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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

Grouping_MjI1OTg=

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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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (64 votes)
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Submitted by Truongus123 on Fri, 15/01/2021 - 00:03

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I remember when I was in middle school, I was always running late, but since I grew up I was awarded that being late is very bad, so I had promised myself that I wouldn't run late again

Submitted by arelyskolher on Thu, 14/01/2021 - 05:06

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i don't like being late, i'm always trying to be on time

Submitted by Leila77 on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 18:38

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In general, I am on time, but sometimes, and due to the traffic I am late. It's embarrasing to be late, especially when I have a formal meeting, but what can you do if you live in a town with a very bad traffic! More than 10 mins is late for me, but if you have a good reason to be late, it's ok!

Submitted by MrABD on Wed, 13/01/2021 - 01:22

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When I was kid, I was always being late where I need to go! I learned that being late is not good behaviour when I started my first real job. If you want to be somewhere on time, I have got a special tip. Set your watch 5 mins back

Submitted by beste on Tue, 12/01/2021 - 22:11

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I usually go meet right on time. I don't like keeping people waiting and don't like to wait so I am to be careful not to be late.

Submitted by Roo on Sat, 09/01/2021 - 06:20

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I am usually on time. I don't like to make anyone wait and even I don't like to wait for anyone too. sometimes a slight wait or 5-10 mins wait is ok or if is there any solid reason to get late is also ok but everyone should respect each one's time.

Submitted by German on Tue, 05/01/2021 - 00:53

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I usually am on time. I don´t like be late to the meetings or others commitments. I think that 15 mins is late.

Submitted by mrelvinaliyev on Tue, 29/12/2020 - 06:23

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I don't like to late when i meet with someone. Also i can't wait anymore when someone late. I can wait him maximum 10 mins.

Submitted by Joselyn15 on Mon, 28/12/2020 - 22:36

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I am usually late to virtual classes. And, 15 minutes is late for me.

Submitted by Pann Nilar Htun on Mon, 28/12/2020 - 12:52

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I am early bird and prepare for everything in advance. Fortunately, I stay in country side and there is not too much traffic jam. I am very afraid to be late. My father is a teacher and he trains me to respect time.