タビスタ | まったく新しいオンライン英会話
[D] How about we meet on Sunday? (Making plans)

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Pattern I

Let's say - a way of making a more forceful suggestion

Examples:

Icon_Mentor

I want to go to the mall.

Icon_Belle

Let's say you do your home chores first.


Icon_Mentor

Please pick me up at 2 pm.

Icon_Learner

Let's say 2:45pm, I can't get there by 2:00 because I am still at the office.

Pattern II

Have to - indicates obligation or necessity.

    Examples:

  • Timmy has to be here earlier than the kids.

  • They have to extend their time creating new ideas.

Pattern III

No problem

  • can mean that a request is accepted.

Examples:

Icon_Mentor

I would like to have a wider space to keep my products

Icon_Learner

No problem.

  • can also be used to a reply to an expression of thanks. An alternative expression with the same meaning is you're welcome.

Icon_Mentor

Thanks so much your help in reviewing this document for me.

Icon_Learner

No problem. It's my pleasure.

Pattern IV

Have too much on one's plate - indicates that someone is very busy - probably because of an unusual project or happening.

    Example:

  • I wish to be there for you whenever you need me the most. Sadly, I have too much on my plate right now, I can't be there for you. I'm sorry.

Pattern V

How about...? - is a way of making a suggestion.

Examples:

Icon_Mentor

I want to visit Europe and study the French language.

Icon_Learner

How about visiting America and study English instead?


Icon_Mentor

I would like to eat Chinese dishes for dinner.

Icon_Learner

That sounds nice, but how about Japanese dishes?

LET'S READ! 📖

CONVERSATION A: I’D LIKE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.


Receptionist

Situation:

Alexa would like to make an appointment with her physician.

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Drs. Smith and Cole. How can I help you?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Hello. My name is Alexa Anderson. I'd like to make an appointment to see Dr. Cole, hopefully sometime this month.

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

And what is it you want to see him about?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

I need a general physical checkup.?

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Do you wish to take all the possible laboratory examination?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Yes, I do- and it looks like I'll need a pretty thorough exam.

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Can you fax it to me? That way I'll know how much time to allot for your appointment.

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Sure. Can you give me your fax number?

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

It's 962-555-2508.

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Good. I'll fax it to you right away. Will you call me back when you get it?

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Sure. No problem.


Later 🕐


Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Hello, Alexa. This is Dr. Cole's office. I see you're going to need an hour and a half-long appointment, and Dr. Cole won't be able to do that for at least another month.

I could give you an appointment with Dr. Smith next Saturday, though, at 2:30 p.m.

Would you like to take that?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Um... yes, that sounds great. Is there anything I should do to prepare for the general physical checkup?

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Yes. I know this will be difficult, but you mustn't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before. I wish I could give you an appointment earlier in the day, but we don't have any other openings.

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

OK. But if there is a cancellation earlier in the day, please let me know. I'd much rather come in early in the morning.

Icon_Staff

Receptionist

Of course. I will update you as soon as the slot will be open.

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Awesome! Thanks! Good-bye.

QUESTIONS

1. What kind of appointment was made by Alexa?

2. What preparation must be done before the general physical checkup?

3. When will she have her doctor's appointment?

4. What request did Alexa say to the receptionist regarding her scheduled appointment?

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

A. Express the following using modal verbs or their alternatives.

  1. (You are a teacher/professor) Tell your students to close their notebooks or keep their notes once the test will start.

  2. Ask your close workmate if it is important for him/her to work today.

  3. (You are the boss.) Tell your employee that she is obligated to work tomorrow.

  4. (You are sick.) Ask your doctor for her advice about when to take the medicine she prescribed.

  5. (You are a pediatrician.) Tell the mother of the baby that it is customary to have more frequent checkups.

B. Please choose the best response to each of the following questions or remarks.

  1. I wish we could travel to the Bahamas.

    a. Perfect.

    b. Yeah, right. We shouldn't miss it.

    c. Look - we can't afford it.

  2. We'd rather go to the beach than the riverside.

    a. Listen - why don't you go to the beach and we'll go to the riverside.

    b. Look - I'm tired

    c. Perfect. Let's say we all go to the beach.

  3. Can you help me with these tasks?

    a. Oh dear, I can.

    b. Oh dear, I can't.

    c. Let's say no.

  4. Are you moving to New York?

    a. No problem!

    b. I wish!

    c. You have too much on your plate.

  5. Why is your submission of the documents late?

    a. No problem!

    b. Of course!

    c. I have too much on my plate!