Teacher Notes
Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a review of Grammar 8-1.
The following vocabulary words are used in this activity:
Part One
Listen to the people speaking. In each conversation, someone is asking for help. How do they ask for help?
Conversation #1
A: I’m going to the track later if you're free.
B: Ooh, that sounds good, but I don’t think so. I need to finish all this homework for tomorrow.
A: That’s too bad. Maybe next time.
B: Yeah. Hey, do you have a minute?
A: Yeah, what’s up?
B: Well, I’m having trouble with these math questions. Could you give me a hand?
A: Sure, no problem.
Conversation #2
A: Okay, I’ve got to run. I’m going to be late for class.
B: Oh hey, before you go, could you do me a favor?
A: Uhm, maybe, what do you need?
B: Could you drive me to the grocery store?
A: Sorry, but I don’t have time right now. I have to get to school.
B: That’s okay. Don’t worry about it.
A: Can you wait until I'm done with school?
B: Yeah.
Conversation #3
A: Excuse me, Teacher?
B: Yes?
A: Could you help me please?
B: Yes, of course.
A: I need some help with Exercise 2. I just don’t understand this grammar. Would you explain it to me?
B: I’d be happy to.
Part Two
Asking for Help
When we need help, we don’t usually just say “help me”. We usually start with a general question to see if the person is free or wants to help. Here are some possible ways to start the conversation:
| Casual | Formal/Polite |
|---|---|
| Do you have a minute/second? | Excuse me. |
| Can/Will you give me a hand? | Could/Would you help me please? |
| Can/Will you do me a favor? | Could/Would you do me a favor? |
Answering the Question
When someone asks one of the questions above, there are different ways to answer. Here are some of the ways:
| Yes, of course. | Sorry, I'm (kind of) busy. |
| Sure/Yeah. | Sorry, I don't have time right now. |
| Maybe/Perhaps. | I'm sorry. I can't right now. |
Example #1 Example #2 Example #3
Do you have a second?
Yeah. What's up?
Could you help me please?
Yes, of course.
Hey, could you give me a hand with this?
Sorry, I can't right now.
Making the Request
When you know the person is free and wants to help, you ask a more specific question, like the questions below:
- Can/Will/Could/Would you ... (for me)
- I need some help with (noun)
Answering the Request
Here are few ways to answer someone's request for help:
- Sure. No problem.
- I’d be happy to.
- Yes, of course.
Do you have a second?
Yeah. What's up?
Could you help me with my car?
Sure. No problem.
Could you help me please?
Yes, of course.
Would you show me where to pour the antifreeze?
I'd be happy to.
If a person cannot help, they reply like this:
- I'm sorry. I don't know.
- Sorry, but I can't.
Part Three
Intro Student One Student Two Student Three Student Four
Students work in a group of three to four. On each page students will find a riddle. Students should ask someone in the group for help solving the riddle.
I have a face and two hands but have no arms or legs? What am I?
I belong to you, but your friends and family use me more than you do. What am I?
You must break me before you can use me. What am I?
I have many keys, but I cannot open any doors. What am I?