- Polite Requests in English
  - Common Types of Requests
    - For help (e.g., asking for directions)
    - For respect (e.g., asking someone to be quiet)
    - For permission (e.g., attending a party)
  - Importance of Politeness
    - Avoid confusion or embarrassment with strangers
    - Use polite language even with younger individuals
  - Language Tips for Making Requests
    - Use modal verbs to soften tone
      - Could you please?
      - Would you please?
    - Make requests more tentative
      - Is there any chance you could?
      - Could you possibly?
    - Show respect when asking for permission
      - I was wondering if I could.
      - Do you mind if I?
      - I hope you don’t mind if I.
  - Examples from Cambridge Trip
    - Asking for Help
      - Could you please show me the way?
      - Is there any chance you could take me there?
    - Asking for Respect
      - Would you please be quiet?
      - Could you possibly lower your voice?
    - Asking for Permission
      - I was wondering if I could join you.
      - Do you mind if I take a photo?
  - Responding to Requests
    - Agreeing
      - Yes, sure.
      - Of course, sorry.
      - Not at all, let’s take a photo.
    - Declining Politely
      - Provide good reasons for refusal
      - Example: Sorry, the sign says no photography allowed.
  - Rewritten Dialogues
    - Customer and Waiter
      - Excuse me, could you please give us some chopsticks?
      - Sorry, we don’t have any chopsticks, but I can offer a fork and spoon.
    - Bus Driver and Passenger
      - Do you mind giving your seat to this lady and her baby?
      - Not at all, sorry about that, please take a seat.
    - Student and Teacher
      - Hi Mr. Brown, I was wondering if I could ask for leave tomorrow.
      - Sorry, only sick leave is allowed; you still need to come.
  - Practical Considerations
    - Politeness depends on context
      - Emergency situations require directness
      - Example: Someone drowning needs immediate help
    - Be polite in moderation
  - Lilei’s Improvement
    - Original Message: I want to know how to make requests.
    - Improved Version: Could you please teach me how to make requests?
    - Original Message: Reply me when you are free.
    - Improved Version: I’d really appreciate it if you could reply at your earliest convenience.
  - Next Episode Preview
    - Using “I’d appreciate” for invitations