Asking a favour
Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.
Preparation
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!
I don't understand English very well, but with the video I was seeing the words and completing it little by little
Yesterday I helped my neighbor figure out the settings on her new smartphone and set up some messaging apps. She was so happy when everything finally started working!
In fact. I don't remember the last time I asked for a favor because I like to do everything bymyself.
The last time, there was a student who had studied at our institute. He came to our administration to get some of his personal documents. They agreed, but the director wasn't there to sign them. My colleague asked the student to come back another time. He was disappointed because he lives far away from our institute, so I wanted to help him. I promised him that I would send him his documents once they were signed, and I did so through a delivery company.
The last time I did someone a favour was a few days ago. When I went to a supermarket, a lady asked me to help her get the frozen food from the top shelf because she thought I was tall enough to reach it.
Just last week, when I took a plant from a friend, to take care of it
I prepare two coffes, one for me and another for my girl!
It was when my sister asked me to borrow my son's tennis racket. I told her that I'm sure she could borrow it any time she needs.
I did many favour to many people, for example i land money to friend last month and this month too
Sorry, do you have a minute? I need a favour, please. Can you help me complete and correct my reports before deadline?