Teacher Notes
Objectives & Sequence: This lesson is intended to be used as a review of Grammar - Modal Verbs #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 a movie with Paul 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 favour?
A: Uhm, maybe, what do you need?
B: Could you help me carry this dresser upstairs?
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 I help you with it when I get back?
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 question. Number 9. 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 favour? | Could/Would you do me a favour? |
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 phone?
Sure. No problem.
Could you help me please?
Yes, of course.
Would you show me how to make a copy?
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 1 Student 2 Student 3 Student 4
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?
Teacher's Note
- I have a face and two hands but have no arms or legs? What am I?
SOLUTION: A clock! - I belong to you, but your friends and family use me more than you do. What am I?
SOLUTION: Your name. - You must break me before you can use me. What am I?
SOLUTION: an egg - I have many keys, but I cannot open any doors. What am I?
SOLUTION: A piano.