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Asking For Permission (Informal)

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2K views4 pages

Asking For Permission (Informal)

Uploaded by

Yona Pattiradjawane
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Asking for Permission

Functional English

1. Asking for Permission


(Informal)
Read the dialogue, and practice with a partner.

A: Can I borrow the keys, Mom?


B: Sure, go ahead.

A: Am I allowed to go to Ryan’s tonight?


B: It’s fine by me. Ask your dad, though.

A: Is it okay if I eat the leftover pizza?


B: Sure. Thanks for asking.

A: You don’t care if I bring a friend, do you?


B: Of course not! The more the merrier.
3. Begging for Permission
Use a pleading tone to beg for
2. Asking for Permission permission. To do this, elongate your

(Formal/Polite) pronunciation of the word in bold.

Read the dialogue, and practice with a partner.


A: Can I have the car tonight?
B: No, I’m going shopping.
A: May I use this computer?
A: Please? I’ll drive you to the mall.
B: Yes. Be my guest.
B: I guess so.
A: Could I borrow your pen for a moment?
B: Of course. Feel free.
A: May I borrow your printer?
A: Would it be possible for me to park here? B: I’m afraid the printer is for staff use only.
B: I’m sorry. That spot is for employees only. A: Could you make an exception? I really
need to print my airline ticket.
A: Do you mind if I arrive a bit late? B: I’m very sorry. There’s a printing shop
(Is it inconvenient for you?) downtown.
B: Not at all. Come anytime.

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Asking for Permission
Functional English

4. Giving Permission
Write questions in the blanks to complete the mini-dialogues. Use a variety of expressions from
page 1, such as “Do you mind if...”, “Can I...”, “May I...” and more.

1 (formal) A: ______________________________________? B: Of course. Feel free.

2 (formal) A: ______________________________________? B: Be my guest.

3 (informal) A: ______________________________________? B: By all means. Help yourself.

4 (informal) A: ______________________________________? B: I suppose.

5 (informal) A: ______________________________________? B: Sure, go ahead.

5. Refusing Permission
Write questions in the blanks to complete the mini-dialogues. Use a variety of expressions, such
as “Do you mind if...”, “Can I...”, “May I...” and more.

1 (formal) A: ______________________________________? B: I’m afraid that’s not allowed.

2 (informal) A: _______________________________________? B: Not a chance!

3 (formal) A: _____________________________________? B: Sorry, dogs aren’t permitted here.

4 (informal) A: _____________________________________? B: No. Not today, dear.

5 (informal) A: _____________________________________? B: No way.

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Asking for Permission
Functional English

6. Can I, Could I, May I?


Look at the images and write questions using can / could / may.

1. 2. 3.
1

4 4. 5. 6.

7. What’s the Magic Word?


Kids often hear the expression “What’s the magic word?” from parents or people of authority.
It means, “You forgot to say ‘please’.” Practice this dialogue with a partner.

Child: Can I have Jordan over for a sleepover?


Parent: What’s the magic word?
Child: Please? (pronounced pleeeeeze)
Parent: Please, what?
Child: Can I please have Jordan over for a sleepover? *
Parent: It’s fine by me. Ask your dad.
Child: Okay. Thanks, Mom! I’ll go ask him.
Parent: Don’t forget to say “please”!

* OR Please can I have Jordan over for a sleepover? OR Can I have Jordan over for a sleepover, please?

8. Discuss This Famous Quote:


“Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.”
~ Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

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Asking for Permission
Functional English

Answer Key
Description:
Students review language and useful expressions for asking for permission. They practice using
can, could, may, and do you mind.

Tags: functional English, useful expressions, low-intermediate, socializing, excuses

Exercise 1–3 Exercise 6


Read out loud as a class or in pairs. Answers will vary.

Exercise 4 Exercise 7
Answers will vary. Practice this dialogue with a partner.
Example answers:
1. A: May I use the office phone for a second?
2. A: Could I take this empty seat?
3. A: Is it okay if I steal a piece of gum? Exercise 8
4. A: Can I go to a movie tonight? Discuss this famous quote by Eleanor
5. A: Can I have the last piece of cake? Roosevelt. What does it mean? Do your
students agree or disagree?

Exercise 5
Answers will vary. Spelling Note: This lesson shows the American
spelling of the word Practice. Most other English-
Example answers: speaking countries spell it this way: Practise (when
1. A: Do you mind if I listen to music in here? used as a verb, Practice when used as a noun). Make
2. A: Can I have a sip of your drink? it a challenge for your students to find this word in the
3. A: Would we be able to bring our dog inside? lesson and see if they know the alternate spelling.
4. A: Can we go to the beach?
5. A: Can I take your new car for a drive?

Copyright 2013, Red River Press Inc. For use by members of ESL-library.com in accordance with membership terms. 4

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