Speaking

Expressing Mood through Word Choice

In this chapter, Claire, Gilles, Ivan, and Kerry all tell other people what to do. Their instructions do not sound the same.

• Direct instructions, depending on the speaker's tone, can become demands.
• Requests seem like questions, but they are indirect instructions.
• You might not recognize suggestions as instructions. Sometimes they are so indirect that they seem like possibilities.

Listen and read along. Decide whether each instruction is a demand, a request, or a suggestion. The correct answer will turn blue when you click on it.

1. Could I get you to call a tow truck?	Demand	Request	Suggestion
2. You need to call Mr. Broz.	Demand	Request	Suggestion
3. Why don't you give me a call?	Demand	Request	Suggestion
4. I'd run if I were you.	Demand	Request	Suggestion
5. Can you calm down a minute?	Demand	Request	Suggestion
6. Call off your dogs!	Demand	Request	Suggestion
7. Would it be possible for you to make a donation?	Demand	Request	Suggestion
8. You should go get Claire.	Demand	Request	Suggestion
9. You might want to use it near the door.	Demand	Request	Suggestion
10. Do you mind? I was here first.	Demand	Request	Suggestion