Asking a favour

In this video, Noelia asks Paul for some help. Listen to the language Noelia uses to ask a favour and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Preparation

Speaking B1: Asking a favour – preparation

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you want to ask a favour? Listen out for useful language for asking a favour. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

Noelia: Paul, have you got a minute? I need a favour.

Paul: I'm a bit busy, but sure, what can I help you with?

Noelia: So, you know the branding job for Active Arctic?

Paul: Of course. It was so good to finally finish that project. It went on and on and on …

Noelia: Yeah, so … look, I'm really sorry about this, but they want some more changes made.

Paul: Seriously? I've already rewritten that copy, I don't know, like, 20 times?

Noelia: I know. I'm so sorry. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon?

Paul: Well, I'm not really sure if I can, Noelia. I'm finishing the Moosh Monkey social media campaign and they're expecting it by the end of the day.

Noelia: I'd forgotten about that. Is there any chance you could work late tonight?

Paul: Sorry, Noelia. I would if I could, but I can't.

Noelia: Please?

Paul: I'm taking my niece to the cinema for her birthday. It's been planned for ages.

Noelia: OK. Well, then could you come in early tomorrow? I'll make it up to you!

Paul: OK. How?

Noelia: Name your price.

Paul: An extra day's holiday?

Noelia: Can you get in for 5 a.m.?

Paul: 7 a.m.

Noelia: 6 a.m.

Paul: Deal.

Noelia: Deal.

Ana: Hello again! Looks like that's an early start for Paul tomorrow, then! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for asking a favour? Listen to me and then repeat.

Have you got a minute?

I need a favour.

What can I help you with?

I'm really sorry about this, but they want some changes.

Would you be able to work this afternoon?

I'm not really sure if I can.

Is there any chance you could work late?

I would if I could, but I can't.

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you want to ask a favour in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

When was the last time you did someone a favour?

Download

Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

B1 Intermediate

The last time that I made a favour was the last week that I had to help to a person from my job with a final report.

It’s been while i didn’t give favour anyone but the last time, I helped my friend with his college assignment because he was working on that day.

i did a favour to my leader of medical team. She must write a report but she hadn't all data to this report. She please me to write it for her yerstayday.

My boss just asked me if I drive to the office on Thursday, even though I have a class at the university. I determined to refuse it. Because I don´t want to miss the class. Work is not as important as my study.

in pandamic those days, we cant meet with people hehehehhe

It was last week. One of my colleague needed to attend her test on driver license, so I helped her handle her job.

Two days ago was the last time that I did a favour for someone, when my friend ask me to do her a favour, I designed a logo for her project and she was very thankful.

Hello, The last time that I did a favor was a couple of weeks ago. I have a friend who does not know how to spend her money, and she never arrays to the end of the month because she gets off of money so, she always asks me for money then she gives me back.

Usually every day I am asking a favour to be quiete while I study from my kids. In daily live I don't need a favour from another people, and I think it is good for me.

I do favors all the time. Today I did favors for my children, my wife and my mother.

Asking a favour

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Online courses