A friend asks you to look after their pet snake for a weekend. You like your friend. You are less enthusiastic about the snake.
Complete the dialogue using each word once. Pay attention to how the speaker refuses without inventing an excuse.
Word bank: afraid · asking · else · honest · rather · reassuring
Alex: Would you mind looking after my snake, Noodle, on Saturday?
Jo: Thanks for (1) ______, but I’m (2) ______ I can’t.
Alex: He’s never bitten anyone.
Jo: That’s (3) ______, but I’ve never looked after a snake.
Alex: I could show you how. He mostly just sleeps.
Jo: I’d (4) ______ not, to be honest. I’m not comfortable with snakes.
Alex: Fair enough. Thanks for being (5) ______ with me.
Jo: Of course. If you need help with anything (6) ______, just ask.
Extra challenge: Write a friendly two-line refusal to a real favour you would rather not do. Can you be both kind and clear, without giving a complicated excuse?
