A1 Pathway ā¢ Transition Unit (A1āA2)
Invitation = in-vi-TAY-shun (four syllables, stress third one)
Join = JOYN (one syllable, rhymes with "coin")
Attend = uh-TEND (two syllables, stress second one)
Accept = ak-SEPT (two syllables, stress second one)
Decline = dih-KLYNE (two syllables, stress second one)
What did you say? What did they say back?
The same message sounds very different depending on context:
| š¬ With Friends | š With Teacher/Boss |
|---|---|
| Wanna grab a coffee? | Would you like to have coffee together? |
| Yeah, sounds cool! | That sounds wonderful. I'd be delighted. |
| Nah, I can't. Maybe next time? | I appreciate the invitation, but I'm unable to attend. Perhaps on another occasion? |
| How about this weekend instead? | Would another time be convenient for you? |
Remember: Casual = short, direct, contractions, slang. Formal = longer, polite structures, complete phrases. The words and grammar change, but the meaning stays the same.
A - Ask politely | A - Accept warmly | D - Decline kindly | I - Invite alternatives
Different levels of formality:
YOUR TURN: Write an invitation to a coworker:
Show enthusiasm when you say yes:
YOUR TURN: Accept an invitation to dinner:
Say no WITHOUT offending:
YOUR TURN: Decline a party invitation politely:
When you decline, offer another option:
YOUR TURN: Suggest an alternative:
Person A: "Would you like to come to dinner next Friday?" (A - Ask)
Person B: "I'd love to! That sounds wonderful!" (A - Accept)
Person A: "Great! It's at 7pm. Can you make it?"
Person B: "Perfect. I'll be there."
Person A: "Want to join us for karaoke tonight?" (A - Ask)
Person B: "Aw, I really appreciate the invite, but I have an early meeting tomorrow." (D - Decline kindly)
Person A: "No problem. Maybe next time?"
Person B: "Definitely! Have fun!" (I - Show interest in future)
Watch: "Hey! I'm having a little party for my birthday next Saturday. Would you be interested in coming?"
Let's do this one together ā complete it:
A friend asks you: "Are you free this weekend?"
You: "Well, I (ask if they want to do something specific). I'm having people over..."
Your Turn (Your turn):
Someone declines your invitation. What do you say to show you're not upset?
You want to invite your friend for lunch. Write the FULL conversation (4-5 exchanges):
You're inviting a coworker to your team lunch. Use more formal language:
A friend invites you to go out, but you're busy. Decline and suggest another time:
Full role-play: You have 5 minutes to invite someone (teacher or imaginary friend) to an event of your choice.
Event: What are you inviting them to?
Your invitation (speak or write 3-5 sentences):
Self-check:
Recall: What are 2 ways to suggest something to a friend?
"Let's..." / "Why don't we...?" / "Shall we...?"
Recall: "I am to the beach tomorrow." (Form)
I am GOING to the beach tomorrow. (am/is/are + going to)
Recall: Write a polite request: "Would you ?"
"Would you like to come?" / "Would you mind waiting?"
From memory: Write the AADI framework:
A - Ask politely
A - Accept warmly
D - Decline kindly
I - Invite alternatives
Lesson 44 Complete! You're becoming a social English expert! š