Adult ESL/ELL High Beginner Quiz: Polite Request Forms
10 questions · exam conditions
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Polite Request FormsQuestion 1 of 10

Ana is a new employee at a restaurant. She needs to ask a coworker to show her how to use the cash register. She wants to sound professional and polite.

Ana starts her request with 'Could you…' What is the correct and complete way to finish her polite request?

Could you showing me how to use the cash register, please?
Could you show me how to use the cash register, please?
Could you to show me how to use the cash register, please?
Could you showed me how to use the cash register, please?
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Adult ESL/ELL High Beginner Quiz

Adult ESL/ELL High Beginner Quiz: Polite Request Forms

Practice Polite Request Forms in Adult ESL/ELL High Beginner with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Polite Request Forms, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Adult ESL/ELL High Beginner.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Ana is a new employee at a restaurant. She needs to ask a coworker to show her how to use the cash register. She wants to sound professional and polite.

Ana starts her request with 'Could you…' What is the correct and complete way to finish her polite request?

  1. Could you showing me how to use the cash register, please?
  2. Could you show me how to use the cash register, please? (correct answer)
  3. Could you to show me how to use the cash register, please?
  4. Could you showed me how to use the cash register, please?
Explanation: When you see "Could you…" at the start of a request, you're working with a modal verb ("could"). This is important because modal verbs always need to be followed by the base form of a verb — the simple, plain form with no endings added. The base form of "show" is simply show. So the correct way to complete Ana's polite request is B: "Could you show me how to use the cash register, please?" This follows the rule perfectly: could + show (base form). It also sounds natural and professional, which matches what Ana needs. Here's why the other choices don't work: A uses showing, which adds -ing to the verb. Modal verbs like could never pair with -ing forms — that construction simply doesn't exist in standard English grammar. C adds the word to before show, which might seem logical because you've probably seen patterns like "I want to show you." However, after a modal verb, you drop the to entirely — it's could show, not could to show. D uses showed, the past tense form. Modal verbs don't combine with past tense verbs; the base form is always required. A quick tip to remember: after any modal verb — can, could, will, would, should, must — always use the bare base form of the verb (no -s, no -ing, no -ed, no to). When you spot a modal verb in a question, immediately check what follows it, and eliminate any answer that adds an extra ending or to.

Question 2

A student reads these two sentences:

  1. Would you open the window?

  2. Could you open the window?

The student says, 'These two sentences have completely different meanings.' Is the student correct?

  1. Yes, because 'Would you…?' is always about the future, and 'Could you…?' is always about past ability.
  2. Yes, because 'Would you…?' is a command, while 'Could you…?' is a question about ability.
  3. No, because both sentences are correct polite request forms and have very similar meanings in this context. (correct answer)
  4. No, because only 'Could you…?' is a polite request. 'Would you…?' cannot be used to make requests.
Explanation: When you see a question comparing modal verbs like would and could, ask yourself: what function are these words serving in this specific sentence? Modals have multiple uses depending on context, so the same word can mean different things in different situations. In both sentences here, a speaker is asking someone else to do something — open the window. That makes both sentences polite requests. In everyday English, "Would you open the window?" and "Could you open the window?" are nearly identical in meaning and tone. Both are soft, polite ways to ask for a favor, and either one is perfectly natural to say. This makes C the correct answer — the student is wrong to say the meanings are completely different, because both function as polite requests in this context. Answer A confuses grammatical categories. While would can refer to future situations and could can refer to past ability, neither of those meanings applies here. Context determines meaning, not the word alone. Answer B makes a false distinction — "Would you…?" is not a command. Commands sound like "Open the window!" without a modal verb at all. Answer D is simply incorrect; would is widely and correctly used to make polite requests in English, just like could and can. A helpful study tip: when you see modal verbs on this exam, always look at the whole sentence and situation before deciding on meaning. Modals like can, could, would, and will all have multiple uses — request, ability, possibility — and context is your best guide.

Question 3

Tom is at a clinic. He does not understand the form he needs to fill out. He wants to ask the receptionist for help politely. The receptionist looks busy.

Tom wants to get the receptionist's attention first and then make his request. Which option shows the MOST appropriate polite request for this situation?

  1. Excuse me, would you helping me fill out this form, please? I'm not sure what to write.
  2. Excuse me, could you to help me fill out this form, please? I'm not sure what to write.
  3. Excuse me, could you help me fill out this form, please? I'm not sure what to write. (correct answer)
  4. Excuse me, can you help me fill out this form? Would you fill the whole form out for me, please?
Explanation: When making a polite request in English, two things matter: using the correct modal verb structure and choosing language that fits the situation. In a clinic, where you're asking a stranger for help, polite and grammatically correct phrasing is essential. The structure for polite requests with "could" is: could + subject + base verb (no "to," no "-ing"). Answer C follows this perfectly — "could you help me" — and pairs it with "Excuse me" to get attention first and "please" to add politeness. It also gives a brief explanation ("I'm not sure what to write"), which is natural and considerate. C is your correct answer. Now let's look at why the others fall short. Answer A uses "would you helping me," which is grammatically wrong — after modal verbs like "would" or "could," you must use the base form of the verb, not the "-ing" form. Answer B writes "could you to help me," which adds an unnecessary "to" — another grammar error, since modals are never followed by an infinitive with "to." Both A and B have the right idea but make verb form mistakes that would sound unnatural to a native speaker. Answer D starts fine but then adds a second, separate request — "Would you fill the whole form out for me?" — which is too demanding. Asking someone to complete the entire form for you is inappropriate in this context; Tom only needs help understanding it. A handy tip: memorize the pattern "Could you + base verb + please?" This is your go-to structure for polite requests in formal or professional settings.

Question 4

Maria is at work. Her boss is very busy. Maria needs to leave early today for a doctor's appointment.

Maria wants to ask her boss politely if she can leave work at 3:00 p.m. Which sentence is the MOST polite and correct way for Maria to make this request?

  1. Could I leave at 3:00 p.m. today? I have a appointment with my doctor.
  2. Would you leave at 3:00 p.m. today for my doctor's appointment?
  3. Can I go at 3:00 p.m. today because I want to leave early?
  4. Could I leave at 3:00 p.m. today for a doctor's appointment? (correct answer)
Explanation: When asking someone politely for permission — especially a boss or authority figure — English uses modal verbs like can, could, and would. "Could" is more formal and polite than "can," making it the better choice in a workplace setting. You also want your request to be clear and grammatically correct. Choice D is the best answer: "Could I leave at 3:00 p.m. today for a doctor's appointment?" It uses "could" for politeness, clearly states who is leaving (Maria, using "I"), gives the time, and explains the reason naturally with "for a doctor's appointment." Everything is accurate and complete. Now let's look at why the others fall short. Choice A is very close, but contains a grammar error: "a appointment" is incorrect — it should be "an appointment" because "appointment" starts with a vowel sound. One small error can make a polite sentence sound less professional. Choice B has a bigger problem: it says "Would you leave at 3:00 p.m." — this asks the boss to leave, not Maria. The subject is wrong, which completely changes the meaning. Choice C uses "can," which is less formal than "could" in this context, and the reason given — "because I want to leave early" — doesn't explain why she needs to leave. It sounds weak and unprofessional. As a study tip, watch for questions where two answers seem similar — the difference is often one grammar error or one word choice. Always check: Who is the subject? Is the reason clear? Is the tone appropriate for the situation?

Question 5

James is calling a store on the phone. He wants to know if the store has a specific jacket in size large. He wants to ask the store employee politely.

James wants to say: 'I want to know if you have this jacket in size large.' Which polite request form should James use when speaking to the store employee?

  1. Would you tell me if you have this jacket in size large, please? (correct answer)
  2. Could you to tell me if you have this jacket in size large, please?
  3. Would you telling me if you have this jacket in size large, please?
  4. Could you told me if you have this jacket in size large, please?
Explanation: When making polite requests in English, two common patterns are "Would you + base verb..." and "Could you + base verb..." Both follow the same structure: modal verb → subject → base form of the verb (no "to," no "-ing," no past tense). Keeping this formula in mind will help you spot errors quickly. Answer A — "Would you tell me if you have this jacket in size large, please?" — is correct because it follows the pattern perfectly. "Would you" is the polite modal opener, "tell" is the base form of the verb, and "please" adds extra politeness. This is natural, grammatically correct English for a phone request. Answer B is incorrect because it uses "Could you to tell me..." Adding "to" after a modal verb like "could" is a grammar error. Modals are always followed directly by a base verb, never an infinitive with "to." Answer C is incorrect because it uses "Would you telling me..." The "-ing" form cannot follow a modal verb directly. "Telling" would require a helping verb like "is" or "are," which doesn't belong in this structure. Answer D is incorrect because it uses "Could you told me..." "Told" is the past tense of "tell," but modal verbs must be followed by a base verb, not a past tense form. A helpful tip: whenever you see "Would you..." or "Could you..." in a polite request, immediately check that the next word is a plain base verb — no "to," no "-ing," no past tense ending. That quick check will help you eliminate three out of four wrong answers on questions like this.

Question 6

Sofia is in an English class. The teacher speaks very fast. Sofia wants to ask the teacher to repeat the instructions one more time.

Sofia wants to make a polite request. She also wants to give a reason. Which sentence is the BEST polite request for this situation?

  1. Could you repeat the instructions, please? I didn't understand them. (correct answer)
  2. You should repeat the instructions because I didn't understand them.
  3. Would you please to repeat the instructions? I didn't understand them.
  4. Can you repeated the instructions, please? I didn't understand them.
Explanation: When making a polite request in English, you need two things: the right grammar structure and a respectful tone. Polite requests typically use modal verbs like could or would followed by the base form of the verb (the verb with no changes). Adding "please" makes the request even more courteous, and giving a reason helps the listener understand why you're asking. Choice A is the best answer. "Could you repeat the instructions, please?" follows the correct structure — could + you + base verb — and "please" adds politeness. The reason "I didn't understand them" explains why Sofia needs the repetition. This is exactly the kind of natural, respectful English a student would use with a teacher. Choice B fails because "You should repeat..." sounds like a command or criticism, not a polite request. Telling someone what they should do can feel rude, especially toward a teacher. Choice C has a grammar error that makes it incorrect. "Would you please to repeat" is wrong — after modal verbs like would and could, you never add "to" before the verb. It should be "Would you please repeat." Choice D also contains a grammar mistake. "Can you repeated" is incorrect because after a modal verb, you must use the base form of the verb, not the past tense. It should be "Can you repeat." A useful tip: whenever you see a polite request, check for this pattern — modal verb + subject + base verb. If the verb has an extra "to" before it or an "-ed" ending after a modal, that answer is almost certainly wrong.

Question 7

David is talking to his neighbor. He wants his neighbor to turn down the loud music at night. He wants to be polite because they have a good relationship.

David says: '  turn down the music at night? I have to wake up early for work.' Which option correctly completes David's polite request?

  1. Would you please (correct answer)
  2. Will you please to
  3. Could you please to
  4. Should you please
Explanation: When making polite requests in English, the key is using the right modal verb with the correct grammar structure. Modal verbs like would, could, will, and should each follow a specific pattern: modal + subject + base verb (no "to" added after the modal). A) "Would you please" is the correct answer. "Would you please turn down the music?" is a natural, polite request. "Would" softens the request, making it friendly rather than demanding — perfect for David's situation with his neighbor. The structure is grammatically clean: modal (would) + subject (you) + base verb (turn). B) "Will you please to" is incorrect because of the word "to." You never add "to" directly after a modal verb. "Will you please turn" would actually be grammatically acceptable, but adding "to" makes it wrong. This is a common trap — "to" belongs with infinitives (want to go, need to sleep), not after modals. C) "Could you please to" has the same "to" problem as B. "Could you please turn" would be perfectly polite and correct, but inserting "to" breaks the grammar rule for modals. D) "Should you please" doesn't work because "should" expresses advice or obligation ("You should sleep early"), not a request. Saying "Should you please turn down the music?" sounds like you're questioning whether the neighbor has an obligation — not making a polite ask. A quick tip to remember: modal verbs are always followed by a bare infinitive (base verb without "to"). Watch for the "to" trap — it shows up often in questions testing polite requests.

Question 8

A student wants to ask a librarian to help him find a book. He wants to sound polite and respectful. Which sentence correctly uses a polite request form?

  1. Would you helping me find this book, please?
  2. Could you help me find this book, please? (correct answer)
  3. Could you to help me find this book, please?
  4. Would you helped me find this book, please?
Explanation: When making polite requests in English, you typically use modal verbs like could or would followed by the base form of the verb (the simple, unchanged form — no -ing, no -ed, no to). This structure is "Could/Would + you + base verb + ...?" Keeping this formula in mind makes questions like this much easier to handle. Choice B — "Could you help me find this book, please?" — is correct because it follows this structure exactly. Could is the modal verb, help is the base form, and please adds politeness. It's natural, respectful, and grammatically complete. Choice A — "Would you helping me find this book, please?" — incorrectly uses the -ing form (helping) after the modal verb. After would or could, you never use -ing. The base form is always required. Choice C — "Could you to help me find this book, please?" — adds to before help, which is a common learner mistake. After modal verbs, you do not use to before the verb. That would be like saying "Could you to go?" — incorrect in English. Choice D — "Would you helped me find this book, please?" — uses the past tense (helped) after would, which is also wrong. Modal verbs are always followed by the base form, never a past-tense verb. A quick tip to remember: Modal + you + BASE verb. If the verb has -ing, -ed, or to in front of it after the modal, it's almost certainly wrong. Use this as your quick check on any polite request question.

Question 9

Which sentence is an example of a polite request, NOT a question about someone's ability?

  1. Can you speak three languages fluently?
  2. Could you speak more slowly, please? (correct answer)
  3. Are you able to drive a truck for your job?
  4. Do you know how to use this computer program?
Explanation: When you see "can" or "could" in a sentence, it's easy to assume both words work the same way — but in English, could often signals politeness rather than a real question about someone's ability. This distinction is exactly what this question is testing. A polite request asks someone to do something for you, usually with a softened tone. A question about ability genuinely asks whether someone is capable of doing something. The key is to look at the purpose of the sentence, not just the word used. Choice B, "Could you speak more slowly, please?" is the correct answer. It uses could and please together, which are classic markers of a polite request. The speaker isn't asking whether you are able to speak slowly — they're asking you to do it. The word "please" is a strong signal that this is a request. Choice A asks "Can you speak three languages fluently?" — this is genuinely asking about someone's language ability or skill, not making a request. Choice C, "Are you able to drive a truck for your job?" directly uses the phrase are you able to, which is a straightforward question about capability. Choice D, "Do you know how to use this computer program?" is asking whether someone has the knowledge or skill — again, a real ability question. A helpful tip: when you see could you... please? together in a sentence, that's almost always a polite request. Ability questions tend to use phrases like can you, are you able to, or do you know how to without a follow-up request attached.

Question 10

Read these four sentences. Three of them have a grammar error in the polite request form. Which sentence is grammatically CORRECT?

  1. Could you to pass me the salt, please?
  2. Would you passed me the salt, please?
  3. Could you passing me the salt, please?
  4. Would you pass me the salt, please? (correct answer)
Explanation: When making polite requests in English, we use modal verbs like could and would followed by the base form of the verb (the simple, dictionary form — no extra endings or added words). This structure looks like: modal + subject + base verb. So the correct pattern is: "Could/Would you + [base verb]...?" — and that's exactly what answer D gives you: "Would you pass me the salt, please?" The verb pass is in its base form, making this sentence grammatically perfect. Now let's look at why the other three fail. Answer A — "Could you to pass me the salt?" — adds the word to before the verb. After modal verbs, you never use to. That's the infinitive trap: we say "Could you pass", not "Could you to pass." Answer B — "Would you passed me the salt?" — uses the past tense form passed. Modal verbs like would don't combine with past tense verbs. The base form is always required after a modal. Answer C — "Could you passing me the salt?" — uses the -ing form. This is another common mistake; -ing forms follow verbs like is/are/am, not modal verbs. A helpful memory trick: after could, would, should, can, and will, always use the plain base verb — no to, no -ed, no -ing. When you spot a polite request question, check the verb form immediately. If anything is attached to that verb, it's almost certainly wrong.