Lesson Functions: Asking for permission using may, can, could.
Target Vocabulary: At Work
Rina is trying to get her dream job as Assistant Editor at a magazine. Currently, she is doing an internship at a financial newspaper.
However, the pace there is very fast, and the deadlines are very strict. She has to manage her time wisely in order to finish all tasks on time.
She must never be late more than five minutes or else she will miss the morning meeting. Rina is not allowed to leave early because many people depend on her.
Some of her responsibilities include running reports and submitting analyses.
She must be very careful and pay attention because she works with numbers and financial information which is of utmost importance.
Presentation
1. Listen to the text and fill in the blanks
Rina Rina is trying to get her dream job as Assistant ______________ at a magazine. Currently, she is doing an ______________ at a financial newspaper.
However, the pace there is very fast, and the ________________ are very strict. She has to ________________ her ________________ wisely in order to finish all tasks on time.
She must never be late more than five minutes or else she will miss the morning ________________. Rina is not ________________ to leave early because many people ________________ on her.
Some of her ________________ include running reports and submitting analyses.
She must be very careful and pay attention because she works with numbers and ________________ information which is of utmost importance.
2. Rina is asking her adviser/ manager some questions. Connect them with the answers.
| May I be late with my report? | OK, but just this time. |
| I have to go to the library tomorrow. Can I miss the morning meeting? | No, I need the report on time. |
| Could you run the reports for me? | No, it is an important meeting. But you can go afterward. |
3. Mark the statements T for true and F for false.
- Rina’s dream job is an Editor in a magazine.
- Rina wants to work for a fashion magazine.
- Working for a financial newspaper seems stressful.
Grammar
- When asking for permission in an official situation, and need to be polite, we usually use:
(Excuse me,) may (I, you, he, she, we, you, they) + verb (*infinitive).
(Excuse me,) may I speak with Mr. Johnson?
- When politely asking someone to do something for us, we usually use:
Could you (please) + verb (*infinitive).
Could you please close the door?
Practice
1. Answer the questions.
| Column A | Column B |
| May I be excused? | No, you …………… |
| Can Sam and I miss a class on Friday? | Yes, you ………. but only if your mother has agreed. |
| Could I ask another question, please? | Sure, you ………. |
2. Put the sentences in order.
- on the/ we/ start/ working/ now?/ new/ can/ movie/
- these/ may/ the/ folders?/ places/ of/ two/ I/ change/
- apply/ can/ position/ students/ the / in/ department?/ your/ for/
Production
1. You are a new hire in a company. You want to:
- Open the window
- Leave early on Friday
- Get 10 days off during summer
2. Ask your boss using may/ can/ could.