Apologize or Saying Sorry - ESL worksheet by jamesken - Free Printable

Here’s the completed worksheet with each apology sentence filled in correctly based on the context and matching images. I’ll explain the reasoning for each answer.

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Completed Worksheet:

1. I apologize for hurting you.
*(Image shows two people, one pulling the other’s shirt — implies physical or emotional hurt.)*

2. I must apologize for pulling your T-Shirt.
*(Same image as #1 — specifically about the action of pulling the shirt.)*

3. I apologize for coming late I was stuck in traffic jam.
*(Image shows a car in heavy traffic — explains why the person is late.)*

4. Sorry for calling you, I didn’t know that you were busy working on paper.
*(Image shows someone at a desk surrounded by stacks of paper — clearly busy with work.)*

5. I am so sorry today I can’t come to the meeting.
*(Image shows people seated around a table — typical meeting scene.)*

6. I shouldn’t have done this, I broke the bottle.
*(Image shows a broken green bottle on the floor — direct cause.)*

7. It’s my entire fault, I am to be blamed for destroying plug wire.
*(Image shows a frayed or damaged electrical plug/wire — likely caused damage.)*

8. I’m ashamed hurting my mother.
*(Image shows two women, one comforting the other — suggests emotional harm to a mother figure.)*

9. Excuse me sorry for ringing the bell I have some urgent work.
*(Image shows a “PLEASE! Do not RING the doorbell” sign — person rings anyway because they have urgent business.)*

10. I’m terribly sorry, for stealing your bag, please forgive me, I won’t do that again.
*(Image shows a person holding a stolen bag and raising hands — classic apology after wrongdoing.)*

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✔ Final Matching Summary (for clarity):

| Sentence Number | Correct Phrase |
|-----------------|----------------------------------|
| 1 | hurting you |
| 2 | pulling your T-Shirt |
| 3 | I was stuck in traffic jam |
| 4 | busy working on paper |
| 5 | meeting |
| 6 | broke the bottle |
| 7 | plug wire |
| 8 | hurting my mother |
| 9 | urgent work |
| 10 | I won’t do that again |

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📌 Explanation of Key Concepts:

This worksheet teaches students how to form sincere apologies by:

- Acknowledging the mistake (“I apologize for...”, “It’s my entire fault...”)
- Explaining the reason (when appropriate — e.g., traffic jam, urgent work)
- Taking responsibility (“I shouldn’t have done this”, “I am to be blamed”)
- Expressing remorse (“I’m ashamed”, “I’m terribly sorry”)
- Promising improvement (“I won’t do that again”)

The visual cues help learners connect language with real-life situations — an effective ESL/ELA teaching strategy.

Let me know if you’d like a printable version or additional practice sentences!