Apologizing in English is functional language that makes a difference when dealing with native speakers of the language. I used this scene to lead in the topic. This activity can be used with any level. In the end of the instructions, there are apologizing functions, according to the students' level of proficiency.
I. Discuss these questions with a partner:
1. Why is it important to apologize?
2. Does it matter the way you apologize? How so?
3. Is it hard for you to apologize? Or does it depend to
whom you are talking?
4. How do you feel when someone does not apologize for
something wrong they have done?
5. Look at some reasons why you should apologize. http://stress.about.com/od/relationshipskills/a/The-Importance-Of-Apologizing.htm Don't
forget to visit it. It is worth doing it. Decide if you agree with them and
why.
Apologizing when you've broken a rule of social conduct --
from cutting in line to breaking the law -- re-establishes that you know what
the "rules" are, and you agree that they should be upheld. This
allows others to feel safe knowing you agree that hurtful behavior isn't
OK.
Apologies re-establish dignity for those you hurt. Letting
the injured party know that you know it was your fault, not theirs, helps them
feel better, and it helps them save face.
Apologizing helps repair relationships by getting people
talking again, and makes them feel comfortable with each other again.
A sincere apology allows you to let people know you're not
proud of what you did, and won't be repeating the behavior. That lets people
know you're the kind of person who is generally careful not to hurt others, and
puts the focus on your better virtues, rather than on your worst mistakes.
6. Look at some ways and reasons for apologizing:
Expressing Regret – Saying, “I am sorry.”
Accepting Responsibility – Admitting, “I was wrong.”
Making Restitution – Committing, “I will make it right.”
Genuinely Repenting – Promising, “I will not do that again.”
Requesting Forgiveness – Asking, “Will you forgive me?”
II. Here are some ways of apologizing, according to the
student's proficiency level:
Elementary
I apologize
I'm really sorry
I'm so sorry
I'm sorry
I'm sorry but...
Sorry
Pre-Intermediate
...is/was my fault
(I'm) sorry if...
I (really) must apologize
I hope you can forgive me (one day)
I really am so sorry
I wasn't doing my job
I'd like to apologize
Please forgive me
Intermediate
...was very...of me
(I know) my actions...
(Looking back), I (now) realise that...
(Please) don't be angry
I accept (full) responsibility
I am/feel (so) ashamed
I can understand how you feel (about...)
I do apologize
I don't know what to say
I really am most terribly sorry
I regret...
I take (all) the blame
Pardon me!
Please accept my/our apologies
Please excuse my behaviour/thoughtlessness/...
Upper-Intermediate
(I now realise that/I know) I shouldn't have done that
(I'm sure) you must be (very) disappointed in me
(Please) don't be mad (at me)/don't kill me
I accept that I am to blame/that it's my fault
I am (such) an idiot
I am sorry to have disappointed you
I apologize wholeheartedly/unreservedly
I cannot say/express how sorry I am
I have reflected on my actions and...
I know it was wrong (of me) (to...)
If I could turn back the clock,...
It was (a bit) insensitive of me (to...)
Please accept my sincere/sincerest apologies
There is (really/absolutely) no excuse for my
actions/behaviour/inaction/laziness
You are right to blame me
You must forgive me
Advanced
(I know) I have let myself/you (all) down (by...)
(I know) it was thoughtless (of me)
I can see how you might be annoyed (by...)
I can't believe I...
I don't know what came over me
I don't know what got into me
I just want the ground to swallow me up
I take (full) responsibility
I think I went a bit too far
I am/was in the wrong
I messed up
I would like to express my regret
I'm happy to take (my share of) the blame
If I could take it all back, I would
It was inexcusable
It's unforgivable, I know
Please don't hold a grudge/don't hold this against me
Silly me!
1. Describe the scene.
2. Why do you think the driver decided to do that.
3. Role Play the situations below:
Student A: You are the driver. Apologize for what you have
just done. You are truly sorry for what happened.
Student B: You are one the people running on the road. Accept
the apologies politely.
Student A: You are the driver. Apologize for what you have
done, but you think they should not be running where they were.
Student B: You are one of the people running on the road. Do
not accept the apologies. You think the driver was very rude.
Student A: You are the driver. Apologize, but do not be
sincere. You don't really think it was your fault.
Student B; You are one of the people running on the road.
Accept the apologies, but give him advice for safer driving procedures.
IV. Read the situations below and role play the situation
with a partner. Apologize for what happened.
1. Your friend traveled and asked you to water his/her
plants. You forgot to do it and all his/her plants died while he/she was away.
2. Your friend asked you to take care of the dogs, but you
can't do it because you are allergic to pets' fur.
3. Your friend asked you to take their of the children
during the afternoon, but you forgot to feed the baby.
4. You asked for your friend's car while yours was at the
mechanic. You crashed the car while parking it.
5. You borrowed some money from your friend. Now you don't
have money to pay back.
6. You parked your car in the handicapped space without
realizing it. When you finally picked up your car, someone on a wheelchair had
been waiting for you to leave the parking space for one hour.
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