Different Ways to Make Polite Request
Exercise 1
Ask and Answer Questions
1. You and Anna are sitting at the dinner table. You want the butter.
- Q: Anna, would you please pass me the butter?
- A: Certainly, I would be glad to. Here you are.
2. You are speaking on the phone to your brother. You want him to pick you up at the airport when you arrive home.
3. You want to leave class early. You are speaking to your instructor.
4. You want a stranger in an airport to keep her eye on your luggage while you get a drink of water.
5. You are in your chemistry class. You are looking at your textbook. On page 100 there is a formula which you do not understand. You want your professor to explain this formula to you.
Fill in The Blank
1. Fill in either with if I + Past Tense or -ing form of the verb.
- A: This is probably none of my business, but would you mind (ask) ____ you a personal question?
- B: it depends.
2. Fill in either with if I + Past Tense or -ing form of the verb.
- A: I do not like this TV program. Would you mind (change) ____ the channel?
- B: Not at all
3.Fill in either with if I + Past Tense or -ing form of the verb.
- A: Excuse me. Would you mind (speak) ____ a little more slowly? I did not catch what you said.
- B: I would be happy to.
4. Fill in either with if I + Past Tense or -ing form of the verb.
- A: I still do not understand how to work this algebra problem. Would you mind (explain) ____ it again?
- B: Not at all. I would be happy to.
5. Fill in either with if I + Past Tense or -ing form of the verb.
- A: It is getting hot in here. Would you mind (open) ____ the window?
- B: No.
Ask Polite Questions in the following situations (modal or imperative)
1. You are in class. You are hot. The window is closed.
2. You are trying to study. Your roommate is playing his music tapes very loudly, and this is bothering you.
3. You want your pen. You can not reach it, but your friend can. You want her to hand it to you.
4. You are at a restaurant. You have finished your meal and are ready to leave. You ask the waiter for the check.
5. You are giving a dinner party. Your guests have just arrived. You want to get them something to drink.