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O Beginner: What are the most common

complaints parents have about their children? What are the most common excuses children give to their parents?
My son/daughter does not _________ I cant, because______

Advanced: What complaints do you have about your family members? What complaints does your family have about you? What excuses do you give when someone in your family complains about something to you?

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Beginner
O Complaints
O Excuses O Mess O Noise

Advanced
O Complaints O Apologize

O Make an apology
O Give an excuse O Do a favor

O Neighbor
O Busy

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Beginner
O Complaints
O Excuses O Mess O Noise

O Neighbor
O Busy

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Advanced
O Complaints O Apologize O Give an excuse O Do a favor

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O Beginner

O Ms. Gray: Tom, I asked to put away your books and mow the lawn, and you O O O O O

O O

didnt do anything. Tom: Sorry Mom, but I have been doing homework in my room Ms. Gray: You said the same yesterday when I asked you to take out the garbage. I hope you are not lying. Tom: No Mom, Im not lying. Im telling you the truth. I have been working very hard these days to get good grades. Ms. Gray: Im going to ask your teacher. If you arent telling the truth you wont go to Ginas party. Tom: Mom! I promise Ill help you with the chores after I finish all my exams and hand in all my assignments at school, but please let me go to Ginas party Ms. Gray: Ok, I trust you Tom: Thanks Mom

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O Advanced

O Lynn: What are your plans for tonight, Mike?

O Mike: Im going to stay at home and watch a movie

O Lynn: Do you want to go bowling? O Mike: Id love to, but I cant. I have to babysit my little nephew Jim. My sister O O O

and her husband are having dinner with some friends. Lynn: I thought you said youd just stay in and watch a movie Mike: Thats right; Im going to stay at home, babysitting little Jim while watching a movie. Lynn: Well, what about going to the Circus Caf next Friday? I have heard they have live music every Friday . Mike: That would be great Lynn, but Im afraid I cant. I have to hand in an important paper next Monday in Ms. Andersons class and I want to start working on it this Friday and finish it before Sunday. Lynn: Ok, Im going to ask Jessica what their plans are. See you soon, Mr. Excuses.

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Beginner: Do you think Tom was lying? Why?

Yes, he was/No, he was not Because he __________________

O Advanced: Do you think Mike should have

accepted Lynns invitation? O What would you have done if you were Mike?

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O Beginner

On the phone
O Lauren: Hi Sasha, its me Lauren. How are you? O Sasha: Hi Lauren. Im fine, thank you. O Lauren: Great! I was wondering if you (could/would) mind

O O
O

taking care of my dog Bingo this weekend. I need to travel to Guadalajara and nobody will be home to feed it. Sasha: Hmm I (m/is/are) afraid I (cant/wont). Im working the whole weekend. Lauren: Please! I (ll/am) promise it will just be this time. Sasha: Sorry Lauren, but I cant. Why (dont/wont) you ask Anna? I think she is free this weekend. Lauren: Oh good! I (ll/am) call her. Thanks.

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O Advanced

O Student: Your teacher asked you to carry out a final project. You and

your friends decided to do one part of the task individually. You were supposed to collect some pictures for a poster and look for some information related to pollution. Unfortunately, your computer broke down and you couldnt gather the information requested. Your friends got angry with you and asked you to talk to the teacher about the problem and ask him for a second chance to hand in the project. Teacher: You asked your students to do a final project. One team did not follow the instructions and decided to divide the work. One of the students in that team had problems with his computer and lost the information you requested. He needs to talk to you because the whole team is going to fail.

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O Beginner: What excuses

can you make for not accepting an invitation?

O O O O

I am sorry but I ______ I would like to, but I ______ I have to go to _______ I cannot, I _______

Advanced: How good are you at apologizing? When apologizing, do you admit your mistake, give an excuse , or make an offer or promise?

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O Beginner

O Tell the truth O Accept O Excuse

vs. Tell lies vs. Refuse vs. Apology

O Advanced

Offer(noun) vs. Request vs.

Promise(noun) Order

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O Beginner: How do you feel

after you give an excuse? Why?

I feel ______ because ______

Advanced: When someone asks you an unusual favor, do you accept? What are some of the common excuses you give when someone asks you unusual favors?

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Do you have any questions about todays class before you go?