TEACHER’S NOTES
ESL / EFL RESOURCES Perfect Partners
Activity Type Introduction
Listening and speaking In this fun class activity, students learn how to ask for, give and
activity refuse permission.
Procedure
Language Focus
Write the following phrases on the board:
Asking for permission
Asking for permission Giving permission Refusing permission
Giving and refusing
permission I'm afraid, that's not
Can/Could/May I...? Yes, please do.
possible.
Giving reasons Would it be OK/ I'm sorry, but you
Sure, go ahead.
alright if I...? can't.
Aim Do you mind if I...? No problem. No, please don’t.
To learn how to ask I'd prefer if you
Would you mind if I...? Please feel free.
for, give and refuse didn't/don't.
permission. Unfortunately, I
Is it okay if I...? Go right ahead.
have to say no.
Preparation Review and practice the language with the class.
Make one copy of the Next, divide the students into two equal groups (A and B). Give
cards for every 16 each student a corresponding A or B card.
students and cut as
indicated. Tell the students that they are going to try to find their perfect
partner by asking and giving permission for the things on their
If your class has fewer card. If they find someone who asks or gives permission for all
than 16 students, take four items on their card, they have found their perfect partner.
out pairs of cards.
Each Student A card Ask all the students with card A to sit down. These students should
must be used with the sit spaced out around the classroom. Explain that the students
Student B card directly with card A are going to give and refuse permission. If a student
underneath it on the asks permission for an item on their card, they must give it. If a
uncut worksheet. student asks permission for something that is not on their card,
they must refuse and give a reason.
Explain that the students with card B are going to circulate and
Level ask the students sitting down permission for the things shown
Pre-intermediate on their card, e.g. 'Would it be alright if I borrowed a pen?' If
a student gets permission for all four things on their card, they
have found their perfect partner and must sit down with them. If
Time a student is refused permission for anything on their card, they
must move on and speak to another student.
25 minutes
When everyone is ready, begin the activity and have the students
find their perfect partner.
Afterwards, have the students swap roles to give them practice at
using all the language.
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ASKING AND GIVING PERMISSION
ESL / EFL RESOURCES Perfect Partners
Student A Student A Student A Student A
You have... You have... You have... You have...
some sandwiches. a laptop. a pen. a phone.
a pen. a phone. a phone. a pen.
a laptop. a pen. some sandwiches. a phone charger.
a phone. a ruler. a ruler. some sandwiches.
Student B Student B Student B Student B
You want to... You want to... You want to... You want to...
use a laptop. make a phone call. borrow a pen. have a sandwich.
borrow a pen. use a laptop. make a phone call. borrow a pen.
make a phone call. borrow a pen. borrow a ruler. make a phone call.
have a sandwich. borrow a ruler. have a sandwich. borrow a phone
charger.
Student A Student A Student A Student A
You have... You have... You have... You have...
a pen. a phone. a ruler. five dollars.
a phone. a pen. a phone. a phone.
a laptop. a laptop. a pen. a pen.
a phone charger. five dollars. a phone charger. a ruler.
Student B Student B Student B Student B
You want to... You want to... You want to... You want to...
use a laptop. borrow a pen. make a phone call. borrow a pen.
make a phone call. make a phone call. borrow a pen. make a phone call.
borrow a pen. borrow five dollars. borrow a ruler. borrow a ruler.
borrow a phone use a laptop. borrow a phone borrow five dollars.
charger. charger.
Teach-This.com © 2017 Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
