Classroom Language

What can I say when……

 

Situation: I am late for class.

I’m sorry. I am late.

I’m sorry to be late.

Miss Lee, sorry I am late. I’m sorry to be late.

 

 

Situation: I didn’t catch what the teacher said. I want him to repeat it.

Pardon, sir. Could you repeat, please?

Miss/Sir, would you please say it again?

I beg your pardon. I don’t quite understand.

 

Situation: I want to go to the toilet.

May I go to the washroom, please?

May I be excused?

 

Situation: The teacher is speaking too fast. I cannot follow.

Could you speak slowly, please? I cannot follow.

Sir, would you please speak a bit slower?

Would you please say it again? And a bit slower please.

 

Situation: I cannot listen clearly what the teacher is talking about.

Miss/Sir, would you please speak louder?

 

Situation: I do not know the meaning of the word/phrase.

Can you tell me the meaning of “history” please?

Would you please explain this word/phrase?

What do you mean by (XXX)?

What is the difference between A and B?

 

Situation: I burnt/cut my finger.

Help! Mr. Wong, I burnt my finger.

Help! Help! I cut my finger.

 

Situation: I am outside the staff room. I want to see Mr. Wong.

Excuse me, may I see Mr. Wong?

 

Situation: I have a stomachache.

I am not feeling well. May I go to the medical room, please?

May I go to the medical room? I don’t feel well.

 

Situation: You don’t know how to express/pronounce something in English.

How do I say the (XXX) in English?

How do we read this word?

May I know the English name of (XXX)?

How do I say (XXX) in English?

May I know the spelling of (XXX)? May I know the pronunciation of (XXX) again?

 

Situation: Asking for permission.

May I turn on the fan, please?

May I turn off the air conditioner?

May I turn on the air conditioners?

May I let down the blind?

May I turn the fan lower / higher?

 

Situation: Giving Instructions (teachers to students)

Lower / raise the blind.

Turn on / off the air-conditioner

Open / Close the curtains

Turn on / off the lights

Empty the rubbish bin

Lower / raise the overhead Projector screen

Turn on / off the overhead projector

Turn on /off the microphone

Switch on / off the CD player

Push in the chair

Tidy up the teacher’s desk

 

Situation: Asking for something/ help

May I have (XXX, e.g. a dropper)?

Miss Ng, can you help me please?

Could you tell me how to do the exercise, please?

 

Situation: You do not have enough time to finish the homework/revision.

When should we hand in the G.E. exercise?

May we hand in our homework next Monday? We have (XXX, e.g. a basketball competition) after school.

Could you give us one more day to do the homework, please?

 

Situation: I have forgotten to bring my book.

I’m sorry. I have forgotten to bring my book.