ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action

Sc/E2.2: make requests and ask questions to obtain information in everyday contexts
Sc/E2.2a: make requests: ask for things or action

  • be able to use modal verbs and other forms in order to make a polite request, e.g.: (a) modals can and could (b) I'd like ... Example: Could I speak to the manager? Can I have a biscuit, Ranji? I'd like to see Mrs Brown, please.
  • be aware that the form chosen can depend on the relationship between people and the nature of the request. Example: Could you shut the window? I'd like to make an appointment with... 
  • be aware of the role of intonation in distinguishing between a polite request and a demand, and be able to apply this. Example: A cup of tea, please. (intonation falling or rising on tea)
  • be able to incorporate a request in a longer interaction. Example: - Can I help you? - Yes, I'm Ranjit's mother. Could I see Mrs Brown, please? It's about Ranjit's homework.
  • understand the role of intonation in indicating politeness or rudeness and be able to make requests with appropriate intonation.

Using a pharmacy in the UK

The purpose of this resource is for learners to learn the vocabulary and phrases relating to using a pharmacy in the UK; practise listening for detail, reading and writing and roleplay scenarios. There are discussion points, flash cards and exercises.

Use as a teaching aid, as assessment material or homework etc.

Editor's notes

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Rt/E2.1a Use a range of strategies to trace & understand main events
ESOL Rt/E3.1a Understand how meaning is built up in a variety texts of more than one paragraph
ESOL Rs/E3.1b Use knowledge of syntax and grammar to work out meaning
ESOL Wt/E2.1a Compose simple text, selecting appropriate format for the genre and purpose
ESOL Sc/E2.1a Use stress & intonation adequately to make speech comprehensible / meaning understood
ESOL Sc/E2.1b Articulate the sounds of English to make meaning understood
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Sc/E3.3a Make requests
Context
Independent living
Health, Social care, Early years
Retail Hospitality Customer service

Living in the UK - A short guide to being polite

A four-page resource that discusses some of the polite conventions in the UK.  Sensitively Written with ESOL learners in mind. Topics include: being polite, saying sorry and punctuality. Part of the Living in the UK series. 

Editor's notes

Although aimed at E1-E2 ESOL it would also be a useful quick starter in higher level classes. Includes exam style questions, cloze task, and discussion/role-play prompts.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E1.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Sc/E1.1b Articulate the sounds of English to be comprehensible to a sympathetic native speaker
ESOL: Reading text focus - comprehension (Rt)
ESOL Sc/E1.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Lr/E1.2d Listen for phonological detail
ESOL Sc/E2.1a Use stress & intonation adequately to make speech comprehensible / meaning understood
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Sc/E2.2e Ask for directions and instructions
ESOL Sd/E1.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Lr/E2.5a Listen and respond to requests for action / permission
ESOL Lr/E2.6c Listen to and identify simply expressed feelings and opinions

Volunteering in your community - ESOL role play prompts

Role play prompts for higher beginners (could be amended for E1). 

Volunteering for a green space community charity.

Editor's note

Another great set of role play prompts from Jenny. Visit her page to find further sets.

Level
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
ESOL
ESOL Lr/E1.4a Listen and respond to requests for personal information
ESOL Sc/E1.3dc  Ask for clarification
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Lr/E2.5b Respond to requests for information
ESOL Sd/E2.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/E2.1c Express likes and dislikes, feelings, wishes and hopes
ESOL Sd/E2.1e Relate to other speakers
ESOL Lr/E3.4a Clarify and confirm understanding through verbal and non-verbal means
ESOL Sd/E3.1a Take part in social interaction
ESOL Sd/E3.1b Take part in more formal interaction
ESOL Sd/E3.1f Make arrangements or plans with other people
Context
Voluntary, Charity and Community
Independent living
Employment skills & Public services

At what age can you...? Legal ages, modals, if, unless

4 Oct 2017. Updated information on source material added

A reading activity on legal age limits in different parts of the UK. Includes: education, voting, driving, marriage and work. Based on materials at: http://esol.britishcouncil.org/content/learners/uk-life/be-safe-uk/what…

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English reading
ESOL
ESOL Ws/E3.1a Write using complex sentences
ESOL Sd/E3.1d Express views and opinions
ESOL Sc/E3.4e Give directions and instructions
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Rt/E3.4a Extract the main points and ideas, and predict words from context.
ESOL Lr/E3.2d Listen for grammatical detail
Context
News, Politics & Government items

Making and dealing with complaints

This resource has a range of activities to help students learn useful expressions/ language to make a complaint.
It is useful in building confidence in making complaints in person and on the telephone.

Editor’s note
Includes sample dialogue with questions (can also be used as a reading comprehension), matching cards, sammple scenarios, curriculum mapping and teaching notes.

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 3
English
Functional English - speaking, listening & communicating
Functional English reading
Adult Literacy: Speaking & Listening
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E3.4d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E3.4a Express clearly statements of fact 
ESOL Sc/E2.3d Give an explanation
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Lr/E3.2b Listen for detail face to face or on the phone
ESOL Lr/E2.2a Listen for detail
ESOL Listen and respond (Lr)
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service

What year did you? ESOL and Numeracy

This activity encourages ESOL students:
- To communicate with each other while moving around the classroom,
- To revise Past Simple (questions and answers),
- To practise basic numeracy (subtraction).

With extensive teachers’ notes

Level
Entry Level 2
Entry Level 1
Maths
AN N1/E3.2
ESOL
ESOL Sc/E2.2a Make requests: ask for things or action
ESOL Sc/E1.1a Use stress & intonation to make speech comprehensible
ESOL Lr/E1.4a Listen and respond to requests for personal information
ESOL Speak to communicate (Sc)
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