“Would It Be Possible To…?” on the TOEIC: How to Ask for More Time

Welcome to Win in 5 Minutes English. I'm Jason. Asking your boss for more time is never easy. But Nathan did it well: polite, clear, and with a good reason. And the TOEIC asks about requests like this a lot, especially in the part of the test where you hear a short conversation and answer three questions. That's Part 3.

Let's start with the reason: "The sales numbers came in late, so I'm a bit behind." A bit behind means not on schedule, a little late. On the test, that could be "behind schedule" or "running late." Giving a reason first can make your request easier to say yes to.

Then the request itself: "Would it be possible to move the deadline to Monday?" Would it be possible to is one of the most polite ways to ask for something. It's softer than "Can I?" A common question about a conversation like this is, "What does the man ask for?" And the answer probably won't say "move the deadline." It might say "an extension" or "more time."

Now, listen to how Linda answers: "Monday should work." She never says yes. But that's a yes. On the test, a reply like "That should be fine" or "I don't see why not" can be the right answer to a polite request, even without the word yes.

Next, Nathan promises: "I'll have it to you by the end of the day." That means he'll send it before the workday is over. Here, that's Friday, the day Linda asked for the draft. On the test, you might hear "by close of business."

And last: "Let me know if you need a hand." A hand here means help. Linda is offering to help him.

So here's the trap. When a request repeats words like "possible" or "deadline," watch out for answer choices that just repeat them. Something like "The deadline is on the calendar" sounds related, but it doesn't answer the request.

So here's today's big lesson: a polite request often gets a polite yes, and it doesn't always start with yes.

Let's hear Nathan and Linda one more time. Listen for the reason, the request, and the yes that never says yes.

Did you catch Linda's yes? "Monday should work." No yes, but a clear yes. And Nathan made it easy for her: a reason first, then a polite request. Today's phrases: a bit behind, would it be possible to, should work, by the end of the day, and need a hand. Here's one to try today: if you need to change a plan at work, try, "Would it be possible to move our meeting to Thursday?" Today's page breaks down every phrase, with the test versions side by side under "Say it another way." Check it out in the link below.

Remember, five minutes a day is all you need to win at work, win the TOEIC, and win over your colleagues. And the next time you need more time, ask early, and ask nicely. Have a great week!