Speaking: Functional Language B1
Making Polite Requests, Suggestions & Offers
Listen to the dialogue example here.
Conversation Scenario 💬
In more formal situations, like at work, it's important to use very polite language. Let's see how two colleagues, Sophea and Dara, plan an event.
Your Interaction Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)
Here are the key phrases for sounding polite and professional, organized by function.
Making Polite Requests
- "I was wondering if you could..." A very polite and indirect way to ask for something.
- "Would you mind [+verb-ing]...?" e.g., "Would you mind opening the window?"
Making Polite Suggestions
- "Perhaps we could..." A soft, formal way to suggest an idea.
- "Maybe we should..." A common and slightly less formal way to suggest something.
Making Polite Offers
- "Would you like me to...?" A polite way to offer to do something for someone.
- "Shall I...?" A common way to offer help, (e.g., "Shall I get the door?")
Building a Strong Opinion
A B1-level speaker doesn't just give an opinion; they support it with a reason. This makes your argument stronger. Always try to follow this structure:
Step 1: State your opinion clearly.Use a phrase like "I believe that..." or "It seems to me that...".
Step 2: Support it with a reason.Use a connector like "because..." or "The main reason is...".
Tips for Sounding Polite
🗣️ Intonation of Indirect Phrases
These polite, indirect phrases have a specific "music" to them. They are not strong or demanding. The intonation is usually soft and rises at the end to show it is a genuine question, not a command.
- "Would you mind closing the window? ↗"
- "I was wondering if you could help me? ↗"
💡 Choosing Your Level of Formality
Choosing the right phrase depends on the situation (e.g., work, friends) and who you are talking to (e.g., boss, family).
| Function | Direct (Informal) | Polite (Standard) | Indirect (Very Polite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request | Help me. | Can you help me? | Would you mind helping me? |
| Suggestion | Let's go. | Why don't we go? | Perhaps we could go. |
| Offer | I can help. | Can I help? | Would you like me to help? |
Practice Polite Functions 🎯
Activity 1: Upgrade the Phrase (Self-Check)
Change the direct, informal phrase into a more polite, indirect B1 phrase by choosing the best option. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. Direct: "Open the door."
2. Direct: "Let's start the meeting."
3. Direct: "I will get you a drink."
Activity 2: Role-Play a Formal Situation
Work with a partner. Imagine one of you is a new employee and the other is the manager. The new employee needs help. Use the polite phrases from this lesson.
New Employee: Ask for help understanding a new computer system.
(Example: "Excuse me, I was wondering if you could show me how this software works?")
Manager: Offer to help your new employee.
(Example: "Of course. Would you like me to walk you through it right now?")
Vocabulary
- Request The act of politely or formally asking for something.
- Suggestion An idea or plan put forward for consideration.
- Offer An act of saying you are willing to do something for someone.
- Polite / Indirect Using soft language to show respect and not sound demanding.
- Formal Used in serious situations, like at work or with people you don't know well.
- Colleague A person you work with.
- Reservation An arrangement to have a table at a restaurant or a room at a hotel.
Your Communication Mission ⭐
This week, your mission is to practice using more formal and polite language.
Find one situation where you can use a more advanced phrase. For example, instead of asking a teacher "Can you explain?", try "I was wondering if you could explain this part again." Notice how it feels different and more respectful.