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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 (72 votes)

Submitted by jennyTruong on Sat, 12/10/2019 - 09:38

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Sometime i'll be late when i hang out with my friend, but just a bit minutes. Always, I will be on time when i come for important appoitment, then i hope everyone will let me be waiting
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Submitted by Smiley1 on Fri, 11/10/2019 - 00:15

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It’s not about time but how you feel. When you wait for someone you are awaiting, it’s still gonna be fun..., if you know the reason!
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Submitted by ROBERTORIVAS on Thu, 10/10/2019 - 15:38

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Well, I usually arrive on time but if I know will be late I prefer to cancel the appointment. regards from Peru.

Submitted by alkamel81 on Mon, 30/09/2019 - 19:17

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I'm always on time.I always take a reserve of time at least 10 min before .

Submitted by Wello on Sat, 28/09/2019 - 08:08

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when it comes for the appointment I always come early sometimes on time. I can wait about 15 mins max, if they don't show up without calling or text message for confirmation. I just leave.
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Submitted by Magedelabd on Thu, 26/09/2019 - 15:17

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I am usually on time . I am late sometimes so it is only for a few minutes , from 5 to 10 minutes.
if you are late for any reason it is good to let your friends know. Being 5 or 10 mins it is still reasonable.

Submitted by Ola Jamal on Tue, 24/09/2019 - 16:19

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I am often on time. However if I get late not more than 30 minutes. And I apologize for the person who is waiting me.

Submitted by Francis Feng on Tue, 24/09/2019 - 09:00

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I'm usually on time, and I don't like people always late. it is an important issue that shows you respect the one you are going to meet or not.

Submitted by Eman Alahmad on Fri, 20/09/2019 - 07:28

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I always try to be in time, or I can be 5 mins late. I usually can wait for 15 mins, then I get angry. Can't stand people who are always late for there arrangement.