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How do you refuse? C1

Please read the following 12 situations. After each situation you will be asked to write a response in the blank after “You:” Respond as you would in actual conversation.

Gesichert

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1. You are the owner of a bookstore. One of your best workers asks you to speak in private. Worker: As you know, I’ve been here just a little over a year now, and I know you’ve been pleased with my work. I really enjoy working here, but to be quite honest, I really need an increased pay. You: ... Worker: Then I guess I’ll have to look for another job.

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2. You are a junior in college. You attend classes regularly and take good notes. Your classmate often misses a class and asks you for the lecture notes. Classmate: Oh God! We have an exam tomorrow but I don’t have notes from last week. I am sorry to ask you this, but could you please lend me your notes once again? You: ... Classmate: O.K., then I guess I’ll have to ask somebody else.

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3. You are the president of a printing company. A salesman from a printing machine company invites you to one of the most expensive restaurants in New York. Salesman: We have met several times to discuss your purchase of my company’s products. I was wondering if you would like to be my guest at Lutece in order to firm up a contract? You: ... Salesman: Perhaps another time.

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4. You are a top executive at a very large accounting firm. One day the boss calls you into his office. Boss: Next Sunday my wife and I are having a little party. I know it’s short notice but I am hoping all my top executives will be there with their wives. What do you say? You: ... Boss: That’s too bad. I was hoping everyone would be there.

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5. You’re at a friend’s house watching TV. He/She offers you a snack. You: Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve been eating like a pig and I feel just terrible. My clothes don’t even fit me. Friend: Hey, why don’t you try this new diet I’ve been telling you about? You: ... Friend: You should try it anyway.

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6. You’re at your desk trying to find a report that your boss just asked for. While you’re searching through the mess on your desk, your boss walks over. Boss: You know, maybe you should try and organize yourself better. I alwys write myself little notes to remind me of things. Perhaps you should give it a try! You: ... Boss: Well, it’s an idea anyway.

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7. You arrive home and notice that your cleaning lady is extremely upset. She comes rushing up to you. Cleaning lady: Oh God, I’m so sorry! I had an awful accident. While I was cleaning I bumped into the table and your china vase fell and broke. I feel just terrible about it. I’ll pay for it. You: (Knowing that the cleaning lady is supporting three children.) You: … Cleaning lady: No, I’d feel better if I paid for it.

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8. You’re a language teacher at a university. It is just about the middle of the term now and one of your students asks to speak to you. Student: Ah excuse me. Some of the students were talking after class recently and we kind of feel that the class would be better if you could give us more practice in conversation and less on grammar. You: … Student: O.K., it was only a suggestion

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9. You are at a friend’s house for lunch. Friend: How about another piece of cake? You (1): … Friend: Come on, just a little piece? You (2): …

Please mark your responses with numbers (1 and 2)

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10. A friend invites you to dinner, but you really can’t stand this friend’s husband/wife. Friend: How about coming over for dinner Sunday night? We’re having a small party. You: ... Friend: O.K., maybe another time.

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11. You’ve been working in an advertising agency now for some time. The boss offers you a raise and promotion, but it involves moving. You don’t want to go. Today, the boss calls you into his office. Boss: I’d like to offer you an executive position in our new offices in Hicktown. It’s a great town – only 3 hours from here by plane. And, a nice raise comes with the position. You: ... Boss: Well, maybe you should give it some more thought before turning it down.

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12. You are at the office in a meeting with your boss. It is getting close to the end of the day and you want to leave work. Boss: If you don’t mind, I’d like you to spend an extra hour or two tonight so that we can finish up with this work. You: ... Boss: That's too bad, I was hoping you could stay.

Thanks for taking part! Enjoy your day!