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  3. A1 writing
  4. A message to say you're late

A message to say you're late

A young woman texts on her phone

Learn how to write text messages to tell a friend you're going to be late.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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Reading text

Aziz

online

I'm running 10 mins late, sorry!

15:57

No problem!

15:58

Aargh! Traffic is really bad. I'll be more than 10 mins late now, sorry again!!

16:07

It's OK, don't worry. I'm in the café already so it's fine

16:08

This is not my day! I'm here but can't find a place to park. I'm looking for a different car park. Not sure how long I'll be

16:09

OK, LMK when you find a place

16:11

I might get something to eat tho

16:11

Of course! I'll be as quick as I can

16:13

OK!

16:13

Found one! Be there in 10 mins

16:16

Well done! See you soon

16:16

Thx for waiting

16:17

Tips

1. You don't need to write complete sentences for text messages.

2. Use abbreviations like LMK (= let me know) or use emojis to save time writing.

3. You don't need to use full stops (.) at the end of messages.

4. Say how many minutes you think you'll need, e.g. I'm running 10 minutes late.

5. It’s good to say sorry and sorry again, but you don't need to say sorry in every message.

Task 1

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Task 3

Exercise

Discussion

Are you usually on time or late? How many minutes is ‘late’ for you?

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Worksheet96.32 KB
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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (64 votes)

Submitted by aliyyan on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 09:34

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I always on time, 5 minutes is late for me.

Submitted by Dener on Tue, 05/03/2019 - 11:37

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I was usually on time when I was a younger, but when I was studying at university I learnt leave late because I always waited a lot. I think 15 minutes is late. I like reading when I wait :)
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Submitted by Lê Như Quỳnh on Tue, 05/03/2019 - 08:17

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I sometimes late. That is boring days, I feel tired and want to stay alone. A cup of peach tea is enough those days. But life does not as a dream and I have to return with normal works. I go to my office and run 10 mins late. With me don't be late over 15 mins is fine.^_^
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Submitted by bachhx on Mon, 04/03/2019 - 22:41

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For important meeting, I always leave earlier to be on time. Sometimes i get late, because of stuck in traffic, but not more than 15 minutes late. For me, for an unofficial meeting, being less than 10 mins late is acceptable.

Submitted by malana on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 11:44

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this excercises are boring
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Submitted by teddysl on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 03:15

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Every day i will late but don't feel i'm late :(
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Submitted by randyjay on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 03:12

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some days i am late but i try to come on the time always
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Submitted by TP on Wed, 27/02/2019 - 11:57

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I think I'm usually on time. But sometimes I also run a little late. I feel so bad when it happens. For me, 10-15 minutes is 'late'. Working on time is so good for life but there are situations we can't avoid.

Submitted by Sadasivam on Tue, 26/02/2019 - 20:48

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Hi, not able to see the mistakes. Please help.