1. Requests: Can, Could, Will, Would, Would you mind5
Requests: Can, Could, Will, Would, Would you mind
Requests in the Classroom
Focus on Grammar 3
Part III, Unit 13
By Ruth Luman, Gabriele Steiner, and BJ Wells
Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Requests Would you please write clearly?
Could you work with a partner on Exercise 4?

3. More Requests NO!! Would you accept my homework late? My dog ate it.
I’m sorry,
I can’t. I don’t accept late homework.

4. And More Requests
Would you mind looking over my assignment? I’m not sure it’s right.
And, could I leave class ten minutes early today?

5. And Even More Requests! Can I borrow your eraser for a moment? Sure.
Will you let me copy your homework?
NO!!!

6. Could you work on Exercise 4?
Formal Requests
Use could and would to make formal requests (ask someone to do something). Could and would soften requests and make them more polite.
base form
Could you work on Exercise 4?

7. Can I borrow your eraser?
Informal Requests
Use can and will for less formal requests.
Can I borrow your eraser?
base form
Sure.

8. Would you please open your books? Would you open your books, please?
Requests with Please
Use please to make a request more polite. Note the word order.
Would you please open your books?
Would you open your books, please?

9. Change the statements into polite requests using would or could
Change the statements into polite requests using would or could. Add please.
Practice 1
Example:
Open your books.
Would/Could you please open your books?
1. Would/Could you please turn to page twelve?
1. Turn to page twelve.
2. Would/Could you please repeat what you said?
2. Repeat what you said.
3. Would/Could you please take out your notebooks?
3. Take out your notebooks.
4. Would/Could you please pronounce this word ?
4. Pronounce this word.
5. Would/Could you please write down the answers?
5. Write down the answers.
6. Would/Could you please tell me what grade I got?
6. Tell me what grade I got.

10. Affirmative Answers to Requests
When we say yes to a request, we usually use expressions such as sure, certainly, of course, and no problem.
Would you help me read this?
Of course I will help you.

11. Negative Answers to Requests
When we cannot say yes to a request, we usually apologize and give an explanation.
Would you accept my homework late?
NO!!
What
she
thinks
I’m sorry, I can’t. I don’t accept late homework.
What
she
says

12. Practice 2
Imagine you are in these situations. Make polite requests with Would you mind. Then think of possible replies.
Example:
You are talking to your English teacher.
A: Would you mind explaining a grammar rule to me?
B: Not at all. How can I help you?
1. You are talking to your boss.
2. You want your co-worker to help you.
3. You want your children to clean up their rooms.
4. You want your wife/ husband to help you cook dinner.

13. Would you mind opening the door for me?
Use would you mind + gerund to make polite requests.
Would you mind opening the door for me?
Gerund =
base form + -ing

14. Would you mind looking over my assignment?
Be Careful!
When we answer this type of request with Not at all, it means that we will do what the person requests.
I don’t mind at all!
Would you mind looking over my assignment?
Not at all!
OK. I’ll do it!

15. References
Copyright © 2006 Pearson Education and its licensors. All rights reserved.