Asking for Time to Think - Functional Language
Practise asking for time to think at A2–B1 level with useful phrase patterns and short situation-based responses. A separate page of suggested answers supports checking and discussion of other appropriate responses.
What’s in the worksheet?
- Useful phrase patterns
- Situation-based response practice
- Space for written responses
- Suggested answers on page 2
Ask for thinking time or a check without implying an immediate yes.
Worksheet preview
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Page 1 of 2 · A4 printable PDF
Page 2 of 2 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF
A simple way to teach it
Before the lesson
Give learners page 1 and keep the suggested answers on page 2 for discussion after they write.
- Distinguish a moment to choose from a later reply after checking a diary.
- Write responses to invitations, presentation choices and work requests, naming what needs checking where useful.
- Practise a short exchange that agrees when the answer will come, not just Can I tell you later?.
Support and extension
Offer a phrase plus time-expression frame. Extend by choosing a realistic reply time. Accept alternatives and make clear that delaying a decision is different from declining it.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
