Polite Requests and Refusals Practice

Your boss asks you to work overtime on Saturday. You have a family commitment. What will you say?

• I'm sorry, but I won't be able to.

• I'll do it.

• Can I have overtime pay?

• Why do I have to work on Saturday?

Answer explanation

The correct response is "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to." This clearly communicates your unavailability due to a family commitment, maintaining professionalism while prioritizing personal obligations.

Your colleague asks you to help them with a report. You're already overwhelmed with work. What will you say?

• I'm really busy right now. Could you ask someone else?

• I'll do it later.

• Why do you need help?

• Sure, I'll help you.

Answer explanation

The correct response is "I'm really busy right now. Could you ask someone else?" This clearly communicates your current workload while suggesting they seek help from someone else, maintaining professionalism.

A stranger asks you for directions. You don't know the area well. What will you say?

• I'm sorry, I don't know.

• You should use Google Maps.

• I could try to find it on my phone.

• Just go straight ahead.

Answer explanation

The correct response is "I'm sorry, I don't know" because it is honest and straightforward. Offering directions you are unsure of could mislead the stranger, while suggesting Google Maps is less personal.

A telemarketer calls you and tries to sell you a product. You're not interested. What will you say?

• Thank you but I'm not interested, sorry.

• Can you send me more information?

• I'll buy it.

• Why are you calling me?

Answer explanation

The correct response is "Thank you but I'm not interested, sorry." This politely declines the offer without engaging further, which is appropriate when you're not interested in the product.

You're at a restaurant and want to order another drink. How would you ask the waiter?

• I want another drink.

• Get me another drink.

• Excuse me, could I have another drink, please?

• Excuse me, give me another drink.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "Excuse me, could I have another drink, please?", is polite and respectful, making it appropriate for a restaurant setting. The other options are more direct and less courteous.

You're late for work and need your colleague to cover your shift. How would you politely request this?

• You need to cover my shift.

• Do my job for me.

• Would it be possible for you to cover my shift today?

• I need you to work my shift.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Would it be possible for you to cover my shift today?', is polite and respectful. It frames the request as a question, showing consideration for your colleague's availability, unlike the other options which are demanding.

Your friend asks you to lend them your car for the weekend. You have no other plans. What will you say?

• Sure, no problem, this weekend is fine.

• I'm sorry, but I can't. I'm using it.

• Why do you need my car?

• You can borrow it next week.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is "Sure, no problem, this weekend is fine." because you have no other plans, making it reasonable to lend your car to your friend for the weekend.

You need to borrow your neighbor's ladder to reach a high window. How would you politely request it?

• Give me your ladder.

• I need your ladder now, where is it?

• I wonder if I could borrow your ladder for a moment?

• Lend me your ladder, please.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "I wonder if I could borrow your ladder for a moment?", is polite and expresses a request without being demanding. The other options are either too direct or lack courtesy.

You're at a store and want to return a faulty item. How would you ask the cashier?

• Give me my money back.

• This is broken, refund it.

• I'd like to return this item, please. It's not working properly.

• Fix this or give me my money back.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'I'd like to return this item, please. It's not working properly.', is polite and clearly states the issue, making it the most appropriate way to request a refund for a faulty item.

When a classmate asks to borrow your notes, but you feel they should take their own, how should you respond?

• Sure, take them.

• I think you should take your own notes.

• Why do you need my notes?

• I’ll let you borrow them this time.

Answer explanation

The correct response, 'I think you should take your own notes,' encourages your classmate to be responsible for their learning. It promotes independence and reinforces the importance of taking personal notes.