How to do this drill
- Mark expressions of familiarity and obligation.
- Separate tone evidence from topic details.
- Choose a restrained relationship description.
Material
- Mara
- Theo, could you water my balcony herbs while I am at my sister's this weekend?
- Theo
- Of course. You collected my parcels during the conference last month, so this is an easy favour.
- Mara
- Thanks. The basil needs water Saturday morning, but the rosemary can wait. I will leave the spare key in the coded box.
- Theo
- Send me the new code; the old one stopped working after the lock was replaced.
- Mara
- Good reminder. I will text it tonight and bring you some soup on Sunday.
Your tasks
- Describe the speakers' relationship and tone using two cues.
- Why does Theo call the request an easy favour?
Check your work
Finish the tasks first, then open the answer to compare.
Show the answer
Answer
They are friendly neighbours who comfortably exchange favours; the tone is warm and cooperative.
How to reach it
- Identify reciprocal action.
- Notice informal names and easy requests.
- Avoid claiming they are relatives or close friends without evidence.
Evidence
Theo recalls Mara collecting his parcels, accepts promptly, and treats help as reciprocal. Their practical discussion of the key also suggests established trust.
Review your attempt
- Did you cite language rather than guess personality?
- Is your relationship label no stronger than the evidence?
Take it further
Change two lines to create a formal customer-service relationship and explain the tonal differences.
