Preparation
1. Complete the polite requests with the words below.
could if mind possible wonder
1) Would it be ________. for you to ___ ?
2) _____. you please ___ ?
3) Would you ________. telling me ___ ?
4) Would you mind ________. ___ ?
5) I ________. if ___
Show answers
1) possible 2) Could 3) mind 4) if 5) wonder
2. Rewrite the imperatives as polite requests. Include the word in brackets.
1) Tidy your room! (possibly)
________
2) Give me your address! (mind)
________
3) Phone me later! (wonder)
________
4) Bring me some coffee! (possible)
________
Show answers
1) Could you please tidy your room?
2) Would you mind giving me your address?
3) I wonder if you could phone me later.
4) Would it be possible for you to bring me some coffee?
Writing Strategy
Make sure that you a) include all of the points in the task and b) develop each point, that is, add some extra information or detail. Try not to write just one sentence for each point.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then read the message. Match the extra information 1-5 with A-D in the message. There is one piece of information you do not need.
Hi! name is David and I live in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. [A] I’m sixteen years old, and I live with parents and younger brother. [B]
I’m a huge fan of music and I love going to gigs. I also play guitar in a band. [C] I also enjoy going to the cinema and watching films at home.
I’ve got a computer in room and I often chat to friends online. I wonder if you could send me your Skype address. [D]
1) We aren’t very good because we don’t practice enough!
2) That is why I’m interested in finding a penfriend.
3) Our flat is in the centre of the city, near the river.
4) It would be fun to speak to you some time.
5) His name is Miles and he’s into computer.
Show answers
1) C 3) A 4) D 5) B
Writing Guide
Hi! name is Lucy. I’m fifteen years old and I live in Birmingham in the UK. I’m in interested in chatting (in English!) with teenagers from different countries using Skype. Please send me a message and tell me a little about yourself, your family and your hobbies. Also, please say why you are interested in chatting. I’m waiting to hear from you!
Click here to reply to Lucy.
You have seen this advertisement on a website. Write a message in reply and provide the information Lucy asks for. Include a request for information in your message.
4. Read the advertisement and the task above. Then make brief notes under headings 1-4.
1) Information about yourself
________
________
2) Information about your family
________
________
3) Hobbies and interests
________
________
4) What information are you requesting?
_________
_________
Show answers
your own answers
5. Write your message. Use your notes from exercise 4 and include a phrase from exercise 1 for your polite request.
________
________
________
________
________
Show answers
your own answers