Asking for Information
Useful Expressions
- I’m interested in…
- I’m calling to find out...
- I'd like to inquire about...
- I'd like to know more about...
- I was wondering if you could give me some information about...
- What can you tell me about...?
- I have some questions about...
- I'd like to know if it's possible to...
- Could you tell me…?
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Mr. Abbott is calling Bright Communications to make an inquiry. | |
 Agent | Hello, this is Janet of Bright Communications. How can I help you today? |
 Jonathan Abbott | Hello. I’m interested in buying one of your new products. I was wondering if you could give me some more information about it. |
 Agent | Of course, sir. What product are you interested in? |
 Jonathan Abbott | The Xplora Z phone. I’d like to know more about its features. |
 Agent | No problem. The Xplora Z has a 5-inch 1080p display, a 1.5GHz quad-core Snap processor and a 13-megapixel auto-focus camera. |
 Jonathan Abbott | Nice. What can you tell me about its operating system? |
 Agent | The operating system is Aeon 4.1. |
 Jonathan Abbott | Sounds great. I have a few questions about the payment, as well. First, I'd like to know if it's possible to order it online. |
 Agent | Yes, sir. You can order it on our website and have it delivered to your home. |
 Jonathan Abbott | Could you tell me how long it takes to deliver it? |
 Agent | We can have it delivered within 3 business days. |
 Jonathan Abbott | Perfect! And what about the methods of payment? Do you accept credit cards? |
 Agent | Yes, sir, we accept PayPal, credit and debit cards. |
 Jonathan Abbott | Great! Thank you so much for all the information. |
 Agent | Thank you for contacting us. Have a great day! |
Check your understanding:
1.
Why did Mr. Abbott call Bright Communications?
2.
What kind of processor does the Xplora Z have?
3.
What methods of payment do they accept for online orders?
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
You are responsible for purchasing some furniture for the new office your company is opening soon. Make a phone call to an office-supplies company and ask about the price, size, and other features of the tables and chairs for the new office. Your teacher will act as the receptionist of the office-supply company.
Discussion
1.
Do you make inquiries to businesses over the phone on a regular basis? Why? Why not?
2.
Have you ever been misinformed about something you purchased? If so, what happened?
3.
Do you do a lot of shopping online? Why? Why not?
4.
Are there any products that you would never buy online? Why?
