Unit 6 It’s your turn
Lesson 6.7 I was wondering…
Talk about polite questions
Listen
- Read and listen to the conversation.
Martha: Mr. West.
Mr. West: Martha. What can I do for you?
Martha: That presentation. Can I do it another day?
Mr. West: When are you down for?
Martha: This Thursday.
Mr. West: That’s very short notice. Why can’t you do it this Thursday?
Martha: I haven’t had time to prepare.
Mr. West: You’ve had three weeks.
Martha: When is Naomi doing hers?
Mr. West: In two weeks, I think.
Martha: Well, I can change with her, then.
Mr. West: To be honest, I don’t think that’s fair. Why should she have to change her plans for you?
Martha: Well, can I ask her?
Mr. West: No, I’m sorry. You’ve had three weeks to prepare. I’ll be expecting your presentation on Thursday as planned.
Comprehension check
- Why does Martha speak to her teacher?
- How does her teacher react? Why?
- Listen to Conversation 2.
Martha: Excuse me, Mr. West.
Mr. West: Martha. What can I do for you?
Martha: It’s about the presentation. 1) ________ do it another day
Mr. West: 2) _________ what day is it?
Martha: This Thursday.
Mr. West: That’s very short notice. 3) ________ telling me why you can’t do it
on Thursday?
Martha: I just haven’t had the time to prepare.
Mr. West: You’ve had three weeks.
Martha: I know, I’m sorry. 4) ________ I could change with Naomi.
5) ________ when is she doing hers?
Mr. West: I have a list. In two weeks.
Martha: 6) ________ I change with her.
Mr. West: I don’t mind. 7) ________ Naomi would be happy with the change, though?
Martha: 8) ________ I ask her? We’re good friends.
Mr. West: No, go ahead. But if she says no, we’ll be expecting your presentation on Thursday.
Martha: Ok, thanks, Mr. West.
- Complete Conversation 2 with the phrases.
Could I possibly Do you mind if
Could you remind me I was wondering if
Do you know Would you mind
Do you know if Would you mind if
- Listen and repeat the questions, paying attention to intonation.
- Write polite questions. Use a different question each time.
- Lend me a pen.
- What’s the homework assignment.
- Say that again.
- Where can I find the information?
- Ok if I hand it in on Monday?
Use these expressions
Polite direct questions
Could I possibly do/go…?
Indirect questions
Could you tell me why/where you…?
Do you know if she’d be/want…?
Do you know when/why she’s…?
Do you mind if I ask/talk…?
Would you mind if I changed/talked…?
Would you mind telling me when/what you…?
I was wondering if I could…
Act
- Work in pairs. Do the tasks.
Choose one of the scenarios below, or think of another one.
You need to go home early.
You haven’t done your homework.
