Asking for help and being polite
We use polite words when we ask for help. Say Can you help me, please? or Could you help me, please? Could is a little more polite than can. When someone helps you, say Thank you very much. The other person says You’re welcome. We can also offer help: Can I help you? or Would you like some help? If we make a mistake, we say Sorry and tell the truth. Asking for help is a good idea, and a kind friend is happy to help. At home or at school, read the story on pages 64–65 of your Student Book. Do not worry: our questions will not need the words of the story.
| Asking for help | Answering |
|---|---|
| Can you help me, please? | Of course. What do you need? |
| Could you open the window, please? | Yes, certainly. |
| Thank you very much. | You’re welcome. |
| Would you like some help? | Yes, please. Thank you. |
Excuse me, Mr Hamdy. Could you help me, please?
Of course, Salma. What do you need?
My bag is on the high shelf. I can’t reach it.
Here you are.
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome.
Adel dropped his glass in the kitchen. It broke, and there was water on the floor. He was afraid, but he said to his mother, ‘I’m sorry. I broke a glass. Can you help me, please?’ His mother smiled. She said, ‘Thank you for telling me the truth.’ They cleaned the floor together, and Adel was careful with the pieces.
| Friends | Teachers and adults |
|---|---|
| Can you help me, please? | Could you help me, please? |
| Can you pass the pen? | Could you show me the way? |
Polite or not? The grown-up says a sentence, for example: Give me that pen! or Could you give me that pen, please? The child says if it is polite or not polite and changes the rude one into a polite one. After that, read the story on pages 64–65 together and talk about it.
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