BUỔI 1: LANGUAGE FUNCTION

HANDOUT 1: SOME OF COMMUNICATION SITUATIONS IN ENGLISH

1. Offering to help others - Đề nghị người khác giúp

Samples Agree Disagree
V …, please Certainly/Of course/Sure. I’m sory. (I’m busy)
Can you/Could you + V? No problem. I’m afraid I can’t/couldn’t
Would you please + V? What can I do for you?
Will/Can you + V? How can I help you
I wonder if you’d/could + V.
Would/Do you mind Ving? No, I don’t mind I’m sorry, I can’t
No, of course not – Not at all

2. Volunteering to help others - Xung phong giúp người khác

Samples Agree Disagree
Shall I + V? - Yes, thank you - No, thank you
Would you like me to + V? - That’s very kind of you - No, thank you. I can
Do you want me to + V? - Yes, please manage
What can I do for you? - Oh, would you really? - No, there’s no need. But
May I help you? - Thanks a lot thanks all the same
Let me help you. - Well, it’s very kind of you
Can I help you? but I think I can manage,
thanks

3. Asking for permission – Xin phép

Samples Agree Disagree
May I + V? Certainly. I’d rather you didn’t.
Can I + V? Of course. I’d prefer you didn’t.
Could + V? Please do. No, I’m afraid you can’t.
Do you think I could + V? Please go ahead. I’m sorry, but you can’t.
I wonder If I could + V? Yes, by all means
It is all right If I + V? No, of course not.
Would you mind If I + Vp2? Not at all
Do you mind If I + V? Please do
Please go ahead

4. Suggestion - Gợi ý
Samples Agree Disagree
Shall I/we + V? Yes, I think that’s a good idea. No, let’s not.
Let’s + V. That’s probably the best option. I’m afraid I’m busy.
Why don’t we + V? Sure, why not? I don’t feel like it.
Why not + V? Yes, definitely. Well, I’d rather …
How about + N/Ving? By all means
What about + N/Ving? Good idea.
I think we should V.
I suggest we (should) + V.
5. Thank - Cảm ơn
Samples Reply
Thank you. You’re welcome.
Thank you very much. That’s all right.
Thanks a lot. Not at all.
Thanks a lot of + N/Ving. It’s my pleasure.
It was so kind/nice/good of you to + V. No worries.
I am thankful/grateful to you for + N/Ving.
6. Compliment - Khen
Samples Reply
What + (a/an) + adj + N. I’m glad you like it.
How + adj + S + be/V. Thank you.
You do a good job Thank you for your compliment.
Good job! Many thanks/ Thank you.
Congratulations! That is a nice compliment.

7. Apologise – Xin lỗi

Samples Reply
Sorry That’s all right/Ok.
I’m very/so/extremely sorry. Not to worry.
Excuse me. That’s quite/perfectly all right.
Sorry, (it was) my fault. No reason/need to apologize.
I do apologize Don’t worry about it.

8. Invitation - Lời mời

Sample Reply
Would you like + N/to V? Yes, I’d love to.
Yes, thanks a lot.
Yes, please.
Thanks.

9. Sympathy – Thông cảm

Samples Reply
I’m sorry to hear that + mệnh đề. Thank you very much.
I feel sorry for you It was very
I think I understand how you feel. kind/nice/thoughtful/caring/considerate of
you + to V.

10. Advice - Lời khuyên

Samples Reply
If I were you, I would + V. Thank you very much.
If I were your situation/shoes, I would + V. It was very
It’s a good idea to V. kind/nice/thoughtful/caring/considerate of
You should/had better + V. you + to V.
It is advisable + to V.
11. Asking and Giving opinion - Hỏi và đưa ra ý kiến
Samples Reply
What do you think about + N? In my opinion, …
Tell me what you think about + N. Personally, …
What is your opinion about + N? In my view, …
How do you feel about + N? It seems to me that + …
As far as I can say + …
I strongly/ firmly think/believe/ feel that + …
I must say that + …

HANDOUT 2: EXERCISE
Exercise: Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct response to each of the
following exchanges.
Question 1: “How fashionable a pair of trainers you have!”
- “______________”
A. Do you want to know where I bought them?
B. Thanks for your compliment.
C. I know it’s fashionable.
D. Yes, of course.
Question 2: “What can I do for you?” - “_______.”
A. No need to help. B. Thank you.
C. Thanks, I’m just looking. D. Sorry for not buying anything.
Question 3: “How was the game show last night?” - “_______.”
A. It showed at 8 o'clock. B. Just talking about it.
C. I think it wasn't a good game. D. Great. I gained more knowledge about
biology.
Question 4: “What did the meeting discuss? I didn’t attend it because of traffic jam.” -
“______________”
A. I didn’t, either. B. That was great.
C. You missed the meeting. D. I’m sorry, I can’t.
Question 5: “I've called many times but the plumber hasn’t come yet.”
- “______________”
A. Wait a minute, please.
B. We do apologise for this matter. We’ll fix it soon.
C. He's maybe busy now.
D. The problem has been fixed already.
Question 6: “ Would you like to have a picnic with US on the weekend?”
- “______________”
A. Yes, I'd love to. B. You’re welcome. C. Of course not. D. It’s my pleasure.
Question 7: “Have a good day, Peter!” - “_______”
A. Thanks. The same to you. B. It’s really a good day.
C. The weather is fine. D. Just a little bit cold.
Question 8: “Which one will you purchase, yellow dress or blue one?”
- “______________”
A. I don't like, either. B. They’re suitable for you.
C. It’s up to my choice. D. I prefer the blue.
Question 9: “What’s the deadline of our assignment?” - “_______.”
A. I am not sure. B. We have to submit it by Friday_______12th.
C. About 1 hour. D. We will write about the environment.
Question 10: “Don’t touch the subjects on display, Nam.”
- “______________”
A. Ok, let me touch. B. That’s right.
C. Sorry, I don’t know.D. I agree with you, it’s a rule.
Question 11: "Why do you like pop music?” - “_______.”
A. Pop music originated in the Western world.
B. Because it is soft and beautiful.
C. Westlife is a pop band.
D. Since the 1950s, pop has had some new elements.
Question 12: “What’s your neighbourhood like?” - “_______."
A. I live in Ha Noi. B. Sounds good. I like living there.
C. It’s good. I love it. D. No, there is no hospital there.
Question 13: “It’s nearly Tet holiday already.” - “_______.”
A. How time flies! B. Thanks a million.
C. Don’t make me laugh! D. No such luck!
Question 14: “You can borrow my book.” - “_______.”
A. There's nothing to it! B. You can such that again!
C. No way! D. Thanks tons.
Question 15: “Excuse me. Could you tell me the way to Central Station?”
- “______________”
A. Sure. Just go along this street. B. Oh no. This way will take US nowhere.
C. There is no way you can do it. D. That's it! Thanks for your instruction!
Question 16: "Are chores assigned to children in your family?" - “_______.’
A. Sure, we all contribute to doing the housework.
B. My mom will do the shopping and my dad does the cooking.
C. We have to stay at school until late in the afternoon.
D. I have to take the garbage out and clean the floor.
Question 17: "Do you get along well with your brothers?"
- “______________”
A. He's not living with US, he's living in the town.
B. We have never got into fight but sometimes in quarrel.
C. He likes swimming, and I like reading when free.
D. Mon and Dad always help US with our school work.
Question 18: A: "I need to stop eating such unhealthy foods."
- B: “_______”
A. That sounds delicious and nutritious.
B. I know what you mean. I've started eating better myself.
C. I mainly eat baked chicken, because there's not a lot of fat.
D. Are you sure that's how you want me to make it?
Question 19: A: "Doctor, can you give me some suggestions on how to stay healthy?"
B: “_______.”
A. Well, first of all, you need to make sure that you eat the right foods.
B. It is very confusing to know what to eat.
C. As long as you don't overdo it, a glass of wine a day should be OK.
D. If you smoke, you need to stop.
Question 20: A: "Can you concentrate on other things when you are listening to music?1
B: “_______.”
A. I prefer to work in a quiet area.
B. I'm keen on listening to dance music.
C. I often share my favorite albums with friends.
D. I don't think music can help with this.
Question 21: A: "Do you think music can heal sick people?"
B: “_______.”
A. I can't agree with you more. B. The sooner, the better.
C. At least they can feel better. D. Doctors cannot do so.
Question 22: Joana and David, two lectures, are talking about library skills.
- Joana: “ I think we should teach our students how to use the library” - David:”_______’
A. You're absolutely wrong. B. You must be kidding.
C. I couldn't agree with you more. D. That's not a good idea.
Question 23: A: "Have you ever done any volunteer work?"
B: “_______.”
A. I'm doing a part-time job to support my student life.
B. You see, earning money is difficult these days.
C. Sure. When I was a student, I helped in the hospital.
D. I have been trying to work with all my heart.
Question 24: Organizer: "Where do you want to volunteer?"
Student: “_______.”
A. I'm not really sure. What are my options?
B. You can either work in the garden or in the food pantry.
C. Thank you. I look forward to working with you.
D. What would I have to do?
Question 25: A: "What do you think is the invention that has changed the world?"
B: “_______.”
A. You see. Everything can be changed.
B. I think, the light bulb by Edison.
C. None of such things should be considered.
D. The world must be changing fast.
Question 26: A: "The Internet is the greatest invention of all time, isn't it?"
B: “_______”
A. I don't think so. Many other inventions have really changed our life.
B. Yes, the Internet helps US buy things we need online.
C. Sure, the number of netizens is growing larger and larger every day.
D. Actually, I don't use the Internet much for my business.
Question 27: Doctor: “Good morning. What can I do for you?
Patient: “Good morning._______”
A. I am fine. Thank you. B. I feel very bored.
C. I have got a bad cough. D. I want to know it, too.
Question 28: Doctor: “How long has your headache been going on?”
Patient: “_______.”
A. After midnight. B. For a week. C. Last month. D. Three times a day.
Question 29: Doctor: “Can I listen to your chest?”
Patient: “_______.”
A. All up to you. B. My pleasure. C. No, thanks. D. Of course
Question 30: Patient: "Will I get better soon?"
Doctor: “_______Take these tablets and it should clear up in a few days.”
A. Don’t worry. B. I am sorry. C. No way. D. Not at all
Question 31: Patient: “How much shall I pay you, doctor?”
Doctor: “_______.”
A. Don't mention it. B. It’s my pleasur C. £35. D. Take your time.
Question 32: “How are you coming to the dentist tomorrow?”
- “______________”
A. At 8 o'clock. B. By bus or car. C. Just in time. D. Nearly 20 minutes.
Question 33: “Do you think you'll get better?” “_______.”
A. I know so. B. I think not. C. Well, I hope so. D. Yes, that’s right.
Question 34: “I don't think we should exercise late at night.” - “_______.”
A. So do I. B. I think so, too. C. Neither do I. D. I don’t, neither.
Question 35: “When will the conference finish?” - “_______.”
A. No, it won't. B. Maybe 10:00 a.m.
C. It finished at 9:30 a.m. D. Yes, it’s very interesting.
Question 36: “What was your major at university?” - “_______.”
A. Economics. B. University of Cambridge.
C. It’s up to my decision. D. I'll choose Physics.
Question 37: “Excuse me, I would like to book two double rooms.”
A. You need to fill out this application form.
B. Thank you for booking.
C. Sorry, we only have one double room left.
D. The rooms have been cleaned already.
Question 38: “Thank you for your birthday gift, I really like it.”
- “______________”
A. I’m happy you like it. B. Of course, it's valuable.
C. Not at all. D. It’s nice of you.
Question 39: “Why don’t you go shopping with me this Sunday?”
A. OK. I’ll call you soon. B. It's none of your business,
C. Sorry, I have to work overtime. D. Not bad.
Question 40: "You've already finished the project, haven’t you?”
- “______________”
A. Yes, this project is mine. B. Sorry, but I need more time.
C. I'll arrive here in 5 minutes. D. We've been given a new project.
Question 41: "What a lovely cat you have!” - “_______.”
A. That's a nice cat. B. Thanks. My mom gave it to me last week,
C. Thanks, it's my pet. D. It’s very naughty.
Question 42: "How frequently do you go to the supermarket?” - “_______.
A. At least once a week. B. Yes, it's important to do it
C. I want to buy some fruits. D. It takes me 5 minutes.
Question 43: "What are you arguing about?” - “_______.”
A. Nothing. B. Well, I think she’s right.
C. That doesn't matter. D. Yes, we are.
Question 44: "Hi, you look happy. What's going on?” - “_______.”
A. Well, I loved running. B. I have passed the exam.
C. Take yourself at home. D. Oh yes, I enjoyed it very much.
Question 45: “How have you been?” - “_______.”
A. Take care. Bye bye. B. Well, talk to you later.
C. Nice talking to you. D. Pretty good. Thanks.
Question 46: "Would you mind turning down the TV please?” - “_______.
A. Sure. Here you are. B. Sorry. I didn’t know I was disturbing you.
C. What! You must be kidding! D. No, I don’t like it very mueh.
Question 47: "Do you like playing football?” - “_______.”
A. That's interesting. B. He’s OK. C. Yes, I love it. D. Yes, I’d love to.
Question 48: “Why don’t we visit the Happy Mind Charity Centre this weekend?”
- “______________”
A. Because it is so useful. B. That’s a good idea!
C. I’ll tell you about this centre. D. Until next time.
Question 49: “Hello, I’m Minh, the leader of Dream Sky volunteer team.”
- “______________”
A. Nice to meet you. I’m John, from Volunteer Bolivia.
B. It's nice of you to say so, I'm John, from Volunteer Bolivia.
C. Fine, see you again soon, Minh.
D. Don’t mention it. I'm John, from Volunteer Bolivia.
Question 50: “Thank you very much for helping the disadvantaged children here!”
- “______________”
A. What a pity! B. It’s our pleasure.
C. Sorry, we don’t know. D. That's nice of you!