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.

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

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
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
ESOL Speak to communicate
Context
Retail Hospitality Customer service

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