There are
five types of interrogatives on page 27 in the useful phrases box. If you are a pre-intermediate or intermediate level, you may need some extra practice in these.
First, some explanation and examples. Look at how the verbs change (here, base verb refers to an infinitive without the 'to' so the base verb for 'to see' is simply 'see'):
- Type 1 = Can / Could I show you some samples? [Can/ Could + Subject + base verb + complement +?]
- Type 2 = Would you like to see some swatches? [Would + Subject + like + infinitive + complement + ?]
- Type 3 = Do you happen to have any test results? [Do + Subject + happen + infinitive + complement + ?]
- Type 4 = Is there a swatch I can see? / Are there any samples I can see? [Is + there + indefinite article + singular noun + complement + ?] [Are + there + any + plural noun + complement + ?]
- Type 5 = Is there any way to see how it drapes? [Is + there + any way + infinitive + how + subject + verb + ?]
Practice Exercise 1
Match the sentence halves. Answers are at the end of practice exercise 3.
1 Could I take a) to see some test results?
2 Is there any way to see b) show you some swatches?
3 Can I c) a look at how it drapes?
4 Do you d) happen to have any samples?
5 Would you like e) how it looks in the sunlight?
Practice Exercise 2
Complete the oral presentation about velvet textiles from the FabriTex Company. Complete the explanation with the correct form of the verb in parentheses. Answers are at the end of practice exercise 3.
Good morning, and thank you for coming. Today, I'd like 1______(talk) to you about velvet. FabriTex manufactures both natural and synthetic velvet. To begin: Could I 2 _______(show) you some swatches? Take a look at the blue and red swatches my assistant has just distributed to you all. Now, could you 3_________(tell) me which one is natural and which one is synthetic? Before I give you the answer, let me ask you this: Do you happen 4 ________ (notice) which one is thicker, or 'taller'? ... That's right, it's the blue one. Would you like 5 _________(know) why that is? Well, it's because it's natural, and the natural fibers expand more than the synthetic ones. That means the red one is synthetic. But, tell me this: Is there any way 6______(tell) if you're wearing natural or synthetic velvet? To the eye, there is no way to tell the difference. Thank you for listening. If you'd like 7 _____(take) a look at more swatches, they're over here.
Practice Exercise 3
Do this exercise with someone who's level is higher than yours, a teacher, or write the conversation yourself. When you're finished, check the suggested answer below the prompts.
--> Complete the guided conversation. Read the notes and create phrases to make a complete conversation. Imagine you are at the Bred & Butter Textile Trade Fair. Use expressions and phrases from page 27 where possible. Refer to the transcripts for Unit 3, exercise 10 (p. 88) for inspiration or suggestions.
Textile Representative Buyer
Greet the buyer and say hello Respond and ask about fake fur fabrics
Respond positively and offer to Respond positively and ask about draping
show the buyer some swatches
Offer to put fabric on a mannequin Thank the representative and ask him / her for a
business card
Answers to Exercises 1 & 2& 3:
Ex 1 : 1 c, 2 e, 3 b, 4 d, 5 a
Ex 2: 1 to talk, 2 show, 3 tell, 4 to notice, 5 to know, 6 to tell, 7 to take
Ex 3: Answers may very. Suggested conversation here:
R = Textile Representative, B = Buyer
R = Good morning. Welcome to our stand. Can I help you?
B = Good morning. Yes, I'm looking for fake fur - Do you happen to have any?
R= Yes, we do. There are some swatches right over here, if you'd like to take a look.
B = Oh, yes. Thank you. Is there any way to see how it drapes?
R = Of course. Let me just put it on the mannequin.
B = O.K. Thank you very much. Could I have a business card? (Do you have a business card?)
