Asking for information can be as simple as asking for the time, or as complicated as asking for details about a complicated process. In both cases, it’s important to use the appropriate form for the situation.
For example, when asking for information from a friend, use a more informal or colloquial form. When asking a colleague, use a slightly more formal form, and when asking for information from a stranger, use an appropriately formal construction.
| Asking for service | Responses |
| v Could you help me?
v Would you please help me to …? v Would you mind helping me …?  v Do you mind opening the window? v Please open the window. v Can you help me to …? |
· Certainly.
· Of course. · Never mind. · Alright. · No problem. · I’m sorry, I’m busy. |
| Giving services | Responses |
| v Can I help you?
v May I help you? v What can I do for you? |
· Yes, please. · Don’t bother. · Thanks’. I appreciate it. |
Listen and practice the conversation with your partner!
Aisyah : Could you help me?
Maryam: Certainly. What can I do for you?
Aisyah : Can you take my dictionary over there?
Maryam: Of course. Here you are.
Aisyah : Thanks’
Maryam: Don’t mention it.
Answer the following question briefly!
- What does Aisyah want Maryam to do?
- Is Maryam willing to help Aisyah?
- How does Aisyah ask service to Maryam?
- How does Maryam respon Aisyah’s Asking?
- How does Maryam give service to aisyah?
Listen and practice the conversation with your partner!
Aqil : Can I help you?
Mrs. Ida : Thank you, I really appreciate it.
It’s very hot here. Would you please turn on the air conditioner?
Aqil : I’m very sorry, ma’am. The air conditioner is out of order.
How about turning on the fan?
Mrs. Ida : It’s OK. Could you do that?
Aqil : Never mind.
Write whether the following sentences are ‘true’ or ‘false’!
- (…) Mrs. Ida feels that the room is hot.
- (…) Aqil asks help to Mrs. Ida.
- (…) The air conditioner is broken.
- (…) The fan is out of order.
- (…) Aqil is willing to turn on the fan.
Talking about shopping
Mussa: Can I help you / what can I do for you?
Ali: Yes please, how much is the flower
Mussa : Two hundred shillings
Ali : Can I have it?
Mussa : There your are
Ali : Thank you
Mussa : You are welcome
Imagine you are in the hotel. How would you order some food?
And drinks?Write a short conservation between you and the waiter
Waiter Excuse me sir, can I help you?
Customer: Yes please, how much is a cup of tea?
Waiter: There you are
Customer: May I have some food too?
Waiter: What kind of food you need?
TALKING ABOUT RESERVATION
Booking tickets
You want to travel to Mwanza by train, write a dialogue between you and booking office attendant.
Attendant: Can I help you?
Customer: Yes please, I want a ticket in first class
Attendant: It is 20,000/=Tshs
Customer: I have 19,000/= Tshs
Attendant: OK
Customer; Here is your money
- → Making telephone calls
Language use
Using the phone
In today’s world, most people use the telephone for quick answer the questions.
Look at the following telephone conversation and answer the questions:
a) Which conversations are personal?
b) Which one are business?
c) Which callers did not speak to the people they wanted to talk with?
d) What happened in phone call No.3?