4. Going for a cup of coffee

A: Let's go and have a cup of coffee.

B: Have we got time?

A; Yes, I think so. We could go to that new place in George Street. They serve you very quickly.

B: Wouldn't it be better to go somewhere nearer? It's nearly eleven o'clock and the meeting starts at half past.

A: Where do you suggest?

B: Well, there's a coffee bar just round the corner.

A: We might as well go there then.

Exercise 1. Make up suggestions, using one item from each column.

Let’s Why don’t we Why not We could		go		to			the cinema the Constable exhibition the beach the park the pub
What How	about		going		for	a walk in the woods a drive in the country a swim in the river a picnic in the park

Exercise 2. Suggest the following to one of your fellow-students, who then replies.

1) taking a taxi; 6) eating out;

2) having a rest; 7) buying a magazine;

3) going out ; 8) making pancakes;

4) going to the zoo; 9) watching a video;

5)going skating; 10) going to the party.

Exercise 3. Make suggestions in reply to the following questions.

1. What shall we do a. tonight? b. at the weekend?

1. What shall we get X. (name a fellow-student) for his/her birthday?

3. Where shall we go for our summer holiday this year? 4. What shall we have for dinner?

5. When shall we clean the flat?

Exercise 4. One student suggests having a party and then asks for suggestions about:

-when to have it; -what food to serve;

-where to have it; -what kind of music to have;

-who to invite; -who shall be responsible for what. The others make suggestions.

Exercise 5. Make up your own dialogues based on those given below.

(i)

- What about coming bowling tonight?

- I’m not overkeen, actually.

- We might have a Chinese meal, then.

- No, I thought I’d have an evening at home for a change.

(ii)

• Feel like a stroll in the park?

• I don’t think I will. Thanks all the same.

• Come on. A spot of exercise would do us good.

• No, if you don’t mind I think I’ll stay in tonight.

(iii)

• How about coming out for a drink with me this evening?

• That would be very nice. Thank you.

• I’ll pick you up about 7.30.

• Right. See you then.

(iv)

• Do you feel like going to the cinema?

• Sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

• Let’s make it 6.30 at your place.

• That’ll be OK. I’ll be ready.

XI. ADVICE

1. Discussion

Advice sometimes takes the form of a suggestion.

Why don’t you ...?

Why not ...?

e.g. - I'm so tired.

Why don't you/ not go to bed?

Other widely-used forms are:

If I were you, I’d…

You'd better (not) ...

You should/ought (not) ... – “ought” tends to be slightly stronger than “should”.

I think you should/ought ...

Idon't think you should/ought ...

You must(n’t) ... - more pressing advice

e.g. You (really) must read his latest novel. It’s absolutely fascinating.

I advise you (not) to ... - formal

Replies vary according to the form in which the advice is given and the situation. However, the following phrases often occur:

Agreement:

Yes. I (certainly) will.

I think I will.

Perhaps I'd better.

(Yes,) I suppose I’d better/ I should.

I think/ Perhaps you’re right.

That's a good idea.

Disagreement:

I don't agree.

I'd rather/better not.

I think that would be a mistake.

I don't think that’s a very good idea.

(I'm afraid) I can't/ haven’t got time/ it’s too late/ I can’t afford it/it’s not allowed.

Why should I? - abrupt, possibly rude

I don't see why I should. - same meaning but less abrupt

Here are some more useful phrases giving advice:

Take it easy/ Relax/ Don’t panic/ Take your time/ Don’t take it (too much) to heart. - very informal. Used among friends.