![[E] Asking Questions At Work](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/78Zp9W2xmFE5ebv47nYK2O/711ca99e5024533cfaba57fc5f3ebe2c/BUSINESS_ENGLISH_COMING_SOON-03.png)
LET'S LEARN! 📚
Could - used in making a polite request
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Could you help me lift this box?
-
Could you lend me your stapler?
Examples:
I'm sorry, but - used for politely disagreeing with someone's opinion or to refuse a proposal
Example:
I'm sorry, but I have other plans.
I'm sorry, but I don't quite follow you.
Have to - used to say that something is required or necessary
Example:
Do I have to wear formal attire?
It's up to you.
We have to meet with the client today.
Have you had the opportunity to... - used to ask if someone was able to do a certain task or thing
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Have you had the opportunity to read the agenda of the meeting?
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Have you had the opportunity to meet with your team members?
Examples:
Would you mind + -ing - used to politely ask someone to do something
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Would you mind explaining that again, please?
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Would you mind repeating what you've just said?
Examples:
LET'S READ! 📖
Dialogue 1
Situation
Peter is calling Jenny to schedule a meeting with her.
Peter
Could we meet today to talk about next year's catalogue?
Jenny
Fine. When's good for you?
Peter
How about tomorrow afternoon?
Jenny
I'm sorry but I'm busy the entire afternoon. How about the next day?
Peter
I'm giving a presentation in the morning the next day. So I'm out of the office till 1:00. Would 2:00 be okay?
Jenny
2:00 is fine with me.
Peter
By the way, have you had the opportunity to review the documents I sent you?
Jenny
I'm afraid I haven't, but don't worry I'll find time.
Peter
Thanks.
QUESTION
What will they talk about?
Dialogue 2
Situation
James is a new employee and he is asking a few questions to Alex.
James
Do I have to pay for lunch?
Alex
No, staff eat for free in the cafeteria.
James
Wow. I like drinking coffee. Do we have a vending machine in the building?
Alex
Yes. It's in the left wing. But you can make yourself a hot drink. There's tea and coffee in the pantry.
James
That's good to know. What about the dress code?
Alex
Well. We can wear smart casual attire.
James
I see.
Alex
By the way, don't forget to turn off the lights when you're the last to leave.
James
Alright.
QUESTION
Does James have to pay for lunch?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
👂🏻 Listening Exercise
Direction: Listen to the audio in each item and answer the questions that follow.
- What information will John send?
- When will the meeting start?
- When are they not allowed to wear casual attire?
🗣 Speaking Exercise
Direction: Have a short dialogue with your mentor and answer the following questions.
Mentor
Would you like to come with us for dinner?
Learner
1. I'm sorry, but .
Mentor
Do you have a transport car?
Learner
2. Actually no. Would you mind ?
Mentor
What is your daily routine at work?
Learner
3. In the morning I have to .
Mentor
When do you need the printed copy of the report?
Learner
4. This afternoon. Would you mind ?
Mentor
Why do you want to work from home tomorrow?
Learner
5. I have to .
Would you like to join us for dinner?