7.1 Asking People To Do Things
Practice
A wants B to:
1.
A: Would you lend me your bike?
B: Sorry, I can't. It's got a puncture.
2.
A: Do you think you could possibly bring me breakfast in bed?
B: Yes, of course.
3.
A: Do you mind waking me up early in the morning?
B: Well, actually it's rather difficult. I can't get up early myself.
4.
A: Could you pass me the newspaper?
B: Yes, sure.
5.
A: Would you mind giving me a spare front door key?
B: I'm afraid, it's not possible. There's only one key to the front door.
6.
A: Do you think you could lend me your Alfa Romeo?
B: Yes, all right.
7.
A: I don't suppose you could lend me your best suit, could you?
B: Sorry, I can't. I'm thinking of wearing it myself.
8.
A: Switch on the water heater, could you?
B: Of course, I will.
9.
A: Would you mind putting an extra blanket on my bed?
B: Well, all right.
10.
A: Do you think you could give me a lift to the station?
B: Sorry, I can't start my car.
Now report the conversations you have had, as in the example.
1. I asked him to lend me his bike, but he refused.
2. I asked him to bring me my breakfast in bed, and he agreed.
3. I asked him to wake me up in the morning, but he refused.
4. I asked him to pass me the newspaper, and he agreed.
5. I asked him to give me a spare front door key, but he refused.
6. I asked him to lend me his Alfa Romeo, and he agreed.
7. I asked him to lend me his best suit, but he refused.
8. I asked hint to switch on the water heater, and he said he would.
9. I asked him to put an extra blanket on my bed, and he said he would.
10. I asked him to give me a lift to the station, but he wouldn't.
7.2 Getting People To Stop
1.A: Do you think you could stop tapping? - I' m trying to solve my math problem.
B: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were working.
2.
A: Would you mind not smoking in my face? – I feel uneasy.
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you liked it.
3.
A: Do you mind not speaking English? - I don't understand it clearly.
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were trained in it.
4.
A: Would you mind not snoring? -I couldn't sleep at all.
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was snoring.
5.
A: Do you think you could stop humming Beethoven's symphonies? - I'm trying
to compose music myself.
B: Oh, I’ m sorry. I thought you liked it.
6.
A: Would you mind not interrupting? -We're talking about our exam.
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were chatting.
7.
A: Do you think you could stop filling my glass with wine? -I don't drink at all.
B: Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you liked drinking.
7.4 Asking For Permission
Practice1.
A: Would it be all right if my friends stayed here for a few days?
B: Yes, of course. Go ahead.
A: And…..er...would you mind if they played the drum set?
B: Well, I'd rather they didn't. I like calm and quiet.
2.
A: Do you mind if I borrow a record?
B: Yes, of course.
A: And...er... is it all right if I play it here?
B: I'd rather you didn't. I'm tired of listening to it.
3.
A: Do you mind if I take some ice from the fridge?
B: Yes, of course.
A: Would it be all right if I took a bottle of wine?
B: Well, I'd rather you didn't. Only soft drinks are allowed at this party.
4.
A: Would you mind if I took my jacket off?
B: Yes, of course.
A: Would it be all right if I switched on the fan?
B: Well, I'd rather you didn't. I can't tolerate the noise it makes.
Now report the conversations you have had, as in the example.
1. I asked my uncle if my friends could stay therefore a few days. He let them stay there. I asked him if they could play the drum set, but he wouldn't let them play it.
2. I asked my friend if I could borrow a record, and he let me borrow one. I asked him if I could play it there, but he wouldn't let me play it there.
3. I asked the host if I could take some ice from the fridge, and he let me take some. I asked him if I could take a bottle of wine, but he wouldn't let me take one.
4. I asked my boss if I could take my jacket off and he let me take it off, I asked him if I could on the fan, but he wouldn't let me switch it on.
7.5 Making Offers
1.Shall I get you a drink?
Would you like something to drink?
Would you like me to make you some coffee?
2.
Shall I switch on the radio?
Would you like me to switch on the radio?
3.
Shall I get you a cold drink?
Would you like something cold to drink?
Would you like me to get you a cold drink?
4.
Shall I bring the suitcase from the station?
Would you like me to bring the suitcase from the station?
5.
Shall I switch on TV?
Would you like me to sing a song?
6.
Shall I take you to see the town with me?
Would you like me to show the town for you?
7.
Would you like to have a bath?
Shall I show you the bathroom?
8.
Shall I play the record-player for you?
Would you like me to play the record-player for you?
9.
Shall I drop you at the station?
Would you like me to drop you at the station?
7.6 Reporting Offers
1. She offered me a sandwich.2. She offered to drive her car.
3. She offered to carry my box.
4. She offered her help. She offered to help me.
5. She offered me a seat. She offered to sit down.
6. She offered me a book. She offered to 'give me a book.
7. She offered me the day off tomorrow.
8. She offered to deliver the letter.
9. She offered me a job. She offered to work for her.
10. She offered me some money. She offered to lend me some money.
