Making Simple Requests

Making simple requests is a fundamental communication skill assessed in Cambridge A1 (CEFR Level A1) examinations. A request is a polite expression asking someone to do something or give something to you. At A1 level, you must demonstrate basic courtesy using modal verbs and polite phrases.

Key Modal Verbs for Requests:

• Can = informal, friendly requests ("Can you help me?")
• Could = more polite than 'can' ("Could you pass the salt?")
• May = very formal ("May I use your phone?")

Essential Request Structures:

1. Direct requests: Modal + subject + verb ("Can you open the window?")
2. Indirect requests: "Would you mind + -ing...?" ("Would you mind opening the window?")
3. Polite additions: "Please" (beginning or end), "Thank you"

Cambridge Command Words at A1:

• Ask for = make a request
• Request = ask politely for something
• Respond = answer appropriately

Key Terminology:

• Intonation = rising tone makes requests sound polite
• Register = level of formality (informal/neutral/formal)
• Courtesy markers = words showing politeness (please, excuse me, sorry)

Cambridge Assessment Note: A1 candidates must demonstrate "basic courtesy" and "simple requests for immediate needs" using memorized phrases and simple structures. Your requests must be comprehensible to a sympathetic listener, even with errors.

Think of making requests like opening doors – you can push forcefully (rude commands), knock gently (polite requests), or tap respectfully with both hands (very polite requests). The "gentler" your approach, the more willingly people help.

Real-World Scenario 1: School Cafeteria Situation: You want extra napkins.

• ❌ Rude: "Give me napkins!"
• ✓ A1 Level: "Can I have some napkins, please?"
• ✓ More polite: "Could I have some napkins, please?"

Real-World Scenario 2: Lost in a Shopping Centre Situation: You need directions to the exit.

• ✓ Basic: "Excuse me, where is the exit?"
• ✓ Better: "Excuse me, can you tell me where the exit is, please?"

Real-World Scenario 3: Classroom Situation: You didn't hear the teacher's instruction.

• ✓ Direct: "Can you repeat that, please?"
• ✓ Polite: "Sorry, could you repeat that, please?"

Cultural Connection: In English-speaking countries, indirectness = politeness. Instead of commanding ("Tell me the time!"), native speakers soften requests using questions ("Could you tell me the time?"). This seems inefficient, but creates social harmony.

The Politeness Ladder Analogy: Imperatives (Give me!) → Can you...? → Could you...? → Would you mind...? Each step up shows more respect, like climbing toward greater social grace. At A1, mastering the first three steps ensures success.

Example 1: Speaking Task – Role Play (6 marks)

Scenario: You are in a café. Ask the waiter for the menu.

Student Response Analysis:

❌ Weak Answer (2/6 marks): "Menu?" Examiner Notes: Too brief, no politeness markers, unclear request structure.

✓ Good Answer (4/6 marks): "Can I have a menu?" Examiner Notes: Clear structure, modal verb used, but missing 'please' for full politeness.

✓✓ Excellent Answer (6/6 marks): "Excuse me, can I have a menu, please? Thank you." Examiner Notes: Attention-getter ('Excuse me'), correct modal, 'please' included, gratitude shown.

Example 2: Writing Task – Email Request (8 marks)

Write to your English teacher. You need to borrow a dictionary for homework.

Model Answer with Mark Scheme Breakdown:

"Dear Mrs. Smith,

Could I please borrow an English dictionary? I need it for my homework tonight. Can I collect it after class?

Thank you very much.

Best wishes, Sarah"

Marks Awarded:

• Content (3/3): Request clear, reason given, collection details
• Communicative Achievement (2/2): Appropriate register, polite conventions
• Organisation (2/2): Clear structure, proper greeting/closing
• Language (1/1): 'Could' and 'Can' used correctly

Total: 8/8 marks

Examiner tip: Multiple courtesy markers ('please', 'thank you', 'best wishes') demonstrate A1+ competence.