Conversation Gambits - Eric Keller, Sylvia T Warner 1988

7. Listing Excuses
1. Opening Gambits

Here is a telephone conversation explaining why you can't go on a weekend trip with friendsas you had planned. Fill in the phrases from the list

Writing

Write down some more reasons why you can’t go on the trip. Start each with a phrase from the list. Then list them in order of importance

Speaking

1. Make up some other reasons for not going

Present them quickly in order of importance to a nother student.

2. Work in pairs, taking turns to invite and find excuses for turning down invitations to:

a. go out to a really expensive restaurant tonight

b. spend a fortnight — not a week — cycling in the country this summer

c. come round to your home to see your huge collection of butterflies

You will find it easier if you make a short note of your excuses before you start.

First of all, ...

The main reason is ...

Secondly, ...

with two:

The other reason is ...

with several:

Another reason is ...

Besides that,

And on top of that,

And finally,