Polite requests
Pay attention to the form of these polite ways to make a request. What do you notice about the verb after the polite language? There’s one verb that’s different from all the others. Which one?
Listen to the audio and read along.
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|---|---|
| Can you open the door? | Would you mind opening the door? |
| Could you open the door? | If it’s okay with you, could we open the door? |
| Would you open the door? | If you get a chance, could/would you open the door?
When you have a minute, could/would you open the door? |
There’s one verb that’s different from all the others. Which one?
Listen to the audio again and say each polite request along with the speaker. Make your intonation varied so you sound more polite.
Now it's your turn
In this activity, you will practice the skills you have developed so far in this Unit.
- Work in pairs. One of you is Student One, the other is Student Two. (If you have more people, you can take turns.)
- First, read the instructions and example below. When you have understood, click on your page (Student One or Student Two) above.
Instructions: Each of you should choose a card that has a situation on it. Read the card and think about what you need to ask for. Practice asking and try to use a different way each time.
For example, you see a card that says:
Think about it. What do you need? How can you ask politely?
Ask your partner. Use polite intonation.
Partner: Listen to the request. Is it clear?
Now, you try!
Click on your page (Student One or Student Two) above.
Instructions: Each of you should choose a card that has a situation on it. Read the card and think about what you need to ask for. Practice asking and try to use a different way each time.
For example, you see a card that says,
Think about it. What do you need? How can you ask politely?
Ask your partner. Use polite intonation.
Partner: Listen to the request. Is it clear?
Now, you try!
Situation 1
You just found out that your best friend is getting married next month on a day that you have to work. Your coworker has told you that she wants to work more hours. Ask if she will work for you on that day.
Situation 2
You forgot your umbrella ? in the break room downstairs. You have to start work. Your friend is going on a break now.
Situation 3
Mr Rodriguez, one of the patients, is on a strict schedule and needs his meal on time. Ask the CNA.
Situation 4
(Think of a typical request from your work day.)
Instructions: Each of you should choose a card that has a situation on it. Read the card and think about what you need to ask for. Practice asking and try to use a different way each time.
For example, you see a card that says,
Think about it. What do you need? How can you ask politely?
Ask your partner. Use polite intonation.
Partner: Listen to the request. Is it clear?
Now, you try!
Situation 1
A food service worker is delivering meals. You need to clean up a patient's room when they have finished. Ask them to let you know when they’re done.
Situation 2
The sheets in Ms. Thomason’s room are soiled. Ask someone to replace them.
Situation 3
A patient looks a little crooked in the bed. You want to move her, but you need her to help you to push herself up.
Situation 4
(Think of a typical request from your work day.)