Politeness and directness: Activity

Try to make the following expressions less direct. Compose alternative sentences for each one.

  1. Shut the window.
  2. Tell me your name.
  3. Stop talking.

What changes did you make to render the expressions less direct? 

Now, make the following expressions more direct. Compose an alternative sentence for each example.

  1. Do you think you could help me?
  2. Would you mind moving your foot? It's on my toe.
  3. You might want to check that you've spelled that correctly.

What changes did you make to render the expressions more direct? 

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