1. Skills
  2. Speaking
  3. B1 speaking
  4. Asking a favour

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!

Task 1

Speaking B1: Asking a favour – 1

Task 2

Speaking B1: Asking a favour – 2

Task 3

Speaking B1: Asking a favour – 3

Discussion

When was the last time you did someone a favour?

Download
Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

B1 Intermediate
Average: 4.4 (66 votes)
Profile picture for user Kadir

Submitted by Kadir on Fri, 10/09/2021 - 20:20

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My colleague Andy asks me if I can make a favour for her about to finish her work. And every time I help her so as not upset her.

Submitted by KarenAvdalyan on Mon, 30/08/2021 - 11:44

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My Manager asked me to do the task with a high priority until the next day.
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Submitted by Rafaela1 on Sun, 27/06/2021 - 15:24

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Useful, thank you! :)

Submitted by maximumjeff on Sat, 26/06/2021 - 08:30

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I just did a favour to my wife awhile ago to help dry up her long hair with the new hairdryer

Submitted by GiulianaAndy on Sun, 20/06/2021 - 02:16

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I last did a favour today, when my mother and my little sister got back home. I helped to held their purchases from the door to the kitchen. After done that I decided to whip up. I put some meal into the cooker and then I chopped up some vegetables to eat with the meal, and finally I heated some frozen milk in the kettle.

Submitted by Pann Nilar Htun on Wed, 16/06/2021 - 09:48

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It was a great pleasure when I got opportunity to help someone.

Submitted by Sika2803 on Thu, 03/06/2021 - 10:03

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It's happen almost every day, I help my family, my friend whatever I can

Submitted by MOHAMMED YOUSE… on Wed, 02/06/2021 - 23:54

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It's great lessons.
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Submitted by Rafaela1 on Mon, 19/04/2021 - 14:02

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Thank you for the lesson. I learned there're a lot of different expressions. ;) Have you got a minute? I need a favour. Would you be able to work on it this afternoon? Is there any chance you could work late tonight? Could you come in early tomorrow? Can you get in for 5 a.m.?