PRACTICE

FUNCTION – Offering, Accepting, and refusing service or help

1. Read the dialogues and answer the questions.

Rena : Where are you going, Andy?
Andy : I’m going to pick up all the stuff we need.
Rena : I think you don’t have to. The guys from Production Department will bring
the stuff here soon.
Andy : Is there anything I can do to help them?
Rena : Not at the moment, thank you.
Andy : Really? You look so busy.
Rena : Oh there is one thing you could do.
Andy : Just say the word
Rena : Would you mind moving the tables and chairs to the porch?
Andy : Do you want me to put a cloth on the table as well?
Rena : Oh, that would be very good.
Andy : By the way, has the secretary prepared the name tags for the participants?
Rena : That’s a good question. Let me ask Julia about them.
Andy : All right. I’m going out to grab some lunch. You want me to bring you
something?
Rena : Just a cup of hot coffee, please. Thank you.
Questions:
a. Where do you think the speakers are?
b. What might be they doing?
c. Why does Rena refuse Andy’s first offer of help?
d. How does Andy express his second offer of help?
e. What is Rena’s reaction to Andy’s second offer?
f. Why does Andy insist on helping her?
g. What does Rena want Andy to do at the last?
h. Andy offers more help to Rena. In what way?
i. What is the only help that Rena offers to Andy?
j. What does Rena thank Andy for?

2. Complete the dialogues with words in the box.

- Appreciate that - All right
- Very kind of you - I can manage
- It’s not too much trouble

a. A : Would you like me to help you with the tablecloths?

B : Yes please, if……………………………………….
b. A : I can lend you my laptop if you really need one now.
B : Thanks. That’s……………………………………..
c. A : Do you want me to help you choose a cellphone?
 B : Thank you very much. I’d…………………………
d. A : Shall I type some of the letters for you?
B : No thanks, it’s………............................
e. A : Do you need any help in the kitchen?
B : No thanks, I think…………………..