]."
Example: "It would be great if I could find a good restaurant nearby." - "I wish I could [action]."
Example: "I wish I could speak more fluently."
- "It would be great if I could [action]."
Expressing Preferences
- "I prefer [item/service/option]."
Example: "I prefer tea over coffee." - "I would rather [action]."
Example: "I would rather stay home tonight."
Here are a few examples of conversations illustrating how to express needs and wants:
1. Requesting Assistance in a Store
Customer: "Excuse me, I need some help finding a gift for my friend. Can you assist me?"
Shop Assistant: "Of course! What kind of gift are you looking for?"
Customer: "I want something special, maybe a nice bracelet or watch."
Shop Assistant: "We have a selection of bracelets over here. Let me show you some options."
2. Making a Request at a Restaurant
Customer: "Hi, I’d like to order a sandwich and a coffee, please."
Waiter: "Sure. Would you like any specific type of sandwich?"
Customer: "I want a turkey sandwich with no mustard. And could I get a latte instead of a regular coffee?"
Waiter: "No problem. I’ll make sure your sandwich has no mustard and I’ll get a latte for you."
3. Expressing Needs and Wants in a Library
Library Visitor: "Hello, I need a quiet place to read. Do you have any available rooms?"
Librarian: "Yes, we have a reading room on the second floor. Would you like me to show you where it is?"
Library Visitor: "Yes, please. Also, I’d like to check out a few books on history."
Librarian: "I can help you find those books too. Follow me, and we’ll get you set up."
4. Asking for Help with a Task
Person A: "Hi, I need help with my computer. It’s not turning on."
Person B: "Sure, I can take a look. What’s happening exactly?"
Person A: "It just shows a black screen and doesn’t boot up."
Person B: "Let’s check the connections first. If that doesn’t work, we might need to troubleshoot further."
5. Expressing Future Plans
Friend A: "What are your plans for the weekend?"
Friend B: "I want to visit the new art exhibit at the museum. Would you like to join me?"
Friend A: "That sounds great! I’d love to go. What time are you thinking of going?"
Friend B: "How about Saturday afternoon?"
Friend A: "Perfect! Let’s plan for that."
6. Asking for Permission
Student: "Excuse me, may I leave the classroom early today? I have an appointment."
Teacher: "Do you have a note from your parent or guardian?"
Student: "Yes, here it is."
Teacher: "Alright, you can leave early. Make sure to catch up on any missed work."
7. Making Small Talk in a Social Setting
Person A: "Hi! I’m Alex. How are you enjoying the party?"
Person B: "Hi Alex! I’m enjoying it a lot. The music is great. What about you?"
Person A: "I’m having a good time too. I wanted to ask, where did you get that drink? It looks interesting."
Person B: "Oh, it’s a special cocktail from the bar. I can show you where to get one."
These examples cover various scenarios where expressing needs and wants can be practiced, from everyday tasks to social interactions.