Everyday English
Interruptions
A
Activating ideas Look at the photographs. Discuss these questions.
1. Why is the man interrupting the meeting? What is he saying to the woman?
2. What is the woman saying to the caller? 3. Why is someone interrupting the lecturer? What is he saying?
B
Studying the models 1. g3.14 Listen to the conversations. Find three conversations that match the photographs above. 2. Where are the other conversations taking place? 3. Which of the six conversations are formal? Which are informal? 4. Practise the conversations.
1
A: I’m really sorry to interrupt, but there’s an urgent call for you.
B: Who is it? A: The CEO. B: Right. I’d better take it. Excuse me a moment.
5 2
A: Can you help me with this? B: I can’t, I’m afraid. I’m flat out. A: It’ll only take a minute. B: OK. Pass it over.
3
A: Am I disturbing you? B: Well, I am a bit busy at the moment. A: OK. I’ll phone back later. B: Thanks. After two.
C Practising the model
Have more conversations beginning with the phrases below. Decide where each conversation is taking place, and if it should be formal or informal. • I’m sorry to disturb you, but …
• Sorry to interrupt, but … • Do you mind if I …?
• Would you mind …? • Is it OK …? • Am I …?
6 4
A: Is it OK if I put the television on? B: Well, actually, I’m trying to read. A: I won’t have it on loud. B: You always say that.
A: Can I disturb you for a moment? B: Yes, what is it?
A: The internet connection has stopped working again.
B: Well, phone the Maintenance Department then.
A: Sorry, could I possibly interrupt? B: Yes, of course. What’s the problem?
A: Well, would you mind repeating that last figure? I’m afraid I missed it.
B: Certainly. It was $15,783,000.
Theme 3: Everyday English 81
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