MAKING A REQUEST

1-Read this dialog and notice how these people are asking for a favor:

Text A:

Youness:I want to look up the word “exodus”,but I have forgotten my dictionary.Can I borrow yours please?

Rashid:Yes,sure.Take my dictionary;it’s on that table.

Youness:Thanks Rashid for your help.

Text B:-This is the end of a formal letter,asking for information.

“….Would you be so kind to send me some information concerning higher studies in your school?”

1-What is the expression used to make request in each text?
2-What is the difference between the two expressions?There’s a very important difference in terms of formality and social relationships.

LOOK AT THESE EXPRESSIONS HERE:

Expression of requesting	Accepting a request	Declining a request
Could you please…..?	Yes of course,I would.	I am really sorry.I can’t.
Do you mind if….?	No,I really don’t.	I am terribly sorry I can’t….
Can you please….?	Yes with great pleasure…	I am awefully sorry,I can’t
May I….?	Yes,that’s alright.	Excuse me I can’t…..now.
Could I ….?	Yes with great pleasure	I would like to.But…….
Would you mind+gerund…?	Certainly not sir	oh I am really sorry….

EXAMPLE:
1*
Fred:Look Beth I would like to go skying,but my glasses are broken.Can I please get yours for one day?
Beth:Yes sure Fred.But yous should give them back tomorrow;I will need them.

2*
Teacher:Do you mind if I close the window?
Students:Certainly not sure.Just go ahead and close it.

3*
Meriam:Oh dad I would like to go to the movie.So, could you please give my some money for the ticket?
Father:Sure,but don’t stay there too late again.

Can you Please write a request using these words.
Can____________________________?
May______________________________________________?
Could_____________________________________________?
Would_____________________________________________?
Should_____________________________________________?
Might_____________________________________________?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IN THESE SITUATIONS?

1-You want your English teacher to explain a word.

2-You want to ask the headmaster a question about our school.

3-You want your friend to give you a dictionary.

4-You want your brother to switch off the T.V because you are revising your lessons.

5-You are in the post-office and you want to use someone’s pen.

6-You are in London and you want to know the way to Buckingham Palace.