Language Focus
Asking Permission
May I help you?
May I know who's calling?
May I take a message?
Making Requests
Could you repeat that?
Could you hold for a moment?
Could you spell your name?
Would you please wait?
Offering Help
Shall I transfer your call?
Would you like to leave a message?
Can I help you?
Promising Action
I will call you back.
I will give him your message.
She will contact you tomorrow.
Giving Advice
You should call after lunch.
You should send an email as well.
Giving Obligation
You must include your phone number.
You must confirm the meeting schedule.
6. Grammar Focus
Formula
Subject + Modal + Verb 1
Examples
I can help you.
She will call later.
Could you repeat that?
May I take your message?
Notice:
After a modal auxiliary, always use the base form (Verb 1).
✔ Could you tell me?
✔ May I speak to Mr. David?
❌ Could you tells me?
❌ May I speaking to Mr. David?
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| permission | izin |
| request | permintaan |
| offer | menawarkan |
| advice | saran |
| obligation | kewajiban |
| transfer | menghubungkan |
| available | tersedia |
| message | pesan |
| customer | pelanggan |
| receptionist | resepsionis |
| appointment | janji |
| confirm | mengonfirmasi |
| politely | dengan sopan |
| company | perusahaan |
| colleague | rekan kerja |
Exercises (untuk Modul)
Essay
- What is a modal auxiliary?
- Why do receptionists use modal auxiliaries?
- Write three polite requests using Could.
- Write two offers using Would.
- Explain the difference between Can and Could.
Multiple Choice
10 soal tentang fungsi modal auxiliaries dalam konteks komunikasi telepon bisnis.
Project
Students work in pairs.
Create a telephone conversation (12–15 exchanges) between:
- Receptionist
- Customer
Requirements:
- Use at least 6 different modal auxiliaries.
- Include greetings, requests, offers, permission, taking messages, and closing.
- Perform the conversation in front of the class.
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