A2 · Elementary · Relations with other people
Arguing, apologising and making up
5 short A2 English scripts to practise how to arguing, apologising and making up. Read one out loud, record yourself, listen back and try again.
Key phrase I'm sorry I… It's my fault.
The last yoghurt
Josh, can we talk? I'm really annoyed. It's the third time this week that somebody ate my yoghurt, and my name is on it. In big letters.
Don't blame the cat. The cat can't open the fridge. I don't want to shout at you, and I don't want to snap at you either, but it's selfish. Next time, ask first, or buy your own.
Wait, what? You bought me a new one yesterday? It's in the bag? Oh. Oh no. It really was the cat? No? It was me, last night, at midnight? Okay. Sorry. You can have half of mine.
American English
Josh, can we talk? I'm really annoyed. It's the third time this week that somebody ate my yogurt, and my name is on it. In big letters.
Don't blame the cat. The cat can't open the fridge. I don't want to yell at you, and I don't want to snap at you either, but it's selfish. Next time, ask first, or buy your own.
Wait, what? You bought me a new one yesterday? It's in the bag? Oh. Oh no. It really was the cat? No? It was me, last night, at midnight? Okay. Sorry. You can have half of mine.
Seen, no reply
Deniz, you ignored my calls all week. And you said you'd come to my gig on Saturday. You didn't. You let down your best friend.
Last time, I gave in and said it was fine. This time I won't give in. Are you jealous because the band asked me and not you? Be honest. I wanted to storm out of your flat yesterday, but it was raining, and I forgot my umbrella.
Wait. Your gran was in hospital? All week? Oh, Deniz. Why didn't you tell me? I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot. Come here. Is she okay? I'll bring grapes on Sunday. And a very small guitar.
American English
Deniz, you ignored my calls all week. And you said you'd come to my gig on Saturday. You didn't. You let down your best friend.
Last time, I gave in and said it was fine. This time I won't give in. Are you jealous because the band asked me and not you? Be honest. I wanted to storm out of your apartment yesterday, but it was pouring, and I forgot my umbrella.
Wait. Your grandma was in the hospital? All week? Oh, Deniz. Why didn't you tell me? I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot. Come here. Is she okay? I'll bring grapes on Sunday. And a very small guitar.
Coffee on the laptop
Hi Lena, it's Sam. I'm so sorry. I knocked my coffee over your laptop this afternoon. It was by accident, I promise. It wasn't on purpose!
It's my fault. I put my cup too close to the edge, and then I turned around to say hello to the boss. I feel so guilty. I walked around the office all day with a face like a wet dog.
Please accept my apology. I'll pay for a repair, and I'll buy you lunch for a week. A cheese sandwich every day. Can I also say that the laptop looked a bit tired? No? Okay. I'll stop talking now.
American English
Hi Lena, it's Sam. I'm so sorry. I knocked my coffee over your laptop this afternoon. It was by accident, I promise. It wasn't on purpose! I'd never do that to you.
It's my fault. I put my cup too close to the edge, and then I turned around to say hi to the boss. I feel so guilty. I walked around the office all day with a face like a wet dog.
Please accept my apology. I'll pay for the repair, and I'll buy you lunch for a week. A turkey sandwich every day. Can I also say that the laptop looked a little tired? No? Okay. I'll stop talking now.
After the wedding speech
Tarık, nice speech. I cried a bit. Can I say something? We never really talked after the argument about Dad's car. Five years! I never wanted to fall out with you over a car, and a very old car, too.
We were both stubborn. I know I was. Let's talk it through now, here, with a drink. I think it's time to make up. I hope you can get over it, because I'm tired of being angry.
So, no hard feelings? Good. Come here. Now the real question: who's going to tell Mum that we're friends again? She's going to want a big party. A party for a car.
American English
Tarik, nice speech. I cried a little. Can I say something? We never really talked after the fight about Dad's truck. Five years! I never wanted to fall out with you over a truck, and a very old truck, too.
We were both stubborn. I know I was. Let's talk it through now, here, with a drink. I think it's time to make up. I hope you can get over it, because I'm tired of being mad.
So, no hard feelings? Good. Come here. Now the real question: who's going to tell Mom that we're friends again? She's going to want a big party. A party for a truck.
Five-a-side, five apologies
Mert, it's Elif. Can I be honest? I was in a bad mood yesterday, and it wasn't your fault. Work was awful, the bus was late, and you said my team always loses. That was the end of me.
I never lose my temper, but yesterday I did, in front of everybody. The referee had to tell off both teams, and he's twelve. We had a big argument about a tiny ball, and I want to take back everything I said, especially the bit about your mum's cooking. Her cooking is lovely.
So here's the plan. Saturday, same pitch, my team against yours. If I win, you buy the chips. If I lose, you buy the chips too. Deal? Sorry again. Say yes, please.
American English
Mert, it's Elif. Can I be honest? I was in a bad mood yesterday, and it wasn't your fault. Work was awful, my train was late, and you said my team always loses. That was the end of me.
I never lose my temper, but yesterday I did, in front of everybody. The ref had to tell off both teams, and he's twelve. We had a big argument about a little ball, and I want to take back everything I said, especially the part about your mom's cooking. Her cooking is great.
So here's the plan. Saturday, same field, my team against yours. If I win, you buy the fries. If I lose, you buy the fries too. Deal? Sorry again. Say yes, please.
Key words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| blame verb | to say that someone did something bad |
| shout at / yell at (US) phrasal verb | to speak very loudly to someone because you are angry |
| snap at phrasal verb | to speak to someone in a sharp, angry way |