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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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When was the last time you did someone a favour?
I don't remember when I did a big favour someone.
When was the last time you did someone a favor?
It was a few days ago when I did my aunt the favor of taking care of her children because she had a commitment.
The last time I give a favour is this morning, I came to the company to do my office job, but some of the workers asked if I can help him move some things, we landed a cupboard downstairs, also moved many computers to another room, but for me helping people gives me pleasure.
Actualy i'm not used to ask somone's help, but i am always open to help.
Yes , I’m really helpful. I’m glad to help someone who really needs it right now.
Last time it was the friend of mine, he asked me how to use Photoshop program. So I explained him the basics
Early this morning one of the workers came and asked me if I could give him some money in advance.
The last time that I did a favour was last sunday for my mom
I asked a favor my boss yesterday, to let me go home early.
The last time that I did a favour was in the morning for my husband,
The last time I gave favour to someone was a month ago when my aunt wanted some photographs that I had on my computer. She also said it was a special gift for my grandmother's birthday. So, I searched for the photos she asked for, and after a couple of hours, I found them. After that, we made a video with that pictures and showed it at the family meeting. It was a special moment.