Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.
Preparation
Reading text
Hey, I don't think I can make it tomorrow. I'm feeling really ill
Yesterday, 18:45
Oh no, poor you!
18:45
Have you been to the doctor?
18:46
No, I think it's just a cold
18:49
Well, get well soon
18:49
Shout if you need anything!
18:50
Thx, I will
18:50
Feeling any better?
Today, 9:03
A bit thanks but staying in bed today I think!
9:06
I can pop round on my way home if you need anything?
9:06
Actually, if you don't mind, pls can you get me some green tea?
9:07
No problem!
9:07
See you about 6 then
9:08
Thx so much!!
9:08
Get plenty of rest! Hope you feel better soon!
9:09
Tips
- You don't have to write complete sentences in text messages.
- You can use short forms, e.g. thx (thanks) and pls (please).
- To cancel a plan, say I don't think I can make it. Add the date (e.g. I don't think I can make it tomorrow) and/or to + the activity (e.g. I don't think I can make it to the party tomorrow).
- To show sympathy, say Poor you and Hope you feel better soon.
- Exclamation marks (!) sound positive and they are used a lot in text messages. Two exclamation marks (!!) shows you really, really mean it!
Discussion
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Hello Mai Khin Nway Shein,
The question mark here indicates that the speaker is requesting information, even though the construction of the sentence is not an interrogative. In other words, the sentence functions communicatively as a question even though grammatically it is a statement.
It's actually not uncommon to use a statement in this way. The equivalent in speech would be rising intonation.
Peter
The LearnEnglish Team