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: 4.5 (60 votes)
Do you need to improve your English speaking skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English speaking skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.
Find out more

Submitted by habibao.medo on Tue, 13/10/2020 - 12:42

Permalink
i really don't remember

Submitted by Bayader Gasmalla on Tue, 06/10/2020 - 17:21

Permalink
My friends always ask me to do a favour for them ,i find it very moral thing however i love introducing help wherever i could ♥

Submitted by DEUTOU DEUTOU Martin on Wed, 30/09/2020 - 13:17

Permalink
thanks for lesson

Submitted by cittàutopica on Mon, 14/09/2020 - 16:05

Permalink
It happen often that my two nieces asks me for some favours, that is buying some clothes for their kids, seeing as I live in a city, where there are more stores than in their town.

Submitted by RomanVK on Fri, 04/09/2020 - 06:16

Permalink
Now I am working as project manager. That is why I often ask others for a favour. Other people ask me a favour too. It is good when there are people who can help each other.

Submitted by Fsh on Wed, 02/09/2020 - 23:54

Permalink
A few days ago ,I did a favor to my friend. She asked me some questions about her health problem because I am a doctor,and I told her that I think she was infected by corona virus,so I gave her some recommendations to get better.

Submitted by Rodolfo González on Wed, 26/08/2020 - 03:38

Permalink
I did a favour this morning to a coworker.

Submitted by Saish on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 11:32

Permalink
I remember once I did a favor on my best friend by going all out of my way. My friend was very much interested on visiting a music concert that was happening in some different country than where we live. So his parents were not allowing him initially the permission to attend the concert but after persuading them he got the permission but on condition that I have to accompany him to the concert. His parents have a trust in me, and could never say to no to my friend's request. Hence I decided to go to the concert with my friend even though I am not a concert fan.

Submitted by IKEDA on Thu, 20/08/2020 - 10:46

Permalink
I wonder when I asked for a favor recently. When I had an exam online 2 weeks ago, I needed to ask for someone to be proctor to ensure that I didn't cheat. So, I asked a favor to one of my friends to be the proctor.