LearnEnglish Hub
In our new Learning hub, you can put your language into practice. Take part in the activities and practise your English skills by writing comments, recording yourself speaking and sharing photos with descriptions.
Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.
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!
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.