1. Asking for Directions
Context: A tourist is lost and asks a passerby for help.
A: Excuse me, I’m trying to find the train station. Could you point me in the right direction?
B: Of course! It’s about a 10-minute walk from here. Go straight, then turn left at the traffic lights. You’ll see it on your right.
A: Thanks so much! Do you know if there’s a shortcut?
B: Hmm, you could cut through the park, but it might take longer if you’re not familiar with the area.
2. Requesting Clarification in Class
Context: A student doesn’t understand an assignment and asks the teacher.
A: Sorry to bother you, but I’m not sure I understand the homework. Could you explain it again?
B: No problem! You need to write a 300-word essay comparing two articles we read today.
A: Oh, I see. And should we include our own opinion?
B: Yes, but focus mostly on analysis rather than personal views.
3. Asking a Colleague for Assistance
Context: An employee struggles with a task and asks a coworker.
A: Hey, do you have a minute? I’m having trouble with this spreadsheet.
B: Sure, what’s the issue?
A: The formulas aren’t calculating correctly. Could you take a look?
B: Let me see… Ah, you need to lock the cell references. Here, I’ll show you.
4. Requesting Help in a Store
Context: A customer needs help finding a product.
A: Hi, I’m looking for organic shampoo. Can you help me locate it?
B: Absolutely! It’s in Aisle 5, next to the conditioners.
A: Great, thanks! Do you know if it’s on sale?
B: Yes, there’s a 20% discount this week.
5. Asking a Friend for a Favor
Context: Someone needs help moving furniture.
A: Hey, I’m moving this weekend. Any chance you could lend a hand?
B: I’d love to, but I’m busy Saturday. How about Sunday?
A: That works! Just for a couple of hours in the morning.
B: Perfect, text me the address, and I’ll be there.
6. Requesting Technical Support
Context: A customer calls about a faulty product.
A: Hi, my laptop won’t turn on. Can you help me troubleshoot?
B: Of course. Have you tried charging it with a different cable?
A: Yes, but it still doesn’t respond.
B: Okay, let’s check if it’s a battery issue. Press the power button for 30 seconds…
7. Asking for Advice on Travel
Context: A friend asks for recommendations before a trip.
A: I’m visiting Paris next month. Any must-see places?
B: Definitely the Louvre and Montmartre! Avoid touristy restaurants near the Eiffel Tower, though.
A: Good tip! What’s the best way to get around?
B: The metro is cheap and efficient—just buy a weekly pass.
8. Requesting an Extension on a Deadline
Context: A student asks a professor for more time.
A: Professor, I’ve been unwell and might not finish the essay on time. Could I have an extra day?
B: I understand. Submit it by Friday, but please attach a doctor’s note.
A: Will do. Thank you for your flexibility.
9. Asking for Help with a Translation
Context: Someone needs help understanding a foreign phrase.
A: Do you know what “¿Dónde está la biblioteca?” means?
B: It’s Spanish for “Where is the library?”
A: Ah, thanks! I’m trying to learn basic phrases.
10. Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Context: A student asks a teacher for a reference.
A: Would you be willing to write me a recommendation for university?
B: I’d be happy to! Send me your CV so I can highlight your strengths.
A: Thank you! I’ll email it tonight.
11. Asking for Help with Luggage
Context: A traveler struggles with heavy bags.
A: Could you give me a hand with this suitcase? It’s really heavy.
B: Sure! Let me grab the other side.
A: Thanks, I really appreciate it.
12. Requesting Feedback on Work
Context: An employee asks their manager for input.
A: Could you review my report and let me know if it needs changes?
B: Of course. Overall, it’s strong, but the conclusion could be more concise.
A: Got it—I’ll revise that section.
13. Asking for a Ride
Context: A friend’s car broke down.
A: My car won’t start. Any chance you could drive me to work tomorrow?
B: No problem! I’ll pick you up at 8.
A: You’re a lifesaver!
14. Requesting Help in the Kitchen
Context: Someone is cooking and needs assistance.
A: Could you chop the onions while I prepare the sauce?
B: Sure! Do you want them diced or sliced?
A: Diced, please.
15. Asking for Study Help
Context: A student struggles with math.
A: I’m stuck on this equation. Can you explain how to solve it?
B: Yeah, first isolate the variable. See here…
16. Requesting IT Help at Work
Context: An employee’s computer crashes.
A: My screen froze. Can IT help?
B: I’ll call them. Have you tried restarting?
A: Yes, no luck.
17. Asking a Neighbor for a Favor
Context: Someone needs to borrow tools.
A: Hi! Could I borrow your drill for a quick project?
B: Sure, just bring it back by tomorrow.
A: Will do—thanks!
18. Requesting Help with a Lost Item
Context: A passenger loses something on a train.
A: I left my bag here earlier. Has anyone turned it in?
B: Let me check lost and found. Can you describe it?
19. Asking for Medical Advice
Context: A friend has a headache.
A: Do you have any painkillers? My head is killing me.
B: Here’s ibuprofen. Drink water too.
20. Requesting Help with a Presentation
Context: A coworker needs feedback.
A: Could you listen to my rehearsal and give tips?
B: Sure! Your content is great, but slow down a bit.
21. Asking for Help with a Broken Phone
Context: A person drops their phone and needs repair advice.
A: Oh no, my screen cracked! Do you know a good repair shop?
B: Yeah, there’s one near the mall. They fixed mine last week.
A: How much did it cost?
B: About £60, but they offer discounts if you book online.
22. Requesting Help in a Library
Context: A student can’t find a book.
A: Excuse me, I’m looking for *1984* by Orwell. Can you help?
B: Sure! It’s in the classics section—follow me.
A: Thanks! Do you know if it’s available as an e-book too?
B: Yes, you can access it through the library app.
23. Asking for a Password Reset
Context: An employee forgets their login details.
A: Hi, IT? I’m locked out of my account. Can you reset my password?
B: No problem—I’ll send a link to your email.
A: Got it. Do I need to create a new one now?
B: Yes, make sure it has a number and symbol.
24. Requesting Help with a Flat Tire
Context: A driver gets stranded on the road.
A: Sorry to bother you, but my tire’s flat. Do you know how to change it?
B: I can help! Do you have a spare and a jack?
A: Yes, they’re in the trunk.
B: Great, let’s get started.
25. Asking for Career Advice
Context: A graduate seeks guidance from a mentor.
A: I’m applying for marketing jobs. Any tips for my CV?
B: Highlight your internship experience and skills like SEO.
A: Should I include volunteer work too?
B: Definitely—it shows teamwork.
26. Requesting Help with a Noisy Neighbor
Context: A tenant complains about loud music.
A: The guy upstairs blasts music all night. What should I do?
B: First, politely ask him to lower it. If that fails, report it to the landlord.
A: Good idea. I’ll try talking to him.
27. Asking for Help with a Gift
Context: A friend needs present ideas.
A: I need a birthday gift for my sister. Any suggestions?
B: Is she into books or beauty products?
A: Both, actually!
B: A bookstore voucher or a skincare set would work.
28. Requesting Help with a Language Barrier
Context: A tourist struggles to order food.
A: I don’t understand the menu. Could you translate?
B: Of course! This dish is spicy pork with rice.
A: Perfect, I’ll have that. Thanks!
29. Asking for Help with a Lost Pet
Context: A neighbor’s dog goes missing.
A: Have you seen a small brown terrier around here?
B: Not today, but I’ll keep an eye out. Want me to check my garden?
A: That’d be amazing—thank you!
30. Requesting Help with a Software Bug
Context: A colleague struggles with a program error.
A: This app keeps crashing. Any idea why?
B: Try updating it. If that doesn’t work, reinstall it.
A: Okay, I’ll do that. Fingers crossed!
1. At the Library
Context: Finding a specific book.
A: Excuse me, could you help me locate a book on European history?
B: Sure! Do you know the title or author?
A: I believe it’s by John Merriman.
B: Let me check the catalog for you.
2. At the Airport
Context: Confused about gate directions.
A: Hi, I’m a bit lost. Could you point me towards Gate 23?
B: Of course. Walk straight ahead, then take a right.
A: Thank you so much!
3. At Work
Context: New employee asking for clarification.
A: Sorry to bother you, but would you mind explaining how to submit expense reports?
B: No problem. I’ll walk you through the process.
4. At a Hotel
Context: Trouble with room key.
A: Excuse me, my key card isn’t working. Could you assist me?
B: Absolutely, I’ll reset it for you now.
5. At a Café
Context: Asking for a recommendation.
A: Hi, could you recommend something sweet but not too heavy?
B: Definitely! Our lemon tart is very popular.
6. In a Supermarket
Context: Finding an item.
A: Sorry, could you tell me where the baking soda is?
B: Aisle 6, near the spices.
7. In the Gym
Context: Using a machine.
A: Hey, would you mind showing me how to use this treadmill?
B: Not at all! Let me show you.
8. On the Street
Context: Asking for directions.
A: Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to Central Park?
B: Sure, it’s two blocks down and to your left.
9. During an Exam
Context: Asking for extra paper.
A: Pardon me, could I get another sheet of paper?
B: Of course, here you go.
10. At a Train Station
Context: Understanding ticket machines.
A: Sorry, I’m struggling with this machine. Could you help me buy a ticket?
B: I’d be happy to help!
11. At a Party
Context: Finding someone.
A: Hi, do you know where Emma is? I was supposed to meet her here.
B: I saw her by the kitchen a few minutes ago.
12. At the Bank
Context: Opening an account.
A: Hello, I need some help opening a savings account.
B: Certainly, please come with me to my desk.
13. At a Pharmacy
Context: Asking about medication.
A: Excuse me, could you tell me if this medicine requires a prescription?
B: Let me check for you.
14. At School
Context: Understanding an assignment.
A: Miss, I’m a bit confused about the homework. Could you explain it again?
B: Of course, which part is unclear?
15. Moving House
Context: Needing help with heavy boxes.
A: Would you mind giving me a hand with this box? It’s really heavy.
B: No problem, let’s lift it together.
16. During a Presentation
Context: Trouble with projector.
A: Sorry, could someone help me get this projector working?
B: Let me take a look!
17. At a Clothing Store
Context: Asking for a different size.
A: Excuse me, could you find this jacket in a medium, please?
B: I’ll check in the back for you.
18. In a Museum
Context: Locating an exhibit.
A: Hi, could you direct me to the Impressionist paintings?
B: They’re on the second floor, gallery B.
19. At a Friend’s House
Context: Asking to borrow something.
A: Hey, could I borrow your charger for a bit?
B: Of course, here you go!
20. On the Phone with Customer Service
Context: Internet issues.
A: Hello, I need help with my internet connection — it keeps dropping.
B: Let’s run some diagnostics together.
21. In a Restaurant
Context: Allergy concerns.
A: Could you please tell me if the soup contains nuts?
B: I’ll double-check with the kitchen for you.
22. At a Gas Station
Context: Finding the air pump.
A: Hi, do you have an air pump for tires?
B: Yes, it’s around the back near the car wash.
23. During a Group Project
Context: Asking for task division.
A: Could we split the tasks more evenly? I feel a bit overwhelmed.
B: Of course, let’s rearrange them.
24. At a Park
Context: Asking to join a game.
A: Hey, do you mind if I join your volleyball game?
B: We’d love to have you!
25. In a Bookstore
Context: Finding a specific edition.
A: Excuse me, do you have the hardcover edition of this book?
B: Let me check our inventory.
26. On Public Transport
Context: Asking where to get off.
A: Sorry to bother you, but does this bus stop near the science museum?
B: Yes, you need to get off at the third stop.
27. Online Class
Context: Technical problem.
A: Sorry, my screen is frozen. Could you wait a moment while I reconnect?
B: No problem, take your time.
28. At the Dentist
Context: Nervousness.
A: I’m a bit nervous. Could you explain what the procedure involves?
B: Absolutely, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.
29. At a Car Rental Office
Context: Problem with booking.
A: Hi, I reserved a car online, but I can’t find my confirmation email. Could you help me?
B: Sure, let’s search by your name instead.
30. At the Cinema
Context: Finding seats.
A: Excuse me, could you help me find Row J?
B: Of course, it’s just to your left.