In this lesson you will ...

Interrupt to ask a question or ask for

clarification
Vocabulary & Expressions Language Focus

to clarify What’s on your mind? Asking for clarification: Indirect / polite questions
clarification Let me finish my and echo questions. For example: Would you give
to interrupt thought. me an example? I’m sorry, the meeting will be
to identify where?
to raise (your hand)
to sponsor to ask a question vs. to have a question
example
to participate Expressions for interrupting
to repeat
to discuss Pronunciation: Linking sounds between words
to rephrase (extension activity)
phrase short-term
roof disadvantaged
I’d like to say (children)
something, if I may. to link (extension
I want to add activity)
something.

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 1 of 12

Warm-up Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

 
– Pamela, did you want to say something?
– Sorry to interrupt, but I’m not quite sure I understand how
the new system will work. Could you give us an example? 
– Sure, no problem. The new system …
 

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 2 of 12

Grammar Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

Could you clarify that?

POLITE / INDIRECT QUESTIONS ECHO QUESTIONS

rephrase that for me? We should finish by when?

Could you give us an example of …? The person in charge is who?
Would you clarify what … means? You talked to how many people?
explain what a … is? The meeting will take place where?

Ask politely

1. I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you. What did you say? 

→ Would you  ?

2. I don’t know what that phrase means. Can you say that another way? 
→ Could you  ?

3. I’m not quite sure I understand. Clarify, please! 

→ Would you  ?

4. I think I understand, but I’d like an example. 

→ Could you  ?

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Grammar (continued) Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

Say what?

1. The new professor will arrive in October. →  ?

2. I’d like you to get together with Kumar this week. →  ? 

3. We will be holding this year’s block party on July 20th. →  ? 

4. Carol will be leaving us at the end of the year. →  ? 

5. It cost five thousand dollars to fix the roof. →  ? 

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 4 of 12

 Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

Word Power
Ask a question or have a question?
▶ You are the person with a question:
Can I ask a question?
I’d like to ask a question.
Excuse me. I have a question.
▶ You are the person answering:
Are there any questions?
Did you want to ask a question?
Do you have any questions?

1. Everyone was talking at the same time, so I couldn't  my question.

2. If you have a moment, we  a few questions about the information you

sent.

3. Can I   you a question about the plans for the job fair?

4. If anyone  a question, please ping it to us. We’ll answer them as they

come in.

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 5 of 12

 Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

Useful Expressions

Interrupting

– Sorry to interrupt, but I have a – I’m sorry, but could I just ask a quick
question. question?
– That’s all right. Go right ahead. – One moment. I’d like to finish my thought.

– I’d like to add something, if I may. – Excuse me. May I interrupt for a moment?
– Sure. What’s on your mind? – Certainly. What did you want to say?

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 6 of 12

Performance Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

The company you work for would like to give something

back to the community where it is located. Senior
management has identified several local projects they’d be
interested in sponsoring—but the company can only
support one this year. You’ve been asked to participate in a
meeting where you will discuss the options below. You can
add an option if you’d like. 
 
a. Tech for All: Conducts courses to teach computer skills
to retired people

b. Career Compass: Organizes job fairs and short-term internships for high school students

c. Languages Connect: Provides a variety of programs to help disadvantaged children learn

languages

d. Green and Clean: regularly organizes environmental programs and events

e.

 
Reasons for your choice:
1. 
2. 
 

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Listening Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

1• 2 • 3
Did you all agree?

Native English speakers naturally link words together when they are speaking. For example, when
an American asks, “Did you all agree?” it may actually sound like “Didjya allagree?”! Here are some
examples of when linking occurs:
 
1. When a word ends in a consonant sound, we move the consonant sound to the next word if it
begins with a vowel sound or h:

Jeff isn’t available.     Is he busy?    Can I have a copy?

 
2. When a word ends in a t or a d and the next word begins with a y, we link the words with a ch (won’t
you) or a j (would you) sound:

I met you last year.     What did you ask me?

 
3. When a word ends with a vowel sound and the next word begins with a vowel sound, we usually
add a short w (to eat) or y (we all) between the two words:

I’ll go over that later.     We are finished now.

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 8 of 12

Online Practice – Credits Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

  ONLINE PRACTICE 

Unit Photo Credits (listed from beginning-to-end, left-to-right English 6 Complete

within this unit): iStockphoto, iStockphoto, iStockphoto ©2020 Berlitz Languages, Inc. All rights reserved.

English 6 Complete ©Berlitz Languages, Inc. Slide 9 of 12

Images Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

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Images Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

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Images Interrupt to ask a question or ask for clarification

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