Tuesday 28 March 2017

Interviewing inventors

Our 4th ESO students did a great job in their speaking tests last term. 

We had been reading about inventions and discoveries and some of the stories were quite curious. For example, did you know that the Chinese were the first who made ketchup? or that toothpaste was originally made with vinegar, honey, salt and ground glass? 

I asked students to pick one of the inventors seen in class or a different one of their own choice, prepare an interview and record it. 

Here are some of the interviews. Congratulations guys!

Monday 6 March 2017

How to invite someone to do something

INVITING SOMEONE TO DO SOMETHING


Do you want to / *wanna (very informal)…?
Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
Would you like to…?
Would you like to have some coffee?
Will you . . . (with me)
Will you dance with me?
How about  V+ing…?
How about going to the ice rink?
How would you like to…?
How would you like to go on a trip at the weekend?
I was wondering if you would (like to)…
I was wondering if you would like to go to the theatre on Friday.
I would like to invite you to (more formal)…
I would like to invite you to my birthday party.



Conversation practice
When inviting someone to do something with you, it is polite to "break the ice" before extending the invitation. For example:
- Will you go dancing with me on Friday? (too abrupt by itself)
You should give the other person time to "prepare" for your invitation.
- Do you have time on Friday?
Yes, I do. Why do you ask?
- There's a dance at the Grand Ballroom. Would you like to go with me?
Sure! I'd love to.

Inviting:

  • Do you want to go to the movies tonight?
  • Would you like to go to the theater tomorrow?
  • Would you be interested in going to the stadium next Sunday?
  • How do you fancy going to the restaurant for dinner?
  • How about going to the movies?
  • Care to come over for lunch?
  • I was just wondering if you would like to come over for a drink.
  • We'd be delighted to have you over for my birthday party.

Accepting invitations:

  • Sure. What time?
  • I'd love to, thanks.
  • That's very kind of you, thanks.
  • That sounds lovely, thank you.
  • What a great idea, thank you.
  • Sure. When should I be there?

Declining invitations:

  • I can't.  I have to work.
  • This evening is no good.  I have an appointment.
  • I'm busy tomorrow.  Can I take a rain check* on that? 
  • That's very kind of you, but actually I'm doing something else this afternoon.
  • Well, I'd love to, but I'm already going out to the restaurant.
  • I'm really sorry, but I've got something else on.
  • I really don't think I can - I'm supposed to be doing something else.

(*rain check: used to tell someone that you cannot accept invitations now, but would like to do so at a later time)



Find some very useful material on the following links: