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Asking a favour
Instructions
Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.
Transcript
Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!
Do you know what to say when you want to ask a favour? Listen out for useful language for asking a favour. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.
Noelia: Paul, have you got a minute? I need a favour.
Paul: I'm a bit busy, but sure, what can I help you with?
Noelia: So, you know the branding job for Active Arctic?
Paul: Of course. It was so good to finally finish that project. It went on and on and on …
Noelia: Yeah, so … look, I'm really sorry about this, but they want some more changes made.
Paul: Seriously? I've already rewritten that copy, I don't know, like, 20 times?
Noelia: I know. I'm so sorry. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon?
Paul: Well, I'm not really sure if I can, Noelia. I'm finishing the Moosh Monkey social media campaign and they're expecting it by the end of the day.
Noelia: I'd forgotten about that. Is there any chance you could work late tonight?
Paul: Sorry, Noelia. I would if I could, but I can't.
Noelia: Please?
Paul: I'm taking my niece to the cinema for her birthday. It's been planned for ages.
Noelia: OK. Well, then could you come in early tomorrow? I'll make it up to you!
Paul: OK. How?
Noelia: Name your price.
Paul: An extra day's holiday?
Noelia: Can you get in for 5 a.m.?
Paul: 7 a.m.
Noelia: 6 a.m.
Paul: Deal.
Noelia: Deal.
Ana: Hello again! Looks like that's an early start for Paul tomorrow, then! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for asking a favour? Listen to me and then repeat.
Have you got a minute?
I need a favour.
What can I help you with?
I'm really sorry about this, but they want some changes.
Would you be able to work this afternoon?
I'm not really sure if I can.
Is there any chance you could work late?
I would if I could, but I can't.
Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to ask a favour in English. Bye for now!
Discussion
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Thank you
I got a favor from a foreigner at Ocean Park some years ago. They were helpful and kind.
Great lesson
Well actually my grandpa lives in my house and I always help him to sit or stand up
Very interesting, Thank you
The last favour I did was to my best friend, he needed a soccer shoes for playing a game, so I lent him a pair of shoes, I decided to do that because he's a really careful person.
I remember one time that I did my colleague a favour. He wanted to switch his job and he must have attend the job review.
However, he didn't want to inform the boss about it. So he asked me a favour if I could arrange a fake meeting with him. I had arranged a fake meeting at the time when the job review took place. I gave him some space and privacy at the office :) In the end of job review, he got the job and thanked me a lot.
It's my brother again. Just this morning, he asked me if I could pour a glass of water for him. And I make him pay me 5 bucks for this.
I'm not remember when I give a favour to anyone.
I always do favours to people,I've just verify some numbers with my colleague in work when she said to me have you got a minute, I need a favour ?
I said : I'm not sure if I could
she said : Is there any chance you could work late ?
I said : I would If I could but I cant !