LESSON 4A SPEAKING
Asking for Permission
► Casual Situations:
Example: "Can I use your phone?"
(Yes): "Yes, of course. Go ahead!"
(No): "Sorry, I need it right now."
► Work or School Context:
Example: "May I leave early today?"
(Yes): "Sure, that’s fine."
(No): "I’m afraid not. We have a meeting."
► Social Settings:
Example: "Do you mind if I join your table?"
(Yes): "Not at all! We’d love for you to join us."
(No): "Actually, we’re a bit full. Maybe next time?"
► Home or Family:
Example: "Is it alright if I take the car?"
Response (Yes): "Yes, just fill it up with gas."
Response (No): "No, I need it to run errands."
Giving Permission
Example: "You can borrow my book."
Example: "Feel free to turn the music up!"
Refusing Permission
Example: "I’m sorry, but you can’t go out tonight."
Example: "No, please don’t open the window; it’s cold outside."
1 In pairs, check you understand the phrases in the box. Then use them to complete the sentences below
| bring your own hairdryer/towel/toothpaste bring a gift clean the room have fun help yourself to food and drink leave a mess on surfaces give them time to relax make a special meal make plans sleep a lot |
1 When guests come to stay in your house, you should/shouldn’t …
2 When you go to stay in a friend’s house, you should/shouldn’t …
1 host
should: clean the room, give them time to relax, make a special meal, make plans
shouldn’t: be noisy, leave a mess on surfaces, sleep a lot
2 guest
should: bring their own hairdryer/towel/toothpaste, bring a gift, clean the room, have fun
shouldn’t: help yourself to food and drink, leave a mess on surfaces
2 Study the Speaking box and Watch Out! Then listen to Part 1 of the conversation and choose the phrases you hear in the sentences below
1 Amani Is it alright / Do you mind if I come in?
Lama Yes, of course / go ahead.
2 Lama Can I take your coat?
Amani No, I’m afraid not / please don’t. It’s a bit cold.
3 Amani Do you mind if I / Can I keep my shoes on?
Lama No, I don’t mind / you can’t. Of course not.
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SPEAKING | Permission |
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Question |
Yes |
No |
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Can I have this banana? |
Yes, of course. Sure, go ahead. |
Sorry, you can’t. That’s my breakfast. |
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Is it alright if I change the channel? |
I’m afraid not. This is my favourite show. |
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Do you mind if I open the door? |
No, of course not. No, I don’t mind. |
Please don’t. It’s a bit cold. |
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Do you mind if we rest? |
Yes, I do. We need to exercise. |
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WATCH OUT! Do you mind if …? = Is it a problem for you if …? If someone asks you Do you mind if…? and it isn’t a problem, you should answer No (= No, it isn’t a problem.) Do you mind if I say something? No, I don’t./No, that’s no problem. If something is a problem, you should answer Yes (= Yes, it’s a problem.) Do you mind if I borrow your hairdryer? Yes, I do, sorry. I’m using it at the moment. |
3 Complete the exchanges with two or three words in each gap. Listen to Part 2 of the conversation and check.
Lama This is your room.
Amani It’s very nice but is it alright if I close the window?
Lama Sure, go ahead.
Amani Sorry to ask but can I have a shower?
Lama I’m sorry, you can’t. There isn’t a shower.
Amani Do you mind if I have a bath then?
Lama No, of course not.
Amani Do you mind if I use your Wi-Fi connection?
Lama Yes, I do ! I’m just joking. That’s no problem.
4 In pairs, ask for permission and respond appropriately. Student A, go to page 87. Student B, go to page 88.
A Can I take this chair?
B No, I’m sorry you can’t. I’m sitting on it
Students’ own answers
Workbook
1 Listen and repeat the phrases. How do you say them in your language?
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SPEAKING | Permission RESPONDING ‘YES’ Yes, RESPONDING ‘NO’ QUESTION RESPONDING ‘YES’ RESPONDING ‘NO’ |
2 Choose the response what is NOT appropriate in each situation.
1 Can I have something to eat?
a Sure, go ahead.
b Sorry, you can’t.
c No, I don't mind.
2 Is it alright if I leave my bag here?
a Yes, I do.
b Yes, of course.
c Sorry, I’m afraid it isn’t.
3 Is it a problem for you if I arrive late in the evening?
a No, of course not.
b Yes, of course.
c I’m afraid it is.
4 Do you mind if I bring a friend?
a Yes, I do.
b I’m afraid it is.
c No, I don’t.
5 Can I use your laptop?
a Yes, of course.
b Sure, go ahead.
c No, I don’t.
3 Complete questions 1–5 with the words from the box. There are two extra words. Then match the questions with responses a–e.
| alright afraid can buy go If leave mind open problem ride say |
1 c Is it alright if I ride your electric scooter?
2 e Do you mind if I say something?
3 a Is it a problem for you if I leave the party early?
4 d Mum, can I go out tonight?
5 b Do you mind if I open the window?
a No, of course not . Is everything alright?
b Yes, I do. It’s freezing in here.
c I’m afraid not. It’s my brother’s electric scooter and I have to be very careful with it.
d Sorry, you can’t. You've got too much homework to do.
e No, I don’t mind. It’s interesting to hear what other people think.
4 Complete the questions with the correct forms of the words in brackets. Add any other necessary words. Then complete the answers with one word in each gap
Nawal Do you mind if I borrow (mind/ borrow) your phone?
Faten No, of course not.
Amer Is it a problem for you (problem/you) if I make myself something to eat?
Raed No, it isn’t. Go ahead.
Hani Is it alright if (alright/if) we stop for a rest? I’m exhausted.
Sami I’m afraid we can’t. We have to catch the train.
Dalia Do you mind if I change (I/change) the channel on the TV?
Nour Sure, go ahead. Nobody’s watching it.