Leçon 20 : Opinions, Requests, Permission, Instructions, Suggestions & Invitations

Donner son avis • Demander/proposer • Demander une autorisation • Donner des consignes • Suggérer • Inviter

1. Giving Opinions — Donner son avis
  • I think (that)... – Je pense que...
  • In my opinion... – À mon avis...
  • I believe... – Je crois que...
  • I agree with you. – Je suis d'accord avec toi.
  • I disagree. – Je ne suis pas d'accord.
  • I'm not sure, but... – Je ne suis pas sûr, mais...
Exemple : "In my opinion, learning English is very important for our future."

Konan: What do you think about online classes?

Aminata: I think they are useful, but I prefer classroom lessons.

Konan: I agree with you. Practising with a teacher is better.

2. Requesting and Offering — Faire une demande / Proposer son aide
FonctionExpression
Demande polieCan I have some water, please?
Demande formelleCould you help me, please?
Proposer de l'aideWould you like some help?
Offrir quelque choseWould you like a drink?
Accepter une offreYes, please. / That would be great.
Refuser polimentNo, thank you. / I'm fine, thanks.

Fatou: Would you like something to drink?

Kouamé: Yes, please. Can I have some water?

Fatou: Of course! Here you are.

3. Asking Permission — Demander une autorisation
May I...? (formel) / Can I...? (courant)
Exemple : "May I leave the classroom?" / "Can I open the window?"
Réponses : "Yes, of course." / "Yes, sure." / "I'm sorry, you can't."
4. Giving Instructions — Donner des consignes
On utilise l'impératif : Verbe + complément (sans sujet)
Exemple : "Open your books." / "Don't talk during the test." / "Listen carefully."
  • Open / Close – Ouvre / Ferme
  • Write / Read – Écris / Lis
  • Don't + verbe – Ne... pas (forme négative de l'impératif)
5. Making Suggestions — Faire des suggestions
ExpressionExemple
Let's...Let's go to the market.
Why don't we...?Why don't we study together?
Shall we...?Shall we start the lesson?
How about + V-ing?How about watching a movie?
6. Inviting, Accepting, Refusing and Thanking

Adjoua: Would you like to come to my birthday party on Saturday?

Kouamé: I'd love to! Thank you for inviting me.

Adjoua: Great! See you there.

Konan: Would you like to join us for dinner?

Fatou: I'm sorry, I can't. I already have plans. Thank you anyway.

  • Inviter: Would you like to...? / Do you want to come to...?
  • Accepter: I'd love to! / Sure, I'd be happy to.
  • Refuser: I'm sorry, I can't. / I'm afraid I'm busy.
  • Remercier: Thank you so much! / Thanks for inviting me.
Astuce : "Can" est plus courant à l'oral, "May" est plus poli/formel. Avec les amis, utilise "Can I...?" ; avec un professeur ou un adulte, préfère "May I...?".
Conseil du Coach Assoa : Entraîne-toi à utiliser ces expressions dans de vraies situations : demander la permission à un enseignant, inviter un ami, proposer ton aide à un voisin à Bouaké. Plus tu pratiques, plus cela deviendra naturel !

Reading Comprehension

A Polite Conversation

Last Saturday, Adjoua organized a small party for her birthday. She invited her friend Kouamé by phone: "Would you like to come to my birthday party on Saturday?" Kouamé happily accepted: "I'd love to! Thank you for inviting me."

At the party, Kouamé asked Adjoua's mother for permission before taking a photo: "May I take a photo, please?" She smiled and said yes. Later, when Adjoua offered him a drink, "Would you like something to drink?", he replied politely, "Yes, please, can I have some juice?"

Before leaving, Kouamé gave his opinion about the party: "In my opinion, this was a wonderful party. I think you organized everything perfectly." Adjoua thanked him and suggested, "Why don't we meet again next weekend?" Kouamé agreed happily.

Exercice : Testez-vous !

10 questions • Durée estimée : 15 minutes

Listening Test