Office supplies: making polite requests

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Office supplies: making polite requests through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: Making polite requests with 'could' and 'would' with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for asking a colleague for supplies
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (10 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study Making polite requests with 'could' and 'would' — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for asking a colleague for supplies — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Cloze passage — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• To run out of (something) — to use all of a supply so that there is none left.
• To be low on (something) — to have only a small amount of a supply left.
• To place an order — to make a formal request to buy goods from a company.
• Out of action — not working or not able to be used.
• Stationery cupboard — a closet or cupboard where office supplies like pens and paper are kept.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Making polite requests with 'could' and 'would'.

When we ask for something at work, it's important to be polite. We use modal verbs like 'could' and 'would' to make requests instead of direct commands. This makes our requests sound more professional and respectful.

Examples from the lesson:

• Could you please order some more printer ink for the marketing team? — Using 'Could you...?' is a common and polite way to ask someone to do something.
• Would you mind helping me move this box of paper? — After 'Would you mind...?', we use the -ing form of the verb (e.g., helping).
• I was wondering if you could get me a new keyboard. — This is a very indirect and polite way to make a request, especially for something bigger.

Key rules:

• 'Could you...?' and 'Would you...?' are more polite than 'Can you...?' in a formal setting.
• Always use the base form of the verb after 'could you' or 'would you' (e.g., 'Could you order...').
• Avoid using direct commands like 'I want a new monitor' as it can sound rude.

Practical English

asking a colleague for supplies

In an office, you often need to ask a colleague for a small item like a pen or some paper. These phrases will help you ask politely and naturally without interrupting their work too much.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "''Sorry to bother you, but do you happen to have a spare pen?''" — a polite way to interrupt someone and make a small request.
• "''I was wondering if you knew where the spare printer paper is.''" — a very indirect way to ask for the location of a supply.
• "''I can't seem to find any staples. Have you seen them anywhere?''" — explains that you've already looked before asking for help.
• "''It looks like we're running low on sticky notes. Should I mention it to someone?''" — for noticing a general supply issue and suggesting action.
• "''No worries, thanks for checking anyway.''" — a friendly way to respond when someone cannot help you.