Asking for Technical Support

A2 level · 60-minute interactive lesson

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Stage 1 — Lead-in

Help! My computer has a problem.

Practise simple, useful English for describing computer problems, asking for help, and following clear instructions.

Scenario

You cannot log in to your work app. You see an error message. You call IT support and ask for help.

LevelA2 everyday work English
Time60 minutes, 8 pages
GoalDescribe a tech problem clearly

Discuss with your partner:

1. What technology do you use every day?

2. What problems do you often have: slow internet, password problems, printer problems?

3. Who do you ask for help?

The problem today

A worker cannot log in to a work app. The screen freezes and says: “Error 403”. The worker has an important meeting soon.

phone callIT supporturgent problem
7 min
Stage 2 — Vocabulary 1
Useful tech words
8 minutes · Click a word, then click a blank.
Use simple words first. At A2, it is fine to say “the screen is frozen” or “I cannot log in”.
8 min
Stage 3 — Vocabulary 2
Problem or solution?
7 minutes · Read and match.

Match the problem to a good solution.

1. I cannot log in.
Check your username and password.
2. The screen is frozen.
Close the app and open it again.
3. The internet is slow.
Restart the router.
4. The printer is not working.
Check the paper and the cable.
5. I see an error message.
Tell support the error number.
6. I cannot hear you.
Check your microphone and speakers.

Speak:

A: “I can’t log in.”
B: “Please check your username and password.”

Now practise the six mini-dialogues with a partner.

7 min
Stage 4 — Grammar
Simple grammar for tech support
10 minutes · Study and practise.

Make sentences:

1. I can’t + verb: I can’t log in.

2. It is + adjective: It is frozen.

3. Please + verb: Please restart the computer.

4. Could you + verb?: Could you help me?

10 min
Stage 5 — Grammar quiz
Choose the best sentence
10 minutes · Multiple choice.
10 min
Stage 6 — Functional language
Useful support phrases
8 minutes · Listen, repeat, practise.

User phrases

I have a problem with my computer.
I can’t log in to the app.
The screen is frozen.
I see an error message.
Could you say that again, please?

Support agent phrases

Can you tell me your name?
What error message do you see?
Please restart your computer.
Please try again now.
Is it working now?
8 min
Stage 7 — Role play
Call IT support
15 minutes · Pair work.
Student A is the user. Student B is the IT support agent. Then swap roles with a new problem.
15 min
Stage 8 — Review
Lesson complete!
5 minutes · Review and homework.