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Role-play

Complaining Politely Role Play (B1–B2)

Loud music, an early alarm and a birthday party nobody wants to cancel.

Age
Ages 13+
Level
B1–B2
Skill
Speaking
Format
Teacher guide
More in the library

The situation

The front door of a flat on a weekday evening. A neighbour from downstairs knocks to talk about noise.

5-minute timer

Role card A

Downstairs neighbour

You live in a flat, and the person upstairs often plays loud music late at night.

Your goals

  • Explain the problem politely.
  • Agree on a time when the music will be turned down.
  • Stay on good terms with your neighbour.

Only you know

  • You start work at 6 am, so you're usually in bed by 10 pm.
  • Last Saturday the music went on until 1 am. You don't want to complain to the landlord unless you have to.

Role card B

Upstairs neighbour

You live in the flat upstairs, and someone from downstairs has just knocked on your door.

Your goals

  • Listen and apologise if it's fair.
  • Explain your side.
  • Agree on a solution you're both happy with.

Only you know

  • You had no idea the music could be heard downstairs. Your speaker is on the wooden floor.
  • It's your birthday on Saturday, and you've already invited some friends round.

Model dialogue

One good version. Read it after the pairs have tried, not before.

Show the model dialogue
A
Hi, sorry to bother you. I'm Alex from the flat downstairs — have you got a minute?
B
Oh, hi! Sure. Is everything OK?
A
Well, it's a bit awkward, but I can sometimes hear your music quite late at night.
B
Oh no, really? I had no idea it was that loud. I'm really sorry.
A
That's all right. It's just that I start work at six, so I'm usually in bed by ten.
B
That makes sense. When was it worst?
A
Last Saturday it went on until about one. I didn't want to go to the landlord — I'd rather sort it out between us.
B
Thanks, I really appreciate that. I think it's my speaker — it's on the wooden floor. How about if I put it on a shelf and turn it down after ten?
A
That would be great, thank you.
B
There's one thing, though. It's my birthday on Saturday, and I've invited a few friends round.
A
Ah, OK. Would it be possible to turn the music down by midnight?
B
Of course — I'll turn it down at eleven. Here's my number. Just message me if it's ever a problem.
A
That's really kind. And happy birthday for Saturday!
B
Thanks! And sorry again.

Extension for stronger students

Two weeks later the music is loud again on a weeknight: A has to complain a second time, more firmly but still politely, and B has a new reason (a friend staying) and must offer something better.

Printable role cards

Card A and card B on one page, with a cut line between them, plus the phrases.