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 in narratives and explanations
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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