β EMA Coffee Time
How to Ask for Things
Like a Native
40:00
Warm-Up: Are You Asking Right?
β± 6 minπ¬
Does this sound like you?
Read each situation. Notice how Person A asks. Then decide β does it sound natural, or does something feel off?
Context 1 β Work
Asking your boss to review something
π You just finished a report. Your boss is at her desk.
π€ How most students say it
A
"Check this for me."
Boss thinks: "Excuse me?!"
π£οΈ How a native says it
A
"I was wondering if you could check this for me when you get a chance?"
Boss thinks: "Of course, send it over."
π‘ Same request β completely different temperature. The chunk makes you sound thoughtful, not demanding.
π You need help moving furniture on Saturday. Your friend has a truck.
π€ How most students say it
A
"Help me move on Saturday."
Friend thinks: "Wow, okay⦠no hello?"
π£οΈ How a native says it
A
"Hey! Do you think you could help me move this Saturday? I'll buy you lunch!"
Friend thinks: "Ha! Yeah, why not."
π‘ Adding a chunk + a small gesture (lunch!) turns a demand into a warm invitation.
Context 3 β Customer Service
Asking a waiter to switch your table
π Your table is next to a very loud group. You want to move.
π€ How most students say it
A
"Change my table. It's too loud here."
Waiter thinks: "This person is rude."
π£οΈ How a native says it
A
"Excuse me β would you mind moving us to a quieter table? It's a little loud over here."
Waiter thinks: "Of course, right this way."
π‘ Polite β weak. The softer your ask, the more power you actually have.
π€ Quick reflection: Which of these situations sounds most like you?
Think about it β we'll fix it today with 6 powerful chunks.The Formality Scale
β± 8 minHow polite do you need to sound?
π΄ Direct
π΅ Very Formal
"Can you�"
Direct
"Can you help me with this?" β Great with close friends and family.
"Could you�"
Natural
"Could you send me that file?" β Perfect for coworkers and everyday situations.
"Do you think you could�"
Natural +
"Do you think you could cover my shift?" β Friendly and respectful at the same time.
"Would you mind�"
Soft
"Would you mind turning that down?" β Use with your boss or strangers. β οΈ Always use -ing after this one.
"Is there any chance you could�"
Soft +
"Is there any chance you could extend the deadline?" β For big favors or delicate situations.
"I was wondering if you couldβ¦"
Formal
"I was wondering if you could review my application." β Professional emails, formal settings. Very polished.
π Tap each chunk to see an example
Real Conversations
β± 8 minContext 1 β Work
Asking your boss for a day off
βΌ
π You want Friday off. Your boss is at her desk.
A
Hi Sarah. I was wondering if you could approve a day off for me this Friday?
B
This Friday? We have the team meeting in the morning.
A
I know. Would you mind if I joined the meeting online and left after that?
B
That works. I'll approve it.
π You need a ride to the airport at 5am.
A
Hey, do you think you could give me a ride to the airport Saturday? My flight's at 7.
B
What time do you need to leave?
A
Around 5am. I know it's early β is there any chance you could make it?
B
5am? You owe me coffee for life. But sure!
Context 3 β Customer Service
Asking to fix a mistake on your bill
βΌ
π You were charged twice on your account.
A
Hi. I was wondering if you could help me with something. I think I was charged twice this month.
B
Let me pull up your account. Can I get your email?
A
Sure β it's john@email.com. Could you also check if there's a refund option?
B
Of course. I see the duplicate charge β I'll process a refund right away.
Practice Time
β± 14 min
𧩠Build the Sentence! β Click the words in the correct order to build the request. Click a word in the answer box to remove it.
β‘ Make It Softer! β The sentence is too direct. Choose the right chunk for the context.
β Too direct: "Send me the report."
π Talking to a coworker you see every day
β Too direct: "Give me more time."
π Email to your manager about a deadline
β Too direct: "Move your car."
π Politely asking your neighbor
βοΈ Produce It! β Read the situation. Write your own request. Then check the model answer.
π You want your boss to review your presentation before Monday's meeting.
π‘ Hint: Formal situation β use a π΅ blue-level chunk.
β
Model Answer"Hi [Name], I was wondering if you could take a look at my presentation before Monday's meeting? I want to make sure everything is on point."
π Your friend has a truck. You need help moving furniture this weekend.
π‘ Hint: Big favor from a friend β π‘ or π’ chunk. Add something nice!
β
Model Answer"Hey! Do you think you could help me move some furniture this weekend? I know it's a lot to ask β I'll buy you lunch after!"
π You're at a restaurant. The table next to you is too loud and it's ruining your dinner.
π‘ Hint: Talking to a waiter β π’ soft chunk. Be polite but clear.
β
Model Answer"Excuse me β would you mind moving us to a quieter table? It's a bit loud over here."
Wrap Up
β± 4 minπ
You've got 6 powerful chunks!
Use them every day β one situation at a time.
"Can youβ¦?" β Friends & family
"Could youβ¦?" β Coworkers
"Do you think you couldβ¦?" β Big favors, friends
"Would you mindβ¦?" β Boss, strangers
"Is there any chance you couldβ¦?" β Delicate asks
"I was wondering if you couldβ¦" β Formal & email
π‘ Mindset Moment
"Students think being direct sounds confident. Natives know that being soft is the real power move."
π― Your challenge this week
Use at least 2 different chunks in real life before next Saturday.
Come back and tell the community which one worked best. π
Come back and tell the community which one worked best. π
