Happy New Year to everyone!
Teaching English in the class where the students are motivated and enthusiastic is very encouraging for the teacher. And having the students speak in ESL class is one of the goals for an ESL teacher. Teaching ESL for over three years in China, I have noticed that the Chinese language learners are lack confidence, and not to learn Spoken English to speak naturally and when it comes to speak they always think of the books, the vocabulary in the books or relying on the books- bookish. From my experience teaching Oral English a good way to help the students to improve their Spoken language skills, but teaching how to speak English naturally must be very tough and one of the most effective ways to have the learners Speak the language in a short period.
Here is a handy material, the list of phrases and expressions students may use when they make complaints or have some complaining situations in their life, and I do hope it will be useful.

Making a complaint

Useful expressions:
I’m afraid I have to make a serious complaint.
Look, I’m sorry to trouble you, but….
Excuse me, I’m afraid…
Excuse me, there seems to be something wrong with…
Excuse me, there appears to be something wrong…
I wonder if you could help me…..
I’ve got a bit of a problem here, you see……
Do you think you could……?
I’m sorry to have to say this, but….
Would you mind (doing)….?
I wish you wouldn’t mind….
I do wish you could….
Wouldn’t it be a good idea to/ not to….

Accepting a complaint

Oh, I’m sorry about that.
I can’t tell you how sorry I am
I wish it never happened
Oh dear, I’m really sorry
I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize
I just don’t know how to say.
I just don’t know what to say

Delaying a complaint

I suggest you leave it with us and we’ll see what can be done.
I suggest you leave it with us and we’ll see what we can do.
I’m afraid the manager/boss isn’t in at the moment. Could you call later?
I’m afraid we can’t help you at the moment. Could you leave your contact phone number and address? We will contact you soon.

Rejecting a complaint

Well, I’m afraid there is nothing we can do about it actually.
Well, I’m afraid there isn’t much we can do about it.

Ali
ESL teacher, Cambridge International Center
Beijing Limai School
ali.jul03@gmail.com
13366938617