Casa ESL · A2 Elementary · Unit 18 of 20 · Step 2
Polite Language & Favours
Name
Date
Vocabulary
favour
nounA kind or helpful action done for someone.
"Could you do me a favour and post this letter?"
mind
verbTo feel bothered or unhappy about something.
"Would you mind closing the window? It's cold."
bother
verbTo trouble or disturb someone.
"I'm sorry to bother you — could I ask a quick question?"
refuse
verbTo say no to a request.
"She politely refused to work on the weekend."
grateful
adjectiveFeeling thankful for something someone has done.
"I would be very grateful if you could help me."
apologise
verbTo say sorry for something.
"He apologised for arriving late to the meeting."
busy
adjectiveHaving a lot to do; not free.
"I'm a bit busy right now — can I call you back?"
sure
adjectiveCertain; having no doubt.
"Are you sure you don't mind? Thank you so much."
Grammar Focus
Polite requests — Could you / Would you mind
Could you + base verb is a polite way to ask someone to do something. Would you mind + -ing verb is slightly more formal. Accepting: Of course / Certainly / No problem. Declining politely: I'm afraid I can't / I'm sorry but... Note: 'Would you mind' is answered with 'No, of course not' to mean YES I'll do it.
Could you send me the report by Friday, please?
Would you mind waiting for five minutes?
Could you turn the music down a little?
Would you mind helping me carry these bags?
Exercises
Exercise 1
Rewrite each request as a polite question using the word in brackets.
1. Open the door. (Could)
2. Lower your voice. (Would you mind)
3. Pass me the salt. (Could)
4. Repeat that, please. (Would you mind)
5. Explain this to me. (Could)
Exercise 2
Match each request to the most natural response.
Reading
A Professional Email
Subject: Request for More Time Dear Professor Hanson, I hope you are well. I am writing to ask if you could give me a few more days to finish my essay. It is due this Friday but I have been ill this week and I am not ready. Would you mind if I sent it on Monday instead? I would be very grateful. I am sorry for the problem this causes. Please let me know if this is not possible. Kind regards, Yuki
1. What is Yuki asking for?
2. What reason does Yuki give for the request?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write a short, polite email (5–7 sentences) making a request. Use 'Could you' and 'Would you mind' at least once each.
Example: Dear Mr. Alvarez, I hope you are well. Could you please tell me the time of our meeting on Thursday? I also wanted to ask — would you mind sending me the topics in advance so I can prepare? I would be very grateful. I am sorry for the short notice. Please let me know if you are busy and it is not possible. Best regards, Nadia
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. Could you open the door? · 2. Would you mind lowering your voice? · 3. Could you pass me the salt? · 4. Would you mind repeating that? · 5. Could you explain this to me?
Exercise 2
1. Could you help me with this? → Of course — what do you need? · 2. Would you mind not smoking here? → No problem at all — I'll go outside. · 3. Could I leave ten minutes early today? → I'm afraid that's not possible today — we have a meeting. · 4. Would you mind speaking more slowly? → Not at all — sorry about that. · 5. Could you forward me that email? → Sure, I'll send it right now.
Reading Comprehension
1. Yuki is asking for an extension on a research essay. · 2. Yuki has been unwell and unable to complete the work.