Warmer · Look and react
A Difficult Deadline
Talk about it
- How does Priya feel? Why?
- What do you think Daniel is saying?
- When did you last have a difficult deadline at work or in your studies?
Look · Listen · Say
Useful language
Talk about pressure
I’m under a lot of pressure this week.
I’m snowed under with reports.
The deadline is Friday at noon. We’re running out of time.
Make polite requests
Could you check the figures?
Would you mind sending me the file? (mind + -ing)
Do you think you could help me with the slides?
Make suggestions
Why don’t we split the work?
I’d like to suggest moving the meeting. (suggest + -ing)
Talk about results
If we start now, we’ll finish by Thursday.
If + present, will + verb
Later: what do you think they suggested to each other?
Game 1 · Choose the best phrase
Polite or Not Quite?
Choose the phrase that is natural and correct. Then say the whole sentence politely.
Finished. Well done!
Now make one sentence of your own with the same language.
Game 2 · Problem and solution
Fix the Week
Tap a problem, then the best response. Read the response aloud with polite intonation.
Your turn · Speak
Solve it together
Read the situation. Student A explains the pressure. Student B makes requests and suggestions. Agree a plan.
Topic card
Tap “New card” to start.
Use this language
- I’m under pressure because …
- Could you … / Would you mind …?
- Why don’t we …?
- If we …, we’ll …
- OK, so the plan is …
Feedback · Close
What can you do now?
- I can describe pressure and deadlines.
- I can make polite requests with Could you / Would you mind.
- I can suggest solutions and say what will happen.
Practice at home
Write a short, polite message to a colleague or classmate asking for help with a deadline. Use one request, one suggestion and one “If we …, we’ll …”.
Thank you. See you next time!