Would You Mind Helping Me?
Polite requests, offers, and refusals. A busy Saturday at Café Colibri: customers ask, staff offer, and Maya pitches in to help Leo.
📖 Reading: A Busy Day at Café Colibri
Saturday morning at Café Colibri. The café is full. Leo and his new employee, Ana, are both very busy.
A customer approaches Ana. "Excuse me, would you mind turning the music down? It's a bit loud for my call."
"Of course! I'm so sorry about that," says Ana. She lowers the volume.
At another table, an elderly man raises his hand. "Could you bring me some hot water, please?"
"Absolutely, I'll bring that right away."
Leo is behind the counter. A young woman is trying to pay. "Would you mind splitting the bill? There are three of us."
"Not at all! Shall I split it three ways?"
"Yes please, that would be perfect."
Meanwhile, Maya arrives. She looks tired. "Leo, would you like me to help for a bit? I'm not busy."
"Would I? You're a lifesaver! Could you take orders at table seven?"
"On it! Shall I bring them the menu first?"
"Yes please. And would you mind explaining the specials? I haven't had a chance to update the board."
"No problem. By the way — would you like me to design a proper specials board? I've been meaning to offer."
"Maya, you're incredible. Yes please!"
🔑 Vocabulary Box
Eight key words and phrases from this lesson.
| Word | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| split the bill | To divide the total cost between several people | phrase — Would you mind splitting the bill? |
| specials | Dishes that are only available on a particular day | n. — Could you explain the specials? |
| volume | The level of sound | n. — She lowers the volume. |
| elderly | Old; used respectfully for older people | adj. — An elderly man raises his hand. |
| lifesaver | Someone who helps you in a difficult situation (informal) | n. — You're a lifesaver! |
| meanwhile | At the same time as something else is happening | adv. — Meanwhile, Maya arrives. |
| board | A flat surface for writing or displaying information | n. — She hasn't updated the specials board. |
| approach | To move toward someone | v. — A customer approaches Ana. |
📚 Key Verbs in This Lesson | |
Would you mind + -ing? | Would you mind turning down the music? |
Could you + verb? | Could you bring me some hot water? |
Shall I + verb? | Shall I split it three ways? |
Would you like me to + verb? | Would you like me to help for a bit? |
📚 Grammar Focus
📚 Making Requests — Levels of Politeness | |
Informal | Can you help me? / Give me a hand? |
Polite | Could you bring me some water, please? |
Very polite | Would you mind turning down the music? |
Formal | I was wondering if you could possibly... |
Note on Would you mind: | Answer YES = you agree. "Not at all" / "Of course not" = yes, I'll do it. |
Making Offers
📚 Making Offers | |
Shall I + verb? | Shall I get you a menu? / Shall I call a taxi? |
Would you like me to + verb? | Would you like me to explain the specials? |
Would you like + noun? | Would you like a coffee? / Would you like some help? |
Can I + verb? | Can I help you? / Can I take your order? |
Refusing Politely
📚 Refusing Politely | |
I'm afraid... | I'm afraid we're fully booked tonight. |
I'm sorry, but... | I'm sorry, but we can't split the bill. |
Unfortunately... | Unfortunately, that table is reserved. |
🎭 Dialogue: At the Café
A customer makes three polite requests; Ana responds with offers and friendly service.
Excuse me, would you mind opening the window? It's very warm.
Of course! Not at all.
And could you bring me the menu again? I'd like to order a dessert.
Absolutely! Would you like me to tell you about today's specials?
Yes please! That would be lovely.
We have a mango sorbet and a chocolate torte today.
Wonderful. Shall I call you when I'm ready?
Please do! I'll be right over.
Practice Exercises
3 questionsNew exercises to reinforce what you learned. Different from the lesson material.
Why does the first customer ask Ana to turn the music down?
What does the elderly man ask for?
What does the young woman want Leo to do with the bill?
Practice Exercises
3 questionsNew exercises to reinforce what you learned. Different from the lesson material.
The window is open and you're cold. Pick the most natural polite request.
You need someone to repeat what they said. Pick the most natural polite request.
You want help carrying something heavy. Pick the most natural polite request.
🎭 Now It's Your Turn — Role Play
Practice with a partner. Use the dialogue as a model.
- Student A: You are a customer in a restaurant or café. You have 4 needs / requests.
- Student B: You are the staff. Respond to each request — accept (with offer language) or refuse politely.
- Requirements: at least 2 'Would you mind…?' requests, 1 offer from staff, and 1 polite refusal.
- Then swap roles.