This document discusses how to make and respond to polite requests in English. It provides examples of using "can", "could", "will", "would", and "would you mind" followed by "-ing" to make requests. It also gives common positive responses like "yes", "of course", and "certainly". The document notes that "can" is informal while "could", "will", and "would" are more formal and can be used in various social contexts.

1. Language Function:
Making and Responding to Requests
 Normally we use: can, could, will, would, would you
mind + -ing to make polite requests:
 For Examples:
 Can you open the door, please?
 Yes of course/ Of course/ Yes, certainly/Certainly/
Sure
 Could you open the door, please?
 Will you open the door, please?
 Would you open the door, please?

2.  Would you mind opening the door please?
 No, I would be happy/No, certainly not
 Note: ‘Can’ is informal and can be used with
someone we are familiar with like our friends.
 Could is formal and informal. We can use it
with someone we know or someone we don’t
know.
 Will and would, both are formal and can be
used in formal language.

3.  Examples:
 Customer: Could you bring me some salt please?
 Waiter: Yes, certainly.
 Student: Could you please repeat?
 Teacher: Yes, of course.
 Manager: Would you fill in this form?
 Employee: Yes, sure.
 Secretary: Would you mind calling back later?
 Patient: No, certainly not.