![[C+] Would you like me to help you? (Making requests and offers)](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/5kZUlvBzq4SEJHJhSEUft5/fc792a971854e62b65bc8e17941a76b4/COMM_STARTER-02.png)
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
Pattern 1
How about if.. ?
- offers a suggestion for action made by one or more people
-
We have a long weekend next month. How about if we have a staycation somewhere by the beach?
-
You forgot to bring your lunch box, right? How about if we share my food? I think I brought too much today.
Examples:
Pattern 2
It's (just) that...
- an expression that precedes an explanation of something just mentioned or questioned.
- It indicates that the speaker expects the listener to understand and accept the explanation.
Examples:
I apologize Yuri, It's that I had to attend a court hearing about my parents' annulment.
Why don't you ever clean your room?
It's just that, I don't have enough time to do it due to my hectic schedule.
Pattern 3
Any chance
- used to ask informally if something is possible or true
-
Any chance you have an extra battery I could use?
-
Any chance we could have our reunion this summer?
Examples:
Pattern 4
I'll get back to you..
- find information for someone and contact him or her as soon as you have it.
-
I am not sure I could provide you some details, but I'll get back to you as soon as I have the exact information.
-
If you urgently need the product, I'll call our 2nd branch office if we have it on hand and I'll get back to you immediately.
Examples:
Pattern 5
I'm on top of it
- to fully understand something or be able to handle something.
-
Moving to another country is challenging, but I believe she's on top of it.
-
There was a lot of difficult Math formulas, but now I'm on top of it.
Examples:
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Mike and John are asking each other favors.
Mike
Hey, buddy, can I ask you a favor?
John
Sure - what can I do for you?
Mike
I wonder if you'd be willing to lend me your laptop. Mine got broken and I missed a couple of chances to finish my report, and now I'm totally in a hurry.
John
Ok, would you like me to go with you to the study room and go over your report? I'm not using my laptop now, so I'm sure you can easily get back on track.
Mike
Oh man, that will be a load off my shoulders. I can't thank you enough.
John
Glad to help. As a matter of fact, I have a favor to ask of you.
Mike
Oh yeah? Don't tell me you need more advice about your fiancé!
John
Well, not exactly. It's that her sister is coming up for the weekend, and I need to find her a date. Any chance you'd go out with her on Saturday night? We'd all four go to the theater and then out to eat.
Mike
Look, I already agreed to go to the movies with Mark. But how about if I invite her to go to the movies with us instead? Of course, afterward, we'd grab a bite to eat, but it won't be anything fancy.
John
That sounds great to me. Let me see what Lily thinks about it, and I'll get back to you ASAP.
Mike
Good. And by the way, thanks again for lending me your laptop. I think I'm on top of it now.
John
No problem, Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything.
Mike
Thanks, buddy. See you later.
QUESTIONS
1. What favor did Mike ask John?
2. What favor did John ask Mike?
3. What's the alternative plan that Mike has in mind?
4. To whom does John need to ask or clarify the alternative plan that Mike proposed?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. Choose the correct expression for each situation.
-
Hurry up! I don't want you to miss the bus.
a. Let's get back on track.
b. We'll go ahead and drive.
c. Go ahead without me.
-
Good news! The bank approved your housing loan.
a. No need.
b. That's a load off my shoulders
c. I'm back on track.
-
You missed ten out of twenty questions on the exam.
a. Any chance you can help me?
b. Do you mind?
c. That's a load off my mind.
B. Formulate a question for each answer based on the given expression/s and picture.
( Keywords: tile color )
(Question:) ?
(Answer:) Absolutely! That's a load off my shoulder.
( Keywords: job opportunity abroad )
(Question:) ?
(Answer:) Of course! Don't miss this opportunity!
( Keywords: flight reservation )
(Question:) ?
(Answer:) I'll get back to you as soon as I get the details.
( Keywords: takeaway food / takeout meals )
(Question:) ?
(Answer:) It's just that I can't cook well.
Why did you leave early today?