Make Questions or Sentences
What could you say or ask in the following situations? You want to …
1. … know what someone’s job is. ..................................................................................
2. … find out where the nearest bus stop is. ...................................................................
3. … order another Coke. ................................................................................................
4. … know if it’s okay to smoke. ......................................................................................
5. … get advice on what to wear to a party. ....................................................................
6. … offer someone a drink. ............................................................................................
7. … suggest a time and place to meet. ..........................................................................
8. … ask someone where you can buy a SIM card. ........................................................
9. … help somebody with a heavy suitcase. ...................................................................
10. … know if you can pay in US dollars. ..........................................................................
11. … stop someone from shouting. .................................................................................
12. … ask someone out for a drink. ..................................................................................
13. … tell a taxi driver to take you to your hotel. ...............................................................
14. … show you didn’t understand what someone said. ...................................................
15. … ask for clarification. .................................................................................................
16. … know when the last bus leaves. ..............................................................................
17. … refuse a dinner invitation. ........................................................................................
18. … suggest going to the movies. ..................................................................................
19. … invite someone to your birthday party. ....................................................................
20. … show you like what someone proposed. .................................................................
21. … order someone to sit down. ....................................................................................
22. … offer someone a seat. .............................................................................................
23. … ask if you can use someone’s phone. .....................................................................
24. … reserve a table for two. ...........................................................................................
25. … buy a day pass for the London Underground. .........................................................
26. … know how much a kilo of oranges cost. ...................................................................
27. … fire one of your employees. .....................................................................................
28. … check why someone is late. ....................................................................................
29. … order a dish in a restaurant. ....................................................................................
30. … know the distance between your hotel and the airport. ...........................................
Instructions
Give students ample time to find suitable questions or phrases to use in the given
situations. Let them compare their work with a partner, or let them work in pairs or
small groups if you want. Go around the room and offer help where needed.
Answers should be clear and reflect daily use of English.
There are often several possible answers. Also, the words ‘please’ or ‘excuse me’
can often be added to make it more polite.
Answer key – Possible answers
1. What do you do?
2. Excuse me, where is the nearest bust stop?
Could you tell me where the nearest bus stop is?
3. Could I have another Coke, please? Another Coke, please.
Excuse me, could you bring me another Coke, please.
4. Can I smoke here? Do you mind if I smoke? Is smoking allowed here?
5. What do you think I should wear to the party?
What should I wear to the party?
6. Would you like something to drink?
Can I offer you a drink? What would you like to drink?
Would you like some tea or coffee?
7. Shall we meet in my office next Monday at 9 AM?
8. Excuse me, could you tell me where I can buy a SIM card?
Where can I buy a SIM card?
9. Let me help you with that (suitcase).
Shall I give you a hand with that?
10. Can I pay in US dollars?
11. Please stop shouting. Stop shouting! Keep calm, please.
12. Would you like to go out for a drink (tonight)?
13. The Marriot Hotel, please.
14. Pardon? Sorry? I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat that, please?
15. I’m sorry, what (exactly) do you mean?
16. When is the last bus?
17. I’m afraid I can’t. I’m busy.
I’m sorry but I can’t. I have other plans.
I’d love to but I’m busy. Can I take a rain check?
18. Let’s go to the cinema. What about going to see a movie?
Why don’t we go to the movies?
19. Would you like to come to my birthday party?
It’s my birthday next week and I’m having a party. You’re invited.
20. That’s a good/great idea!
21. Sit down, please.
22. Please have a seat.
23. Could/can/may I use your phone, please?
24. I’d like to reserve/book a table for two.
25. A one day pass, please.
26. How much are the oranges?
27. You’re fired!
I’m afraid we’ll have to let you go.
28. Where are you? I’ve been waiting forever!
Are you okay? We were wondering why you’re late.
29. I’ll have the T-bone steak with French fries, please.
30. How far is the airport from here?
How long does it take to get to the airport?