General English Level 6 V 3
UNIT 01 Eat up! TOPIC 01 An office party
LANGUAGE FOCUS 02 Polite suggestions, requests and instructions
In this activity we will revise the language of polite suggestions, requests and instructions.
Bert says:
Why don't I go and get some of the other bits and pieces you need?
Why don't I ... is a polite way of making a suggestion.
Here are some other ways of making suggestions:

How about buying some decorations?
I think we should tell everybody.

Why don't I
you
we 		invite him?
I think I, we, you should him.
How about inviting him?


Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
How about inviting your grandmother to the party?
Why don't you take a holiday?
I think we should be very careful.

Carol says:
Would you mind coming up about half an hour before lunch to get all the cups and plates ready?

Would you mind is a polite way of asking someone to do something for you.
Here are some other ways of asking someone to do something for you politely.

Could you close the window, please?
Would you be able to buy me some milk on the way home?
Please, can you show her the way?

Would you mind talking to her about it?
Would you be able to
Could you
Can you 		talk

Examples

1 Read the sentences.
2 Listen to the sentences.
3 Practise saying the sentences. Use the Pause button.
Would you mind opening the door for me, please?
Would you be able to come to my party this Friday?
Could you give her a message for me?
Can you pass me the water, please?

Carol says:
You get the drinks, Bert and I'll get all the other things at the supermarket and deli.

You get is an instruction. But Carol adds and I'll get … to make it a polite instruction. Carol and Bert are working together to get something done. " Get the drinks, Bert" would not be polite in this situation.

Now go to 03 PRACTICE A surprise - part 1.