Advanced English course - Instructions and requests

1. Policeman: Can you show me some identification, please sir?
Jack: Here you are.

Q. Is this the right response? Yes No Analysis

Yes. The policeman does not really want to know if Jack can show him some identification, he wants to see the identification. So Jack gives him the identification, using "here you are" - an expression used when giving something.

2. Sally: Do you mind if I smoke?
Mr Bloggs: Yes, of course.

Q. Is this correct? Yes No Analysis

No. "Do you mind .." means "will you be upset..". Mr Bloggs' answer does not show whether he is answering Sally's question ("Will you be angry if I smoke?" - "Yes, I will") or the intention behind Sally's question. (That is: "Can I smoke?" - "Yes, of course")

3. Karen: Excuse me, have you finished with that newspaper?
William: Sure, go ahead.

Q. Has William answered correctly? Yes No Analysis

Yes. Karen is asking the question because she wants to read the William's paper. William uses a more informal register to show he is friendly ("Sure" is sometimes an informal way to say "yes"), and he adds "Go ahead" ("Go on and read it.")

4. Joey: You want to come to the party with me, Mary?
Mary: Oh, yes please, Joey, thank you very much. I would love to come, thanks for asking.

Q. Will this answer please Joey? Yes No Analysis

No Well, probably not. Joey's invitation is very casual (Notice the missing auxiliary "do"). Mary's answer is formal, and says "thank you" in three different ways. Joey will probably understand that Mary is being sarcastic.

5. Charles: Have another biscuit.
Judy: Ta.

Q. Is this dialogue correct? Yes No Analysis

Yes. The instruction is really an informal invitation. "Ta" is a very informal way of saying "thank you" when you are given or offered something unimportant.

6. Mr Allmon: Can I open this window?
Mr Blake: No, it's very cold outside.

Q. Is Mr Blake's response polite? Yes No Analysis

No. It is not polite to refuse a formal request with a direct negative ("No".), even if you give the reason afterward. Instead, Mr Blake should say something like "Well, actually, it's very cold outside."

7. Mr Williams: That radio's a bit loud, isn't it?
Tony: Oh, sorry. I'll go outside.

Q. Is Tony's answer correct? Yes No Analysis

Yes. Mr Williams is asking Tony to turn down his radio. Tony apologises for disturbing Mr Wilson, and says he (and his radio) will go away.

8. Mrs Kelson: Play that song again, please.
Mr Kelson: Again? Oh, all right then.

Q. Does Mr Kelson want to play the song? Yes No Analysis

No. The use of "Again?" shows he thinks he has heard enough. "Oh, all right then" is a way of indicating that the speaker will do as asked, but not enthusiastically.