Intermediate Business: Making Requests (old draft)

GUESS THE MEANING

Choose the correct meaning of the underlined word in each sentence.

ANSWER
  1. a. a person in charge of a particular part of a company’s business
  2. c. something should happen because of the way a person behaved
  3. b. to politely or officially ask for something

ANSWER

  1. Mr. Reed is the sales director of the company I am working for.
    1. a person in charge of a particular part of a company’s business
    2. someone who is paid to work for someone else
    3. someone who shows visitors around a place
  2. After working hard this week, she deserves a holiday.
    1. giving punishment
    2. something should never happen
    3. something should happen because of the way a person behaved
  3. He made a request to leave work early.
    1. to ask for assistance
    2. to politely or officially ask for something
    3. to give important information
READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Ms. Robins and you will be Mr. Evans. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

Ms. Robins talks to Mr. Evans about attending the dinner party with the company directors.


 
Good morning, Mr. Evans. I would like to congratulate you for your team’s excellent performance last month. In line with that, I have a request. I was wondering if you could attend the dinner party tomorrow with the company directors.
 
 
Thank you, Ms. Robins. I couldn’t have done that without your help. Regarding your request, I really appreciate the invitation, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend because of a family gathering tomorrow.
 

 
I understand, Mr. Evans. Would it be alright if we re-schedule the dinner party next week? You see the thing is, the company directors would really like to meet and thank you for a job well done.
 
 
I see. I’d love to meet all of them as well. I guess there won’t be any problems re-scheduling it next week. Actually, I need to travel for 6 hours to my hometown so, would it be alright if I request for a day off tomorrow?
 

 
Of course, as long as you make a written excuse for your leave. You deserve it. Enjoy your day off.
 
 
Thank you, Ms. Robins. I’ll see you next week.
 
CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Please answer the questions based on the dialogue.
ANSWER

1. What request was Ms. Robins asking from Mr. Evans?
Answer: ________________
2. Why does Mr. Evans request to take a day off on Friday?
Answer: ________________
USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

Let’s practice some expressions. Please read them aloud.
READ

When making requests:

  1. I was wondering if you could attend the dinner party tomorrow with the company directors.
  2. Would it be alright if I request for a day off tomorrow?

When declining requests:

  1. Regarding your request, I really appreciate the invite, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend because of a family gathering tomorrow.
  2. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the party because I’m really busy right now.
SITUATION QUESTIONS

Please tell me what you will do given the following situations.
ANSWER

1. You have to attend an important family gathering on a regular working day. How would tell your manager about it?
Answer: ________________
2. You have business trip next week. You have to ask someone form your team to do some of your tasks for two days. How would you tell him/her your request?
Answer: ________________
CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions.
ANSWER

1. Have you every declined requests? Why?
Answer: ________________
2. What kind of requests do you usually accept at work/school?
Answer: ________________