Module 2 Unit 2.1 Lesson 3 - Interrupting Politely and Asking for Clarification

Verna May 19, 2026

 


LESSON 3 (50 Minutes)

Interrupting Politely and Asking for Clarification

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • interrupt politely during meetings
  • ask for clarification
  • request repetition professionally
  • manage misunderstandings politely

Vocabulary Focus

Word

Meaning

interrupt

speak while another person is talking

clarify

explain clearly

misunderstanding

wrong understanding

repeat

say again

explain

give more information

Target Expressions

Interrupting Politely

  • Excuse me, may I add something?
  • Sorry to interrupt, but…
  • May I say something?

Asking for Clarification

  • Could you explain that again?
  • What do you mean by that?
  • Could you repeat the last point?

Grammar Focus

Polite Questions

Examples:

  • Could you clarify that?
  • May I ask a question?
  • Can you explain the schedule?

Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Quick Discussion

Teacher asks:

  • “What should you do if you do not understand something in a meeting?”

Students answer briefly.

2. Presentation (10 Minutes)

Teacher Script

“In meetings, interruptions should be polite and respectful.” (TeachingEnglish)

Board Examples

  • Sorry to interrupt, but…
  • Could you repeat that?
  • I didn’t catch the last point.

3. Listening Dialogue (10 Minutes)

Teacher Reads Script

Manager:
“We need to finalize the quarterly report by Friday.”

Employee:
“Sorry to interrupt, but could you clarify the deadline?”

Manager:
“Yes. The report is due Friday afternoon.”

Employee:
“Thank you for clarifying.”

4. Comprehension Questions

  1. What needs to be finalized?
  2. What question did the employee ask?
  3. When is the deadline?

5. Pair Practice (10 Minutes)

Situation

“A student does not understand meeting instructions.”

Script

Student A:
“We need to update the presentation slides.”

Student B:
“Excuse me, could you explain which slides?”

Student A:
“The sales performance slides.”

Student B:
“Okay. Thank you.”

6. Group Activity (10 Minutes)

Meeting Clarification Challenge

One student explains instructions.

Other students ask:

  • clarification questions
  • follow-up questions
  • polite interruptions

7. Assessment (3 Minutes)

Students demonstrate a clarification exchange.

8. Homework (2 Minutes)

Write five polite clarification questions.

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