OFFERING AND REQUESTING VOCABULARYTry to explain the meaning

OFFERING AND REQUESTING

VOCABULARY-Try to explain the meaning of the words �Block the exit �Carry-on bag �Clock-radio �Engaged UK �Large denomination bank note �Light bulb �Lost property �Maintenance man �Valid

In the dictionary… � To prevent someone to go out of a place � A bag that you are allowed to take onto a plane with you � A machine that is a clock and a radio. You can set the clock to turn the radio on and wake you up. � Busy US � Big value shown on a paper money � The glass part of an electric light that the light shines from � Things that people have lost or left in a public place, which are kept until someone collects them � Someone who looks after buildings and equipment � Legally and officially acceptable

EXERCISE A 1 �Answers: � 1. phone the railway station for Mr White � 2. lend Mrs Brown a swimsuit � 3. show Miss Green how to operate the fax machine � 4. give Mr Black a wake-up (early morning) call

EXERCISE A 2 �Answers: �The receptionist was least polite to Miss Green. �The least sensible idea was asking the maintenance man to fix Mr Black’s clock -radio (alarm clock). It would have been better to replace it-they’re cheap enough.

EXERCISE A 3 -I’D OFFER TO… � 1. look in the local newspaper for the guest or give the guest a local newspaper to look at. � 2. send someone up to replace it. � 3. move him or her to another quieter room as soon as possible. � 4. prepare his or her bill this evening. � 5. order a taxi for him or her. � 6. change it for him or her or get the porter to go to the bank for the guest.

USEFUL PHRASES �Good morning. How may I help you? �I’ll ask…to…for you. �Would you like me to…for you? �I could…for you, if you like. �Shall I…for you? �I could either…or… Which would you prefer me to do? �I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do. Sorry.

TIP! �Even if you can’t help the client or you have to refuse to do something which is not sensible, it’s important to sound polite. And explain why you can’t do what he or she asks.

GRAMMAR To Infinitive or Gerund �EXCUSE ME WOULD YOU MIND + VERB-ING…? �I’M SORRY, BUT COULD I ASK YOU +TO INFINITIVE…, PLEASE? �Apply this to exercise B 1.

EXERCISE B 2 �Answers: � 1. because it’s blocking the exit. � 2. because we only accept the credit cards for amounts over $10. � 3. because I need to make a note of the number. � 4. because there are no tables free. � 5. because this table I reserved.