1Lesson Objectives
This short opening section states exactly what you must be able to do by the end of Unit 9. Read it first, and come back to it when you revise.
- Identify: recognise the language function of apologising in spoken and written English
- Distinguish: tell the difference between formal and informal apologies and use each one appropriately
- Respond: reply correctly and politely when someone apologises to you in English
- Produce: write and act out short dialogues using apologies in realistic, everyday contexts
Focus of This Unit
Function
This lesson deals with 'expressing an apology', one of the communicative functions of the 1st Year Baccalaureate syllabus.
Key idea
The right apology depends on the situation and on the person you are speaking to.
2Warm-up: Two Everyday Situations
Before studying the expressions, think about two very common school situations. They both need the same language function: apologising.
Let us explore two realistic situations that you encounter every day at school. Both require you to use the same language function: apologising. As you read through each situation, think about what you would say and how your choice of words would change depending on who you are speaking to.
Situation 1: In the Classroom
You arrive 20 minutes late to your English class. The teacher is waiting at the front of the room, and the entire class turns around to look at you as you enter. The atmosphere is quiet and formal.
What do you say? Think about the tone, the words, and the level of formality you would use. You are speaking to an authority figure in a formal academic setting.
Situation 2: In the Corridor
You are walking quickly between classes and accidentally bump into a classmate. Their books go flying and scatter all over the floor. Your classmate looks surprised and a little frustrated.
How do you react? What words do you use? You are speaking to a peer in an informal, casual setting where something has gone wrong by accident.
Notice the key difference between these two situations:
- Situation 1 (classroom): You speak to your teacher — this is a formal context. Your apology must be respectful, clear, and appropriate for an authority figure.
- Situation 2 (corridor): You speak to a classmate — this is an informal context. Your apology can be more relaxed and friendly, but still sincere.
Both situations require one essential language function: apologising. However, the way you apologise will be different. The register (formal or informal), the expressions you choose, and even your tone of voice will change based on the person you are speaking to and the context of the situation.
Today's goal: Learn how to apologise appropriately in English, depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to. By the end of this unit, you will be able to express apologies in both formal and informal contexts, give reasons for your actions, and respond gracefully when someone apologises to you.
Plan du chapitre
Sur cette page
Dans la classe
- 3What Is an Apology? The Three-Part Structure
- 4Common Expressions: Informal vs Formal Register
- 5Giving a Reason and Offering a Solution
- 6Responding to an Apology
- 7Dialogue 1: Formal Context (Student and Teacher)
- 8Dialogue 2: Informal Context (Karim and Yassine)
- 9Pronunciation and Intonation of an Apology
- 10Mind Map and Guided Application
- 11Key Points to Remember