Exercises B1 : learn Culture in English (answers)

These exercises are based on the course ‘Culture in English: complete course’. They will help you practise polite and indirect grammatical structures in real cultural contexts at B1 level.

→ See the course : Culture in English : complete course

Exercice 1 — Fill in the Gaps: Polite and Indirect Structures

Complete each sentence with the correct polite or indirect form of the verb given in brackets.

1. She ___ (wonder) if you could explain the grammar rule again.
2. I ___ (hope) you would be able to attend the cultural event.
3. Would it ___ (be) possible to reschedule our meeting to a later time?
4. They ___ (prefer) it if you could use more formal language in the report.

Correction

1. She was wondering if you could explain the grammar rule again.
2. I was hoping you would be able to attend the cultural event.
3. Would it be possible to reschedule our meeting to a later time?
4. They would prefer it if you could use more formal language in the report.

Exercice 2 — Spot the Error: Indirect and Polite Language

Each sentence contains one grammar error related to polite or indirect structures. Rewrite the sentence correctly.

1. Could you to help me understand why indirect structures are considered more polite in English?
2. I wonder if you can telling me when to use formal grammar at a cultural event.
3. Would you mind to explain the difference between direct and indirect speech?
4. It would be more politely if you used indirect questions when asking for help.

Correction

1. Could you help me understand why indirect structures are considered more polite in English?
2. I wonder if you could tell me when to use formal grammar at a cultural event.
3. Would you mind explaining the difference between direct and indirect speech?
4. It would be more polite if you used indirect questions when asking for help.

Exercice 3 — Multiple Choice: Why and When to Use Polite Structures

Choose the most appropriate sentence for each cultural or communicative situation described.

1. You want to ask your teacher to repeat an explanation. Which sentence is most appropriate at B1 level?
2. You are writing a formal email and want to suggest a meeting. Which sentence best uses an indirect structure?
3. According to the course, at B1 level, knowing polite structures means understanding…
4. Which sentence demonstrates the correct use of an indirect question to sound more polite?

Correction

1. b) I was wondering if you could go over that explanation once more.
2. c) I would like to suggest that we arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience.
3. b) Both why and when to use polite or indirect structures, as well as the rules themselves.
4. c) Could you tell me where the meeting room is, please?