INDIRECT QUESTIONS MANUELA PARRA TORO

TASK 1
When you need information you sometimes have to talk to strangers. Imagine you are on holiday. You’re
visiting a city you have never been to before. Here are some things you might want to inquire about while
sightseeing. Read the questions and rewrite them so that they sound more polite.

 Is there a post office near here? Excuse me, can you tell me……………………………………………?
 How much are the tickets?
I would like to know how much these tickets cost?
 What time does the museum open?
Do you know what time the museum opens?
 What time is it?
Do you have any idea what time it is?
 How can I get to the city centre?
I was wondering how can I get to the city center?
 Where is the nearest bus stop?
Could you tell me where the nearest bus stop is?
 Where can I buy a map?
Could you tell me where I can buy a map?
 What time does the next train leave?
I was wondering what time the next train leaves?
 Is it possible to get to the station by bus?
Do you have any idea if it is possible to get to the station by bus?

TASK 2
Imagine that you are a very nosey and aggressive TV journalist interviewing a famous film star. You don’t
have a very high opinion of her as an actress so you want to ask her some very rude and personal
questions. Make your questions more polite so that she will feel obliged to answer them.

Is it true that you’ re getting married this year? Can you tell us
I was wondering if it is true that you are getting married this year? Can you tell us
When is the big day?
Do you have any idea when is the big day?
Where are you going on your honeymoon ?
I’d like to know where are you going on your honeymoon?
How long have you and your fiancé been together?
I was wondering how long have you and your fiance been together?
How did you two meet?
Could you tell me how you met?
Are you planning to start a family any time soon?
Is there any chance to start a family soon?
How old are you?
I would like to know how old are you?
Is it true that your one of your brothers is gay?
I would like to know if it is true that one of your brothers is gay?
What is your opinion on gay marriage?
I would like to know what is your opinion on gay marriage?
Should gay couples be allowed to adopt children?
I was wondering if gay couples should be allowed to adopt children?
When is your next movie going to be released?
When is your next movie going to be released?
Do you think you deserve an Oscar for your latest performance?
Could you tell me if you think you deserve an Oscar for your last performance?

TASK 3
Work with a partner. One of you is the journalist and the other one is the actress. Use the questions in
TASK 2 to carry out the interview. The journalist can think of some other/follow up questions. The actress
is annoyed but remains calm and answers or refuses to answer the questions with confidence.

Interviewer Good morning, ms.

Actress Good morning.
Interviewer I was wondering if it is true that you are getting married this year?
Actress Still not the safest
Interviewer Do you have any idea when is the big day?
Actress It would be for the end of the year since my whole family is here
Interviewer I was wondering how long have you and your fiance been together?
Actress Five years
Interviewer Are you planning to start a family any time soon?
Actress Everything decides time
Interviewer Ok, I wish you the best that you are very well
Actress Ok see you later thank you very much