Responding to polite requests: Saying no
But what if someone asks you to do something and you can’t help them? How do you turn down a request?
Look at the pictures below. What do you think he is asking? What is she saying?
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When you turn down a request, you usually include an apology and a reason.
Listen to the audio and read along. Notice the intonation. Look at these ways to say No:
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Answer: No (apology + reason)
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Can you help me carry this? Could you help me carry this? Would you help me carry this? If it’s okay with you, could you help me carry this? If you get a chance, could/would you help me carry this? When you have a minute, could/would you help me carry this? Would you mind helping me carry this? |
Oh, I’m sorry. I hurt my arm and I can't carry anything. I’m afraid I can’t. I have a sore shoulder. Unfortunately, I can’t. I have a bad back. ...but then you might try to get someone else to do it, like this: Let me ask this person. Let me find someone else. |
Talk about it
What do you notice about the answer for Would you mind…V+ing… when you say No?
Now you try it
In this activity, you will practice the skills you have developed in this Unit.
- Work in pairs. One of you is Student One, the other is Student Two. (If you have more than two 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. Make a polite request. (Use a different way each time.)
Your partner will listen and, the first time, will say, “Of course!” but the second time will say, “Oh, I’m sorry. I… (reason).”
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.
Your partner will say Yes the first time and No + reason the next time (using a different way each time). Practice that now.
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.
Your partner will say Yes the first time and No + reason the next time (using a different way each time).
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 more hours.
Situation 2
You forgot your umbrella ? in the break room downstairs. You have to start work. Your friend is taking a break now.
Situation 3
Mr Rodriguez, one of the patients, is on a strict schedule and needs their 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.
Your partner will say Yes the first time and No + reason the next time (using a different way each time).
Now, you try!
Click on your page (Student One or Student Two) above and practice making requests and responding to requests.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 help to push her up.
Situation 4
(Think of a typical request from your work day.)