Page 30 - Time_To_Talk_-_Pre-Intermediate

Language Focus Practice

We can use modal verbs to make polite requests in 5 a Use the prompts to make the requests polite.
diff erent ways. 1 Take these letters to the post office.

can you (not) + base form of the verb Do you think you could take these
could letters to the post ofÀce?

Can you open the window, please? 2 Bring me the bill.
Could you not park your car here, please? Can

Do you think you could (not) + base form of the verb
3 Buy me a drink.
Do you think you could lend me a hundred pounds?
Could
Do you think you could not make so much noise?

4 Don’t smoke in here.
Would you mind (not) + –ing form of the verb
Would you mind
Would you mind telling me the way to the village?
Would you mind not using all the milk?
5 Lend me your bicycle.
When we refuse requests politely we can apologise Do you think
and give a reason:

apology reason
b Write numbers to match the replies below to the
I’m sorry, but our car is broken down.
requests in activity 5a.
I’m afraid we don’t have any left.
1 I’d love to, but I haven’t got any money. 3

We can use phrases with I would when we refuse 2 I would, but I don’t have time. Would
requests from people we are friendly with.
you mind doing it yourself?
phrase with I would, but reason 3 No problem. I’ll go outside.
I would*, but I don’t have any. 4 I’d usually say yes, but I need it to get
I’d usually say yes, but I’m using it right now.
to work.
I’d like to, but I don’t know this
programme. 5 Certainly, sir. Right away.

* In response to Would you mind... ?
we can say I wouldn’t, but…

We can use the following expressions to
agree to requests:
Of course.
No problem.
Certainly.
Sure.
OK.

In response to Would you mind…? we can
agree with Not at all.

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Lesson 7esson 7