3.4 Speaking and writing making requests.

Part 1: Making requests

1. Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the library?
2. Excuse me, can I borrow your pen?
3. Excuse me, can I use your computer for a moment?
4. Excuse me, could I have a glass of water, please?
5. Excuse me, could you help me with this bag?
6. Excuse me, where is the nearest post office?
7. Excuse me, can I have the bill, please?
8. Excuse me, can I try this on?

Part 2: Responding to requests

Match the responses (a-f) to the requests (1-6) in exercise 2a.

1. a Of course! What's the problem?
2. b Yes, that's fine. It's on the table.
3. c I'm sorry, that isn't possible, Tom. There's an important meeting in the morning.
4. d Sure. Here you are.
5. e I'm afraid not. This car park is for company staff only.
6. f Yes, of course. Anything to eat?

Part 3: Practicing conversations

Practice saying both parts of the conversation.

Part 4: Opening and closing an email

Complete the two emails using the correct word in each pair.

1. Dear/Hello
2. Can we/Can I
3. See you/I'm free
4. Best wishes/love
5. Dear/Hi

Dear Marion,

Thank you for your email. Can I meet on Tuesday? I'm afraid I'm busy in the afternoon.

Paul

6. Could you let me know/How are you
7. Can I/Could you
8. Love/Yours sincerely

Dear Sarah,

How are you? I have a quick question. I'm in London for a meeting on Tuesday afternoon. Could you stay at my house?

Marion

Part 5: Intonation

Listen, speak and repeat. Copy the intonation.

Part 6: Responses

Look at the responses to requests. Are they positive (P) or negative (N)?

1. Yes, of course. P
2. I'm afraid not. N
3. I'm sorry but... N
4. Sure. P
5. Yes, that's fine. P

Part 7: Intonation

Listen and repeat the responses. Copy the intonation.

Part 8: People and Places

Read the requests. Where are the people?

1. Excuse me, could I start work a little late tomorrow? At work
2. Can you lend me 50 euros? I want to buy this book. At a shop/store
3. Excuse me, can I book a table for two for 8 pm? In a restaurant
4. Excuse me, can I leave my car here? In a car park