Speaking: Functional Language B1 - Lesson 1: Making Polite Requests, Suggestions & Offers

Speaking: Functional Language B1 - Lesson 1: Making Polite Requests, Suggestions & Offers 🙏❓🤝

Objective: To learn and practice common English phrases for making polite requests, suggestions, and offers in everyday situations.

• Learn how to ask for things politely (requests).
• Learn how to propose ideas or courses of action (suggestions).
• Learn how to offer help or something to someone (offers).
• Practice using these functional phrases in various conversational contexts.

In our daily interactions, we often need to ask for help, suggest ideas, or offer assistance. Knowing how to do this politely in English is essential for positive communication. This lesson will focus on the common phrases and structures used for making polite requests, suggestions, and offers, helping you navigate these situations smoothly.

Phrases for Making Polite Requests

When you need someone to do something for you, or you need something from them:

• Could you please [verb]...? (e.g., ...pass the salt?)
• Would you mind [verb-ing]...? (e.g., ...closing the window?)
• Can I ask you to [verb]...? (Slightly more direct but still polite)
• Is it possible for you to [verb]...?
• I was wondering if you could [verb]... (Very polite and indirect)
• Do you think you could [verb]...?

Phrases for Making Polite Suggestions

When you want to propose an idea or a plan:

• How about [verb-ing / noun phrase]? (e.g., ...going to the cinema? / ...a pizza?)
• Why don't we [verb]...? (e.g., ...try that new Khmer restaurant?)
• We could [verb]... (e.g., ...visit the museum tomorrow.)
• Maybe we should [verb]...
• What if we [verb]...?
• Perhaps we could consider [verb-ing / noun phrase]... (More formal)

Phrases for Making Polite Offers

When you want to offer help or something to someone:

• Can I help you with that? / Can I help you?
• Would you like me to [verb]...? (e.g., ...carry your bag?)
• Shall I [verb] for you? (e.g., ...get you a glass of water?) (Often British English)
• Let me [verb] for you. (e.g., ...open the door for you.)
• Do you want me to [verb]...? (More informal)
• I can [verb] if you like. (e.g., I can drive if you like.)

Practice Dialogues

Read these dialogues. Notice how the speakers make requests, suggestions, and offers. Practice with a partner.

Dialogue 1: At a cafe

Srey Peak: It's a bit noisy in here. Would you mind if we moved to that table by the window?

John: Not at all. That's a good idea. Can I help you with your laptop?

Srey Peak: Oh, thank you! Could you please grab my notebook too?

John: Sure thing. After we move, how about ordering some iced coffee?

Srey Peak: Sounds perfect!

Dialogue 2: Planning a weekend activity

Vuthy: I'm a bit bored of staying in the city every weekend.

Linda: I know what you mean. Why don't we go for a hike at Kirirom National Park?

Vuthy: That's a great suggestion! I was wondering if you could check the weather forecast for Saturday?

Linda: Sure, I can do that. Let me check right now. If the weather is good, I can drive. Would you like me to pick you up?

Vuthy: That would be amazing, thank you!

Activity 1: What Would You Say?

Read the situation. How would you make a polite request, suggestion, or offer? Click "Reveal Sample Response" for an example.

1. You are in a meeting and you can't hear what someone is saying.

Your polite request:

"Excuse me, could you please speak up a little? I'm having trouble hearing you."

2. Your friend is looking for something to do this evening.

Your polite suggestion:

"How about we watch that new movie on Netflix? Or we could try that new night market."

3. You see your colleague struggling to carry a heavy box of files.

Your polite offer:

"Can I help you with that box? It looks quite heavy." / "Let me get that for you."

Activity 2: Role-Play Scenarios

Work with a partner. Choose one of the scenarios below. Practice making polite requests, suggestions, and offers. Try to use different phrases from the lesson and respond appropriately.

• Scenario 1: You are at a popular tourist spot (e.g., Angkor Wat). You want someone to take a photo of you. Make a polite request. The other person can then offer to take several photos or suggest a good spot.
• Scenario 2: You and a friend are trying to decide where to eat lunch in Phnom Penh. Make suggestions to each other. One of you can also offer to check restaurant reviews online.
• Scenario 3: Your classmate missed the last English lesson. Offer to share your notes. They can then politely request to see a specific part of the notes.

Tips for Making Polite Requests, Suggestions & Offers:

• Use modal verbs: "Could," "would," "can," "may," and "shall" are very common in these phrases and make them sound more polite.
• "Please" is your friend: Adding "please" often makes requests sound softer.
• Consider your tone of voice: A friendly and warm tone makes your words sound more polite.
• Be prepared for a "no": When making requests or suggestions, the other person might not always agree or be able to help, and that's okay.
• Responding to offers: If someone offers you something, remember to thank them, whether you accept or decline (e.g., "That's very kind of you, thank you!" or "That's very kind, but I'm okay, thanks.").

Summary: This lesson focused on how to make polite requests (e.g., "Could you please...?"), suggestions (e.g., "How about...?"), and offers (e.g., "Can I help you...?"). Using these phrases correctly will help you communicate more effectively and build better relationships in English-speaking situations.