Mastering Polite English Requests and Writing Skills
Polite Requests
Key Phrases
Keywords: please, excuse me; use could, would you mind, may.
Request Models
- “Could you please help me…?”
- “Would you mind explaining that again?”
- “May I borrow your book, please?”
Quick Responses (1.1)
- Lend a pen: “Could you please lend me your pen?”
- Repeat instructions: “Would you mind repeating the instructions, please?”
- Open window: “Could you open the window, please?”
- Ask the time: “Excuse me, could you tell me the time, please?”
- Lower volume: “Would
English Conditional, Prepositions & Modal Exercises
English Conditional, Prepositions and Modals Exercises
1º Put the verbs in brackets into the correct conditional tense
- If John had read the small print, he Wouldn’t have signed (not sign) the contract.
- If you’re late again, you will have (have) problems with the boss.
- I would have bought the book if I had had (have) some money.
- Do you think I will lose (lose) weight if I eat less pasta?
- I would go to Rome next summer if you came (come) with me.
- If Jane had locked (lock) her bike, it wouldn’t have
English Exercises: Modals, Past Habits & Pollution Facts
Part I — Dialogue: Movie Plans
- Hi, Leo! Do you want to go to the movies this weekend?
- Sure! What movie are you planning to watch?
- I’m thinking about seeing Zootopia 2.
- Yes! I’ve been waiting to see Zootopia 2!
- Awesome! What time does it begin?
- Great! The movie starts at 6:45 p.m.
- Perfect. Let’s meet at the mall theater at 6:30.
- Okay — see you at 6:30 p.m.
- See you there!
Part II — Plastic Pollution: True / False
V = True, F = False
- V Millions of tons of plastic end up in oceans and rivers every year.
- V
Structuring Formal and Informal Correspondence
Formal and Informal Document Templates
Formal Letter Structure
FORMAL LETTER
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to inform you about [main reason], which has recently become a matter of concern. Little did I expect that the situation would develop in such an unexpected way, especially considering the information I had previously received.
To begin with, [brief explanation of the problem]. Despite my efforts to address the issue promptly and follow the correct procedures, the outcome has not been satisfactory.
Read MoreFamous Poems by Browning, Whitman, and Frost
My Last Duchess
Robert Browning (1812–1889)
That’s my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Looking as if she were alive. I call
That piece a wonder, now: Frà Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
Will ‘t please you sit and look at her? I said
‘Frà Pandolf’ by design, for never read
Strangers like you that pictured countenance,
The depth and passion of its earnest glance,
But to myself they turned (since none puts by
The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)
And seemed as they
Essential English Grammar Rules and Writing Techniques
English Verb Tenses
Present Simple
- General truths: The Earth orbits the Sun.
- Habits: They always ask silly questions.
- Instructions: First, cut the carrot into pieces.
- Timetables: The train leaves at 17:30.
- Storytelling: So… it’s 3 PM, I enter the pub and see him.
- Permanent facts: I am 29. Winnipeg is in Canada.
Present Continuous
Form: am/is/are + -ing
- Actions happening now: She is studying right now.
- Future arrangements: I am meeting the clients at 5.
- Temporary situations: I am living in Madrid.
- Trends: