1. Conversation Lesson 7: Thanking People and Replying to Thanks

2. Jane: Oh, hello, Betty, how are you? Betty: Much better. I just wanted to call you to let you know how much I appreciated the flowers you sent me. Jane: I’m glad you like them, Betty. Your husband said yellow roses were your favorite. Betty: Yes, they are, and these are certainly beautiful. Thank you so much. Jane: You’re very welcome, Betty. I just hope you’re feeling better. Betty: Oh, I am. In fact, the doctor says I can go home the day after tomorrow. Jane: That’s great!

3. Culture Note Westerners tend to say “Thank you” more than Chinese do. You’ll hear “Thanks!” and “Thank you” often in America. Common situations that require thanks: For a gift For an offer of help For an invitation For services For a compliment or a wish for success When leaving a party or social gathering When asked about one’s health, etc.

4. To thank people, you can say I’m very/so grateful for... Thank you (very/so much for...). That was very kind/nice of you. Thank you. You are so considerate. How thoughtful of you (to...). I really appreciate it. Thanks (a lot for...). Thanks a million/bunch! Thank you!

5. To reply to thanks, you can say (It was/is) my pleasure. (I was/am) glad to do it. You’re (very/quite) welcome. Don’t mention it. No problem. Anytime. Sure.

6. Practice Saying and Replying to Thanks Work in pairs. Read each of the following situations and practice saying and replying to thanks.

7. Thanks - Situation 1 You and your classmate. You and your classmate are good friends at a university. Both of you took the final exam last week. After you find out that both of you have passed the exam, you tell him/her the result immediately. Your classmate thanks you and says that he/she will invite you out for dinner tonight.

8. Thanks - Situation 2 You and your new boss. Today is your first day at work in a well- known company. When you enter your office, you realize that your boss is actually the person who interviewed you a couple of weeks ago. You thank him/her for hiring you. After he/she replies to your thanks, he/she tells you what your responsibilities will be.

9. Thanks - Situation 3 You and your American friend. You invited your American friend to your home for dinner with your family. Your friend enjoyed the delicious meal and had a wonderful time. When it’s time for him/her to leave, he/she thanks you and your family.

10. Thanks - Situation 4 You and your neighbor. Your neighbor is going shopping in a big department store. He/She stops by your apartment to ask if you would like to go shopping with him/her. You really want to go but you are quite busy at the moment, so you ask your neighbor to buy what you need for you and then thank him/her.