There is nothing like
learning a new language. The English language is full of polite
expressions and they are worth teaching our students.
Here are the most common
expressions and how they are used:
Please is used when
you ask for something.
May I have
another slice of cake, please?
It's also
used when you ask someone to do something for us.
Could you
mail this letter for me, please?
Thank you is used
when someone gives you something, or when you buy something, or
when someone gives you information.
You can
also use the shorter form that is very informal….thanks.
You can
also use...thank you so much, thanks a million.
As a response to thank
you, you could answer:
That's O.K. Don't mention it. You're welcome.
(common in the States!)
Pardon me, and
excuse me, are used for apologies.
Pardon me, I didn't mean to step on your foot.
Excuse me, I didn't hear what you said.
You can also use Excuse
me, when you want to go past someone, or when you want to
attract someone's attention.
Excuse me, is this seat taken?
Sorry is used when
you want to apologize for something trivial.
Sorry, I'm late. Sorry, I couldn't phone sooner.
Let the students use the
above polite words along with the responses.
Here are some situations:
A man parked his car in front of your driveway. You have to ask
him to move it.
It's your sister's birthday and you give her an enormous bouquet
of roses. She really loves them.
Your computer isn't working and you have to ask your friend if
you could use his computer to send an e-mail.
You are in a bus and you accidentally bump a person who is
standing next to you. You apologize.
You forget to phone your mother to tell her you'll be working
late. You apologize to her.
You need a battery for your cell phone. You ask your husband to
buy one for you on the way home.
Write more of these situations on strips and put them into a
box. The students have "to pick" a situation and use the correct
polite word.
A Nice thought
"Life be not so
short but that there is always time for courtesy."
Ralph W.
Emerson