Making Requests Konu Anlatımı

Making Request konu anlatımı dersimizde; ingilizcede bir şey istediğimizde ya da birisinden bir şey yapmasını rica ettiğimizde kullanılabileceğimiz yapıları öğreneceğiz.

Bu ricalar direct ya da indirect requests olarak karşımıza çıkabilir.

En çok kullanılan Making Requests Kalıpları

Formal Requests

1. Could you please…
2. Would you mind (doing something)…?
3. I was wondering if you could…
4. Could I ask you to…
5. May I request that you…

Neutral Requests

6. Can you…
7. Could you…
8. Would you…
9. Do you think you could…
10. Is it possible for you to…

Informal Requests

11. Can you…
12. Will you…
13. Could you just…
14. Would you mind helping me with…?
15. Do me a favor and…

Making Requests konusunu önce direct ve indirect requests olarak 2 kategoride inceleyelim.

Making Requests in English

Making requests in English often involves polite and indirect language. Depending on the situation, we use phrases like can, could, would you mind, and may to sound respectful and courteous. Let’s explore this topic with examples and additional details.

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Requesting Something

When asking for something, we commonly use these phrases:

1. Can (neutral and common):
   • A: Can I have a cup of tea?
   • B: Sure, just a moment.
2. Could (slightly more polite):
   • A: Could I borrow your dictionary for a moment?
   • B: Certainly.
3. Would you mind (polite and formal):
   • A: Would you mind if I used your laptop for a while?
   • B: Not at all. Go ahead.
4. May (formal and polite):
   • A: May I take a look at that file, please?
   • B: Of course.

When the situation is urgent, we use “I need” to make the request direct and clear:

• I need a doctor right now!
• I need some water immediately.

Using “I want” is very direct and often impolite in non-urgent contexts. It’s typically reserved for demanding situations:

• I want to speak to your supervisor immediately.

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Asking Someone to Do Something

We can request actions politely using various expressions:

1. Could you…
   • Could you help me carry these boxes, please?
2. Would you mind…
   • Would you mind checking the schedule for me?
3. Do you think you could…
   • Do you think you could explain this section again?

In less formal contexts, “can you” and “will you” are commonly used:

• Can you lend me a pen for a second?
• Will you call me when you’re done?

For professional settings, phrases like “we need” express polite instructions or requests:

• We need the report finalized by tomorrow morning.
• We need someone to cover the afternoon shift.

When unsure whether the person will fulfill the request, we use expressions like:

• You wouldn’t mind helping me with this, would you?
• You couldn’t stay a bit longer, could you?

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Offering Something in Return

When making a request, it’s often polite to offer something in return or acknowledge the favor:

• Could you stay late today? I’ll make sure to cover for you tomorrow.
• Do you think you could help with the presentation? I’d really appreciate it.

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Refusing a Request Politely

It’s also important to know how to refuse a request politely:

• I’m sorry, but I can’t help with that right now.
• I wish I could, but I’m really busy at the moment.

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Formal Requests in Letters and Emails

In formal writing, we use more structured phrases to make requests:

1. I would be grateful if you could…
   • I would be grateful if you could send me the latest version of the document.
2. We would appreciate it if you could…
   • We would appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance by Friday.
3. Could you kindly…
   • Could you kindly provide more details about the program?

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Examples in Conversations

Neutral Example:
A: Can you hand me the stapler?
B: Sure, here you go.

Polite Example:
A: Could you double-check this file for me, please?
B: Of course, I’ll take a look now.

Formal Example:
A: May I ask for your assistance with the application process?
B: Certainly, I’d be happy to help

Direct Requests

A direct request is straightforward and clear. It tells someone exactly what you want or need without adding extra politeness. This type of request is usually used in informal or urgent situations.

Characteristics:

• Uses commands or very simple sentences.
• May come across as less polite.
• Often used when the relationship is informal, or the urgency is high.

Examples:

• “Pass me the salt.”
• “I need you to fix this now.”
• “Call me tomorrow.”
• “Stop talking.”

When to Use Direct Requests:

• In emergencies: “I need a doctor immediately!”
• With close friends or family where formality is unnecessary.

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2. Indirect Requests

An indirect request is more polite and less forceful. It often involves softer language, and it gives the other person an option to decline without feeling pressured.

Characteristics:

• Uses modal verbs like could, would, can, may, or phrases like do you mind and I was wondering if.
• Sounds more formal or polite.
• Often used in professional settings or with people you don’t know well.

Examples:

• “Could you pass me the salt, please?”
• “Would you mind helping me with this project?”
• “Do you think you could send me the file by tomorrow?”
• “I was wondering if you could pick me up from the station.”

When to Use Indirect Requests:

• In formal or professional settings: “May I leave early today?”
• When talking to someone in a position of authority or someone you don’t know well.
• To show respect or politeness.

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Comparison of Direct vs. Indirect Requests

Direct Request	Indirect Request
“Turn off the light.”	“Could you turn off the light, please?”
“Give me your phone.”	“Would you mind letting me borrow your phone?”
“I want a glass of water.”	“Can I have a glass of water, please?”
“Email this document now.”	“Do you think you could email this document soon?”

Role-Play Activities: Making Requests

1. Everyday Situations

Objective: Students practice polite requests in common scenarios.

• Instructions: Divide students into pairs. One student makes a request, and the other responds. Use the situations below or create your own:
  • At a restaurant:
    A: Could I have the menu, please?
    B: Of course, here it is.
  • At a library:
    A: Would you mind lowering your voice, please?
    B: I’m sorry, I’ll be quieter.
  • At work:
    A: Do you think you could send me that file by 3 PM?
    B: Sure, I’ll email it right now.

2. Formal Scenarios

Objective: Practice formal language for professional settings.

• Instructions: Assign roles (e.g., client and receptionist, manager and employee). Example situations:
  • Client asking for hotel services:
    A: I would be grateful if you could arrange a taxi for me.
    B: Certainly, it will be ready in 10 minutes.
  • Employee asking for leave:
    A: May I request two days off next week?
    B: I’ll check the schedule and let you know.

3. Polite Refusals

Objective: Practice refusing requests politely.

• Instructions: One student makes a request, and the other politely refuses. Example:
  • A: Could you lend me your car this weekend?
  • B: I’m sorry, but I’ll need it for a trip.

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Exercises: Making Requests

1. Complete the Dialogue

Fill in the blanks with appropriate request phrases:

• A: ________ (ask for a pen).
• B: Of course, here you go.
• A: ________ (ask to borrow their notes).
• B: Sure, take your time.

2. Match the Request to the Response

Match each request with the appropriate response:

1. Could you open the window?
   a. I’m sorry, but I can’t right now.
2. Would you mind helping me with this report?
   b. Certainly, I’d be happy to.
3. Can you lend me a pencil?
   c. Of course, no problem.

3. Rewrite the Direct Requests

Make these direct sentences more polite:

1. I want the salt.
2. Give me your book.
3. Send me the report by tomorrow.