Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988
37. Demanding Explanations
2. Linking Gambits
Sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we have little control over what happens to us. For example, imagine you are flying to London, to catch a connection to New York. You get to London Heathrow and you have three hours to catch your connecting flight But there is a strike of baggage handlers. There are thousands of people trying to get information but it is impossible You cannot get any explanation for anything
Eventually, after you have been waiting for 12 hours, a representative of the airline is prepared to tell you and your fellow travellers what they know.
Speaking
Work in pairs with the information below, one student is the passenger, the other is the airline official Use the phrases in the list.
Information available
1. There will be no definite information on departure for another two hours.
2. No meal vouchers will be available
3. The airline cannot accept responsibility for baggage.
4. The airline will not pay for any hotel bills.
5. There is only one young man on duty giving information.
6. The aircraft is available and waiting to go: the problem is no baggage can be touched
Writing
At the end of your trip, write a letter of complaint to the Complaints Department Customer Services Air World
1Can you explain why ...
Do you mean to say ...
I don’t understand why ...
Why is it that ...
How come ...
Does this mean ...
1. All of these show you are annoyed, and can easily sound aggressive (but of course you may want to!).