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Beyond the basics · connected conversation · About 12 min

Explain a problem and ask for help

Say what failed, when you bought it and when you need help. In this example the shop promises an inspection, not an exchange.

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Build your message

01

Comprei estes fones de ouvido ontem, mas um lado não funciona.

I bought these earphones yesterday, but one side doesn't work.

02

Sinto muito. Você está com o recibo?

I'm sorry. Do you have the receipt?

03

Sim, está aqui. Posso trocá-los?

Yes, here it is. Could I exchange them?

04

Precisamos verificar primeiro. Você tem dez minutos?

We need to check them first. Do you have ten minutes?

05

Vou viajar amanhã. Vocês poderiam verificar hoje?

I'm leaving tomorrow. Could you check them today?

06

Sim. Por favor, aguarde aqui por dez minutos.

Yes. Please wait here for ten minutes.

Conversation practice

Listen, then hide your lines and answer aloud. Read the meaning only when needed. Try the changed situation before revealing a model response. These speaking tasks are self-practice, not automatically graded.

Other person

I bought these earphones yesterday, but one side doesn't work.

Show / hide this line

Comprei estes fones de ouvido ontem, mas um lado não funciona.

You

I'm sorry. Do you have the receipt?

Show / hide this line

Sinto muito. Você está com o recibo?

Other person

Yes, here it is. Could I exchange them?

Show / hide this line

Sim, está aqui. Posso trocá-los?

You

We need to check them first. Do you have ten minutes?

Show / hide this line

Precisamos verificar primeiro. Você tem dez minutos?

Other person

I'm leaving tomorrow. Could you check them today?

Show / hide this line

Vou viajar amanhã. Vocês poderiam verificar hoje?

You

Yes. Please wait here for ten minutes.

Show / hide this line

Sim. Por favor, aguarde aqui por dez minutos.

Change the situation

Now neither earphone works. Explain the problem and ask for an inspection today.

One possible response

Nenhum dos dois lados funciona. Vocês poderiam verificar hoje?

Both sides don't work. Could you check them today?

Did you include all the changed details? Now switch roles and ask one follow-up question of your own.

Sinto muito. Você está com o recibo?

Up to 20 seconds per recording. Recordings are not uploaded. For longer answers, practice in sections.

Check understanding · three questions

01What does the shop agree to do now?
02Which response comes immediately after this line in the dialogue? Comprei estes fones de ouvido ontem, mas um lado não funciona.
03Choose the response that fits the changed situation. Now neither earphone works. Explain the problem and ask for an inspection today.

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