Requesting Temperature Change in a Public Space
Someone in a public space like a library, waiting room, or communal area finds the temperature uncomfortable and approaches a staff member to request an adjustment.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
adjust
To change something slightly to make it better, like changing the temperature on a device. Use it when asking to modify settings in a room.
temperature
The level of hotness or coldness in a place, often measured in degrees. Common in conversations about comfort in buildings.
cold
Feeling too chilly or low in temperature. Use it to describe when a room is uncomfortably cool.
air conditioning
A system that cools the air in a room. Often shortened to 'AC'. Useful for talking about hot weather discomfort.
thermostat
A device that controls the temperature in a room by turning heating or cooling on and off. Mention it when discussing room settings.
fluctuate
To change often, going up and down. Use it to explain why temperature might vary in a space.
appreciate
To feel grateful for someone's help. A polite way to say thank you in formal situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I was wondering if it's possible to adjust the temperature in here? It's a bit cold.
This is a polite way to start a request. 'I was wondering if' softens the question to be indirect and courteous. Use it in public places to ask for changes without being demanding. The grammar uses present continuous for ongoing feelings like 'it's a bit cold'.
Certainly. I can look into that for you.
A helpful response offering assistance. 'Look into' means to investigate or check something. Useful for service workers to show willingness to help. It's formal and reassuring for intermediate learners in customer service scenarios.
It feels like the air conditioning is on quite high.
Describes a personal sensation of too much cooling. 'Feels like' expresses opinion based on feeling, and 'quite high' means very strong. Use this to explain discomfort in a specific area, helping to pinpoint the problem.
I'll go check the thermostat now.
Promises immediate action. 'I'll go check' uses future tense for a planned action. Practical for responding to requests, showing efficiency. Good for learners to practice offering help in real-time situations.
Thank you, I appreciate it. It would make a big difference.
Expresses gratitude and explains the impact. 'Appreciate it' is idiomatic for thanks, and 'would make a big difference' is conditional for potential benefits. Use after requests to be polite and emphasize importance.
No problem at all. I've adjusted it slightly.
Downplays the effort while confirming the action. 'No problem at all' is a casual way to say you're welcome, and present perfect 'I've adjusted' shows recent completion. Ideal for service replies to make customers feel valued.
You're welcome. Enjoy your time here.
A standard polite closing. 'You're welcome' responds to thanks, and 'enjoy your time' wishes well. Use it to end interactions positively, common in hospitality settings for intermediate learners.