MAKING OFFERS
AND
REQUESTS
UNIT 04: INTERACTION
WHAT ARE OFFERS AND
REQUESTS?
Requests are when you ask someone to let you use or borrow something or to
do something for you.
Example: "Could I use your pen, please?" (You are asking to use someone’s
pen.)
Offers are when you suggest helping someone or doing something for them.
Example: "Shall I open the window?" (You are offering to open the window.)
Examples in everyday life:
Requests: Asking to borrow a friend’s book, or asking if you can use someone’s
charger.
Offers: Offering to carry someone’s bag, or offering to help someone with their
homework.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Requests
1. "Can I borrow your...?"
Meaning: You’re asking if you can use something that belongs to someone
else temporarily.
Example: "Can I borrow your pencil?"
2. "Could you lend me your...?"
Meaning: You’re asking someone if they could give you something for a
short time.
Example: "Could you lend me your notebook?"
3. "Could I use your... please?"
Meaning: You’re politely asking to use something someone else owns.
Example: "Could I use your computer, please?"
Offers
EXPRESS YOURSELF
1. "Shall I open the window?"
Meaning: You are offering to open the window to help the other person.
Example: "Shall I open the window for some fresh air?"
2. "Would you like me to...?"
Meaning: You’re asking if the person wants you to do something for them.
Example: "Would you like me to carry your bag?"
3. "Can I help you?"
Meaning: You’re offering assistance.
Example: "Can I help you with your homework?"
4. "I'll turn on the light."
Meaning: You’re offering to turn on the light for someone.
Example: "It’s getting dark. I'll turn on the light."
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Accepting an Offer
1. "Thank you. That's very kind of you."
Example: "Would you like me to help with the bags?" – "Thank you. That’s
very kind of you."
2. "That would be great."
Example: "Shall I explain it to you?" – "That would be great."
3. "Sure, no problem."
Example: "Can I borrow your notes?" – "Sure, no problem."
4. "Sure, go ahead."
Example: "Could I use your phone?" – "Sure, go ahead."
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Refusing an Offer or Request
1. "No, I'm sorry. I need it."
Meaning: You’re refusing because you need the item yourself.
Example: "Can I borrow your pen?" – "No, I’m sorry. I need it."
2. "No, thanks. I'm OK."
Example: "Would you like me to help you with your bag?" – "No, thanks. I’m OK."
3. "That's very kind of you but I'm all right."
Meaning: You’re refusing politely but appreciating the offer.
Example: "Shall I help you with your homework?" – "That’s very kind of you, but
I’m all right."
LISTENING VOCABULARY
Encyclopedia: A big book or website with facts about many different topics.
Example: "I looked in the encyclopedia to find information about dinosaurs for my
school project."
Charity shop: A store that sells things people don’t need anymore to raise money for a
good cause.
“Phone my mum”: Call my mother on the phone.
“That’s a pity”: That’s too bad, or that’s unfortunate.
Example: "You can’t come to the party? That’s a pity; it’s going to be so much fun!"
“Can I give you a hand?”: Can I help you?
Example: "You look busy with those boxes. Can I give you a hand?"
OFFERS OR REQUESTS?
OFFERS OR REQUESTS?
1. Could you be quiet, please?"
Explanation: This is a request because the speaker is asking someone to lower their
volume.
2. "Can I help with the washing up?"
Explanation: This is an offer because the speaker is offering to help clean up. They’re
not asking for help; they’re volunteering to do something helpful for the listener.
3. "Would you like me to take the penalty?"
Explanation: This is an offer because the speaker is offering to take on the
responsibility of taking the penalty. The speaker is not asking for anything but is
suggesting they could help by taking on this role.
OFFERS OR REQUESTS?
4. "Can you hold the bottom of the ladder?"
Explanation: This is a request because the speaker is asking for help with the ladder.
They need support, and so they’re asking the listener to do something to assist them.
5. "Could you pass me the sugar, please?"
Explanation: This is a request because the speaker is asking for the sugar to be handed
over. The speaker wants something, and they’re requesting the listener’s help in
passing it to them.
6. "Shall I take out the rubbish?"
Explanation: This is an offer because the speaker is volunteering to take out the trash.
They’re suggesting a helpful action they could do for the listener.
YOUR TURN TO SPEAK
YOUR TURN TO SPEAK
You: "Hey, I have an extra ticket for the
pop concert tonight. Would you like to
come with me?"
Friend: "Really? That would be great!
Thank you so much!"
You: "Sure, no problem! I thought you
might enjoy it."
YOUR TURN TO SPEAK
You: "Hey, my suitcase is really
heavy. Could you help me carry it up
the stairs?"
Friend: "Oh, I'm really sorry, but my
back has been hurting today. I don't
think I can lift anything heavy."
You: "No worries, I understand.
Thanks anyway!"
