Lesson SIX

A. Formal

Asking for Permission to Do Something. Requests, Polite Enquiries, Replies

5.1. Learn the following requests and replies.

1. Would you please allow me to look for the book on the shelves myself? – Of course, no problem. Go ahead and find it.
2. Would you mind my opening the window? – No, of course not. (Not at all.)
3. May I ask you for a favour? – Certainly. You want my help?
4. Would you be so kind as to pass me the butter, please? – With pleasure. (Certainly).
5. Could you possibly tell me the way to the British Museum? – Yes, certainly. Go straight ahead and then turn right.
6. Would you mind not smoking here? – Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you don’t like it.
   
B. Informal  
7. Try to come on time. – Sure. I’ll be there on the dot.
8. Can Jack borrow your bike? – No, he can’t. I need it at the moment.
9. Please, be seated. – Thank you.
10. Give me that magazine, will you? – Here you are. (Here it is.)
   

5.2. Read the following illustrative dialogues.

1. At home. Ann and her mother.

Ann: May I go to the cinema?

Mother: Yes, you may, if you think you’ll come home on time. Don’t forget tomorrow is a school day.

2. Two students in a classroom.

Ann: Listen.

John: What is it now?

Ann: Can you get the theatre tickets and come straight to the theatre after classes?

John: You are really taking advantage of me. But I’ll do it, although I was planning to do some work in the library.

3. In the street.

– Have you got a watch? Would you tell me time, please?

– Yes, I would if my watch isn’t slow.

5.3. Make up short dialogues in which you address somebody with a request using the following: “Would you mind…?”, “Would you please…?”, “Could you do me a favour…?”, “Will you…?”, “Please don’t…”.

 


1. Grammar Exercises. Situations and Drills

 

1.1. Learn to use the Past Continuous and the Past Indefinite (Simple) Tenses.

 

Was/Were Doing ... Did