Answering Flexibly

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to answer when your partner says something you did not plan for.

Explanation

• A good answer has three parts: answer, add one detail, ask back.
• Ask back with "What about you?"
• If the answer is "no", ask "Why not?"
• Accept the reason. Then suggest another idea.
• Say "please" when you ask for permission.

Examples

1. What's your favourite music? Hip-hop. What about you?
2. Can we go to the cinema? No, sorry. Why not? Because your uncle and aunt are here.
3. OK. Can we go on Saturday then, please?

Remember!

• Do not stop the talk with one word.
• Do not argue. Suggest another time.

Check yourself

1. Your friend says, "No, you can't." Which short question do you ask?
2. Which answer is better: "Yes." or "Yes, I do. I play the guitar."?