🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

πŸ“š Grammar Explanation

In business, it is important to be polite. We often change direct questions into indirect questions to sound more professional and less demanding.

Form/Structure:

We start with a polite phrase and then add the question. The word order in the second part changes to a normal statement (Subject + Verb).

Type Direct Question Indirect Question
Question Word Where is the office? Could you tell me where the office is?
Yes/No Question Is the report ready? Do you know if the report is ready?

Usage Rules:

Polite Phrases:

Could you tell me...
Can you tell me...
Do you know...
I was wondering...
I'd like to know...
πŸ”‘ Key Learning Tip: Remember, the second part of an indirect question is not a real question, so it uses statement word order (like "the office is"), not question word order ("is the office").

πŸ’Ό Professional Contexts

🏒 Context Card 1: Indirect Questions in Professional Contexts
Asking your Manager: Instead of "When is the deadline?", you ask, "Could you tell me when the deadline is?" This is more respectful.
Clarifying in a Meeting: Instead of "What does this mean?", you ask, "Could you explain what this means?" It's softer and more collaborative.
Requesting Information: "I was wondering if you could send me last month's sales figures." This is much more polite than "Send me the sales figures."
Emailing a Client: "I'd like to know if you are available for a call next week." This is professional and gives the client control.
🀝 Context Card 2: Indirect Questions in Daily Business
Communication: Checking project status with a team member: "Do you know if the presentation is ready?"
Networking: At a conference, asking someone about their job: "I was wondering what your role is at your company."
Reporting: Asking your boss for data: "Could you tell me where I can find the report from Q1?"
Planning: Organizing a team event: "I'd like to know what day is best for everyone."

🎧 Listening Exercise

0:00 / 2:15

Listening Questions

1. Why does Anna use phrases like "Could you tell me..." when she speaks to Mark?
2. What is the main reason Anna is talking to Mark?
3. Complete the sentence from the audio: "I'd also like to know what the deadline _______________."

🧠 Interactive Quiz

Choose the correct answer for each question about indirect questions.
1. Your manager's office is on a different floor. You ask a colleague for directions. "Excuse me, could you tell me where _______________?"
2. You want to know if your colleague is available for a quick chat. You say: "I was wondering _______________ for a moment."
3. You are emailing a supplier to ask about a delivery time. "Do you know what time _______________?"

βœ… Exercise A: True/False Grammar Check

Read the sentences below. Are they grammatically correct? Choose True or False.
1. I'd like to know what time the presentation begins.
2. Can you tell me where is the document?
3. I was wondering if you could help me with this report.
4. Do you know if does he have the key?
5. Could you explain how this software works?

πŸ”„ Exercise B: Transformation Exercise

Change the direct questions into polite, indirect questions using the phrase in parentheses.
1. Direct: Where is the weekly report? (Could you tell me...)
2. Direct: Is the client happy with the proposal? (Do you know...)
3. Direct: When does the conference call start? (I was wondering...)
4. Direct: Who should I speak to about invoices? (Can you let me know...)

πŸ’¬ Exercise C: Complete the Dialogue

You are at a company event. Complete the dialogue with your colleague using polite, indirect questions based on the hints in [brackets].
Colleague: Hi, I don't think we've met. I'm Alex.
You: Hi Alex, I'm [Your Name]. It's a great event. I'm a bit lost, though. [Where is the main conference room?]
Alex: Of course. It's just down that hall, on the left.
You: Thanks! [Is the next speaker starting soon?]
Alex: I think so, in about 5 minutes. By the way, I work in the Marketing team.
You: Oh, that's interesting. [What is your main project right now?]

πŸ—£οΈ Speaking Practice - Preparation for Class

⚠️ Preparation for Class Only
These tasks are for practice with your teacher. Prepare this topic for your next class.
Task 1: Controlled Practice - Asking for Basic Information
1 minute

Instructions: You need some basic information. Ask your teacher these three questions using the phrase "Could you tell me...".

  • ...what time it is?
  • ...where the nearest coffee shop is?
  • ...what the WiFi password is?

Preparation Tip: Remember to change the word order. For example, "Could you tell me what time it is?"

πŸ“ Prepare this topic for your next class

Task 2: Guided Practice - New on the Job
1 minute

Instructions: Imagine it is your first day at a new company. Your teacher is your new manager. Ask them questions to get the information you need. Use a different polite phrase for each question.

Ask about:

  • The time for the daily team meeting
  • Who to ask for IT support
  • If you can leave early on Friday

Example phrase: "I was wondering what time the daily team meeting is."

πŸ“ Prepare this topic for your next class

Task 3: Free Practice - Organizing a Meeting with a Client
2 minutes

Instructions: You need to schedule an important meeting with a new client next week. Your teacher will play the role of the client's assistant. Call the assistant to find a good time.

Your goals:

  • Introduce yourself and your company
  • Explain you need to schedule a 30-minute meeting with the client
  • Use indirect questions to ask about the client's availability
  • Confirm the final time and date

Preparation Tip: Think about the questions you need to ask before you start. "Could you tell me...", "Do you know if...", "I'd like to know when..."

πŸ“ Prepare this topic for your next class

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ«Ready for Class - Teacher Notes

Lesson Summary

This lesson focuses on the transformation from direct to indirect questions in professional contexts. Students learn the structural changes (statement word order) and polite phrases necessary for business communication. The lesson emphasizes the social function of politeness in workplace interactions.

Key Challenges for Students

  • Word Order: Students often maintain question word order in the second clause
  • If/Whether: Forgetting to add "if" or "whether" in Yes/No indirect questions
  • Auxiliary Verbs: Using do/does/did in indirect questions when they shouldn't
  • Register: Understanding when formal politeness is appropriate vs. casual contexts

Speaking Practice Guidance

Task 1: Focus on mechanical accuracy. Ensure students use correct word order. Provide gentle correction if they use direct question order.

Task 2: Encourage variety in polite phrases. Respond as a helpful manager to make it realistic. Note which phrases students prefer and expand their repertoire.

Task 3: Play a busy but helpful assistant. Offer one or two time slots. Let the student lead the conversation and provide feedback on politeness and grammar at the end.

Common Student Errors to Watch For

  • "Could you tell me where is the office?" (incorrect word order)
  • "Do you know what time does the meeting start?" (unnecessary auxiliary verb)
  • "I was wondering are you free." (missing 'if')
  • Overusing one polite phrase instead of varying expressions

Additional Teaching Tips

  • Use the audio dialogue as a model - students can practice the roles
  • Emphasize the social benefit: indirect questions sound more professional and respectful
  • Connect to students' real workplace experiences - when do they need to ask for information politely?
  • Practice with real business scenarios from their work contexts