1. Recognising function
Decide if questions 1-10 are a request (r), offer (o) or asking for permission (p).
Example: Can I look at the newspaper a minute? .. r..
You don't look too good. Shall I call a doctor for you?
I'm sorry to be a nuisance, but would it be all right if I spread these papers on the table here? It'll only take a couple of minutes?
This train's running rather late. Would you like me to go and ask what's happening?
Would you post these letters for me on your way to work?
I know you hate giving bad news. I'll tell him if you like
Would you mind being a bit quieter, only I've got a headache?
Could I use your phone for a minute?
Would you mind if I had a quick look at your newspaper?
Can you pick up some milk for me when you go out?
Do you want to lay the table for me?
Which extracts sound like people who know each other well?
2. Making offers, requests and asking for permission
Use situations and instructions 1-8 to make offers and requests and ask for permission.
Example: The phone is ringing. Offer to answer it.
Would, you like me to answer the phone?
Someone is carrying heavy bags. Offer to help.
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You're writing a letter to a travel company. Request their brochure.
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You're in a friend's house. It's hot. Ask permission to open the window.
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Your friend needs to go to the airport. Offer to drive him / her there.
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You're at a restaurant table with friends. Request the salt.
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You need a day off work. Ask your boss for permission.
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Your brother has a broken arm. Offer to tie his shoelaces.
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Your new neighbour is playing loud music late at night. Ask her to turn it down.
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3. Preparing for a holiday
A couple are preparing for their holiday. Fill in the gaps in their requests and offers using words and expressions from this unit.
A: Just two days to go. Can you switch the TV off?
B: Why?
A: Well, I was _______________(1) if we could spend a few minutes thinking about what we need to do before we go.
B: Oh, yes. OK. Would you like ____________(2) to collect the tickets in the morning?
A: Yes, please. And do you ____________(3) you could go to a bank and get some money?
B: Oh, sorry, I ____________(4) The bank's too far from the office. I can't get there in my coffee break.
A: OK, ____________(5) go to the bank. ____________(6) you stop at a shop on your way home and get some first aid supplies? You know, plasters, sun cream, insect repellent - that sort of thing.
B: No ____________(7). ____________(8) you check and see if we've got aspirin and travel sickness pills?
A: Sure. ____________(9) I phone to check the airport terminal?
B: Thanks, yes. And ____________(10) get the suitcases out.
A: Oh, good. I can never remember where you keep them.
Speaking 2
1. Work in groups of three or four. Your group has decided to go out for the evening together. You can each spend £20. Look at the options available and decide on an evening’s entertainment which everyone will enjoy. You must agree about what you will do.
KINGSWAY ROLLER RINK Enjoy the latest pop videos at the
Tonight!!! Roller Disco VIDEO CAFE
Skating to all the rock and roll classics. Meals from £6 Entrance £4.5
Entrance £4.
Ladies free before 7.30 p.m.
Skate hire £3.50 (£10 returnable deposit) RACHEROS TEX-MEX EATERY
Fabulous menus. Eat all you can for £7.50
THE WHITE RHINOCEROS
Disco night club
All the latest sounds at your favourite
rendezvous. From 8.00 p.m. till 3 a.m.
Entrance £8 includes one drink.
Drinks £2 before 10 p.m.