Interrupting Politely - Functional Language
Practise interrupting politely at B2–C1 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
Interrupt meetings tactfully to resolve an unanswered point or add relevant information.
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.
- Compare Before we move on… with Can I just pick up on that point… and If I may….
- Write interventions about deadlines, omitted costs, old figures and decision risks.
- Role-play a short meeting segment: interrupt, state the concern clearly, receive an answer and hand the turn back.
Support and extension
Provide purpose labels for support. Extend by choosing whether to interrupt now or wait for a pause. Accept alternatives that make the missing issue explicit rather than a polite phrase with no contribution.
Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.
