CHAPTER 2

I CAN DO IT
One’s Capabilities and Willingness to Do Something

By Mrs. Ratu Erlinda Kurniatillah

 One’s Capabilities and Willingness to Do
Something
Listen and repeat.
Then, practice the dialog with a friend.
1. Delia : Hi, Ran. Where’s everyone?
Randy : Hi, Del. Mom is attending a social gathering in Mrs. Resti’s
house and Dad hasn’t arrived home yet.
Delia : I see. Anyway, what are you doing?
Randy : I’m going to make crispy fried fish for dinner. Mom asked me to
do it.
Delia : Can you do it? I’ve never seen you frying fish.
Randy : Don’t worry. Frying fish is just like frying chicken. I only need to
reduce the recipe a little so that it won’t be salty.
Delia : You’re right.
Randy : But I need your help to beat eggs.
Delia : Sure. I’ll help you, but I have to change my shirt first.
Randy : O.K.
 The following are expressions to ask for and
provide information about a person’s capability.

Asking about a Person’s Capability Providing Information about a

 Can you do it?
 Can you fix it?
 I can’t fix it. Can you, Wisnu?
 Do you think we can finish this
assignment on time?
Person’s Capability
 Don’t worry. Frying fish is just like
frying chicken
 Yes, I can. Let me fix it.
 Sure. Leave it to me. A piece of cake.
 Yes, we can.

Providing Information about Person’s Incapability

• Sorry, I can’t do it.
• I don’t think we can solve the problem ourselves.
• The students are not sure they can finish their experiments on time.
• I’m sorry, I know nothing about resetting a printer.
• Rifky can’t type sentences as fast as you can.
Notes:

1. To state a person’s capability in the present time, we use “can” or “is/am/are+able to”.
“can” or “is/am/are +able to” are followed by “verb base”.
Examples:
 My sister can create a beautiful bag from old newspapers.
 Chameleons are able to change their colors when threatened.

2. To show that a person is not able to do something in the present time, we use “cannot” or “is/am/are+ not +able to.”
Examples:
 Sorry, I cannot reset your cell phone.
 Randy is not able to nail the painting on the wall because the wall is too hard.

3. To state a person’s capability in the past, we use “could” or “was/were+able to”.

Examples:
 The students could answer all the questions well.
 The rescue team was able to trace where the hikers were.
Read what the person in the pictures say.

Text 1
My mother, Mrs. Erni, is very special to me. She teaches me many things and never scolds me
whenever I make a mistake. She teaches me by giving examples from her actions, not instructions
to do this and that. Through this way, I get clear descriptions of how I should behave.
For your information, she also teaches me how to cook so that I can be independent. I can cook
my own meal whenever my mother isn’t at home. Therefore, I can save money as I don’t need to
buy food. My mother always does everything on time and never delays finishing her jobs. That’s
the way she teaches me to be disciplined. I willingly copy her and get many benefits. By being
disciplined, I have lots of time to read books and learn many things as I always finish my
assignments as soon as possible. My mother is always responsible for what she does. She asks for
an apology at once she makes a mistake. So do I. Because of this, everyone respects us. Besides, I
always dare to try new things. I really understand that success is only achieved through hard
work. I never feel reluctant to ask for apologies. As a result, I can do many things and gain many
experiences. For me, my mother is a really perfect mother and good teacher.
...
 Asking for and Providing Information about Someone’s
Willingness to Do a Task

Practice the following dialogs with a friend.

1. Randy : Dad, your shoes look dirty.

Mr. Nugraha : Do they? Are you willing to polish them,
dear? I don’t have much time to do it.
Randy : Sure, Dad. It only takes a while.
Mr. Nugraha : Thanks, my boy.
Randy : You’re welcome. Dad.

2. Lili : I have a terrible headache. Would you do me

a favor, please?
Kinar : Of course. Shall I buy you medicine?
Lili : No, no! Just take me to the clinic, please. I
feel like I’m going to stumble.
Kinar : O.K.
Asking for and Providing Information about Someone’s Willingness to Do a Task

The following are expressions to ask for and provide information about
a person’s willingness to do a task

Asking if a Person is Willing to Do a Stating if a Person is Willing to Do a

Task Task
 Are you willing to polish them, dear?  Sure, Dad.
 Would you do me a favor, please?  Of course.
 Will you help me prepare the media?  Yes, Mom.
 Would you like to wash it if you don’t  O.K., let me handle it, Uncle.
mind?
Please Remember!!!

1. To ask for and provide information about a person’s willingness to do a task, we use “will/would” or
“is/am/are willing to.”
Examples:
 Will you record his speech for me?
 Would you take my photograph, please?
 Are you willing to be the announcer for the school’s anniversary party?
 Finally, Arina will prepare our tickets to see the concert.
 Tomo is willing to participate in the Inter-student Debate Contest.

2. To provide information that a person is unwilling to carry out a task, we can use “will/would not” or “is/am/are
not willing to”.
Examples:
 Raka will not lead the meeting because he has a sore throat.
 Vanya is not willing to keep an eye on our properties during the camping. She has another task to do.
Thank you