How do you ask a question politely in the classroom? These are some reminders:
Don't say: 'I want to go to the toilet.' (Too impolite!)
Don't say: 'Can I go to the toilet?' ('Can' is a modal verb indicating ability; so what this sentence means is: 'Do I have the ability to go to the toilet?' Well yes, as long as you have two legs and a functioning brain.)
SAY THIS: 'May I be excused?
Don't say: 'No pen.' (This is the first thing some students say when they are in an exam--this is impolite and an incomplete sentence.)
SAY THIS: 'Excuse me, teacher. Would you mind lending me a pen?' (You clearly express what you need very politely.)
Don't say: 'I can't hear.' (You haven't stated the action the listener needs to take.)
Don't say: 'What?' (Extremely impolite!)
SAY THIS: 'Could you repeat what you said?'
SAY THIS: 'May I beg your pardon'?