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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- To request office supplies clearly and politely to support your team’s work.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex notices that the team is running low on notebooks, pens, and printer paper. Before it becomes a problem, he checks the supply cabinet and makes a short list of what is needed. He sends a simple request to the office administrator and copies Mr. Miller with the bottom line first. He also asks Omar to help track supplies so the team doesn’t run out again. Sarah thanks Alex for being proactive and organized.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Inventory
Noun
/ˈɪnvənˌtɔːri/
Meaning:
The list of items a company has in stock.
- We need to update the office supply inventory.
Run low on
Idiom
/rʌn loʊ ɒn/
Meaning:
To almost have no more of something.
- We’re running low on printer paper.
Put in a request
Phrasal verb
/pʊt ɪn ə rɪˈkwɛst/
Meaning:
To officially ask for something.
- I’ll put in a request for more notebooks.
Could we get…
Phrase
IPA
Meaning:
A polite way to ask for supplies.
- Could we get more pens for the team?
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Sarah, I think we’re running low on office supplies.
Alex
Which ones?
Sarah
Pens, notebooks, and printer paper.
Alex
Did you put in a request yet?
Sarah
Not yet, but I will right after this.
Alex
Could we get a few extra boxes of paper?
Sarah
Yes, I’ll include that in the inventory update.
Alex
Perfect, thanks for handling it.
Sarah
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What supplies are running low?
2. What will Alex do next?
3. What extra item does Sarah ask for?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Requesting office supplies is a simple task that helps the whole team work smoothly. First, check what items are running low and make a short list. This saves time and avoids ordering unnecessary items. Then, put in a request using the company’s system or email.
Start with the main point, such as, “We’re running low on printer paper and pens.” Be clear and specific about quantities. Using polite language like “Could we get…” keeps your message professional and friendly. It is also helpful to copy your manager if required, especially when the request affects the team’s budget. Keeping an updated inventory prevents last-minute problems. When supplies are managed well, work becomes easier and more efficient for everyone.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex puts ___ a request for new supplies.
A. in
B. on
C. at
2. He needs ___ box of printer paper.
A. a
B. an
C. the
3. Alex usually ___ the supply list weekly.
A. update
B. updates
C. updating
4. He ___ already checked the inventory.
A. has
B. will
C. is
5. Sarah thanked ___ for being proactive.
A. he
B. him
C. his
6. Alex speaks ___ when making requests.
A. polite
B. politely
C. politeness
7. This is ___ important task for the team.
A. a
B. an
C. the
8. Alex needs to ___ in a request for pens.
A. put
B. take
C. bring
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you know when your office is running low on supplies?
2. What items do you request most often at work?
3. When do you usually put in a supply request?
4. How do you ask for supplies in a polite way?
5. Where do you check your office inventory?
6. How do you avoid ordering too many supplies?
7. Who do you inform when you make a supply request?
8. How does good supply management help your team?
