Have a look at these two examples of making a request: Example 1
Can I borrow your jacket?
Discuss with a friend - is the speaker talking to someone close or distant? Who might it be?
What is the situation? Is it at all awkward or difficult?
Is the language formal or informal?
Example 2
Would you mind if I gave your name as a referee?
Discuss with a friend - is the speaker talking to someone close or distant? Who might it be?
What is the situation? Is it at all awkward or difficult?
Is the language formal or informal?
Who went home at 5 o'clok yesterday?
Where did I go at 5 o'clok yesterday?
Did I go home at 5 or 6 o'clock yesterday?
I went home at 5 o'clok yesterday, didn't I?
Have I finished my work very late?
Who has finished my work very late?
What have I finished very late?
Have I finished or started my work very late?
I have finished my work very late, haven't I?
Are they working in the garden?
Who is working in the garden?
What are they doing in the garden?
Are they working or relaxing in the garden?
They are working in the garden, aren't they?