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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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Worksheet96.32 KB
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Language level

A1 Elementary
Average: 4.3 (72 votes)
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Submitted by Chue KP on Fri, 16/07/2021 - 16:47

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I usually on time but sometime I late about 15 min that is maximum.

Submitted by amola on Wed, 26/05/2021 - 15:23

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I'mnot driving a car so I always been late and I'm running hours late .Tha't bad 'but nothing to do about it. I really organize person and I like that in all things just my appointment with others out home

Submitted by Veronikka on Sun, 25/04/2021 - 21:25

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I always arrive 10 minutes before the meeting. I don't like arrive late.

Submitted by Veronikka on Mon, 19/04/2021 - 00:47

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I'm always on time. I dont'like to be late, because I think the time is important for the person who is waiting for me. I usually measure the time to travel and add a one hour extra to it, for assure I arrive on time. if you arrive one minute later, you are late for me.

Submitted by DarwinM on Sun, 18/04/2021 - 05:20

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I'm usually on time because I think that being late is disrespectful. I don't like it when people think that being late is nothing. I know we could all be late at some point, but it is always necessary to explain why we will be late and try to take precautions in advance. I think If 5 mins have passed it is already late.

Submitted by stef on Thu, 08/04/2021 - 11:18

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I am always on time, and I hate to be late also I feel upset when someone come late when we have to meet each other
Profile picture for user mirtha

Submitted by mirtha on Wed, 07/04/2021 - 15:37

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I am usually on time. For me "late" it's more than 10 mins after or before the hour.

Submitted by paola_k on Wed, 07/04/2021 - 01:53

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To be late is a common practice in my country for casual meetings. However, is judged as a very irresponsable behavior at work, unless your the boss.