‘When you make a request, it helps to be clear about ‘two things: Firstly, how well do you know the other person? Secondly, how important iit for you to. get what you want? Are you willing to take “no” for an answer? Let's say that you would like to borrow someone's car 40 go out Friday night. Because borrowing a car is big favor, we can assume that you'd probably only ask someone you know wel for this favor. In general, when making requests of friends or close acquaintances, you can use a less formal approach ‘Now let's imagine that i's very important for you to hhave that car on Friday night: you have to have it In ‘hat case, you can let the other person know na less Here are some examples: [jcc 19 what you want A Scan the magazine article about making requests. What strategies can you use for less formal requests? What strategies can you use for more formal requests? . Ask about ability: “Could/Can you lend me your car?” Be polite - use may: “May I barrow your car?” 5. Ask for permission: "Would it be OK if | borrowed your car?" . Express curiosity: “I wonder if could borrow your car.” formal, direct way. Here are two possible strategies: 7. State the request negatively: “I don't suppose you could lend me your car." ‘Apologize: "I hope you don’t mind my asking, but could | borrow your ear?” 8. Give a hint: “I have plans for Friday night, but | don't have a car.” 1. Make a statement with need: “I need to borrow your can." 8 2. Use an imperative: “Please lend me your car” By avoiding questions, this approach makes it more ficult for the other person to say no. If you are wiling to put the other person in a possibly awkward situation, ‘then this is definitely the clearest and perhaps most effective, way of getting what you want. This approach gives the other person a polite way to refuse if, for any reason, they don’t want to or cannot lend you their car. And even though you know the person well, taking a more formal approach proves ‘o the listener that you realize what a big favor you're asking. Itshows them respect and appreciation — which ‘makes it more likely that you'll get the result you want! ‘But maybe you expect the other person to say no, and you can live with that. This attitude allows you to have ' cooler, more ebjective perspective, so you can make your request in a more formel, indirect way. B Read the article. Check (¥) if each request is less formal or more formal. Then write the correct number from the article (1-8) for each type of request. Only eight of the numbers will be used. a hd 4. Close the door. 2, It's really cold in here, 3. Could you possibly move your car? 4, May | borrow your dictionary? 8. I was wondering if you could help me with this assignment. 6, I need some help moving to my new apartment. 7. \'m sorry, but | can't stand loud music. oooooo0o00 8. | don't suppose | could borrow your camera. Lend a hand. KESG Nouns and verbs ‘A Complete this chart. Then check your answers in a dictionary. Lin | el ae apology _apologize invitation = compliment permission explanation | request B Check (V) the phrase that describes what each person is doing, 4. Don't worry. | know you didn’t mean to break it: Di returning a favor Di accepting an apology 2. [really like your new haircut. Ell giving a reson DD giving a compliment 3. Can | borrow your laptop? Di asking for a favor DD giving a gift | can’t lend you my bike because | need it myself. TD declining a request [El] esSpting an invitation 5. Could you help me cook dinner? [El males eset 1 returning a compliment 1. My phone didn’t work for a week. The phone company ‘an apology and took $20 off my bil. (accepted / denied / offered) 2. A friend of mine really loves to_ compliments, but he never gives anyone else one. | don’t understand why he's like that. (do / owe / receive) 3. Diane is always talking on the phone. She makes a lot of calls, but she rarely mine. Maybe she never listens to her voice mail! (makes / offers / returns) 4, Ineed to 2 favor. Could you please give me a ride to school tomorrow? My bike has a fat tire! (ask for / give / turn down) ME Unit 3