Requesting time off: making polite requests in the workplace

Requesting time off β€” a B1 English lesson. Practise making polite requests with modal verbs and expand vocabulary for workplace communication.

Requesting time off: making polite requests in the workplace
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Summary

This ESL lesson for B1 English students explores Business English. Using a real audio as the basis for discussion, students develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills across a 90-minute class.

The grammar focus is Making polite requests with modal verbs. Key vocabulary includes request some time off (verb phrase), accrued leave (noun phrase), absence request form (noun phrase) and more, all drawn directly from the source material. The practical English section gives students useful phrases for real-life situations: You need to call or email your manager to tell them you are sick and cannot come to work..

Activities

Vocabulary focus

The vocabulary section introduces B1-level words and phrases related to Business English. Key terms include request some time off (verb phrase), accrued leave (noun phrase), absence request form (noun phrase), approves it (verb phrase), give plenty of notice (verb phrase). Students practise using these terms in context through exercises drawn from the source material.

Grammar focus

This lesson focuses on Making polite requests with modal verbs. In a professional environment, it's important to make requests politely. We use modal verbs like 'can', 'could', and 'may' to do this.

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Requesting time off and sick leave
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