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?

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Worksheet125.52 KB

Language level

B1 Intermediate

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please, could you make a favour? or favor?

Hi Moammar,

In British English, the spelling is favour. In American English, the spelling is favor.

Here are some useful phrases with this word.

to do someone a favour (e.g. Could you do me a favour?)
to ask someone a favour
to return a favour

I hope that helps. Best wishes,

Jonathan

The LearnEnglish Team

Thanks for the lesson

The last time when I borrowed my friend some money was about 2 years ago and that money hasn't returned until today.

Thank you very much! It was good lesson and practice

The last time that I did a favour was when I gave a video to my neighboor, because the security camera recorded the robbery that she had. So in the video she could see the car's plate.

I did a favor for fixing my daughter's toys. Her car toy has broken and I spend all the morning to use glue, plastic piece to repair it.