Instant messages

Instant messages

Read a conversation by instant messages to practise and improve your reading skills.

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

Preparation

Reading text
Andrew
online

You there, Beatriz?

10:24

Hang on, Andrew.

10:24

OK. What's up?

10:27

It's Caroline's birthday tomorrow.

10:27

Oh yeah, that's right!

10:27

You thought about what to get her?

10:28

You mean a present? Weren't you buying one from both of us?

10:28

I'm sorry! It totally slipped my mind!

10:28

😳

10:28

And I'm working 'til late.

10:28

So …

10:29

Could you pick up a gift today?

10:29

I guess. What sort of thing were you thinking of?

10:30

Dunno. Got any ideas?

10:30

One sec. Phone.

10:30

OK, I'm back.

10:37

Just had an idea for a gift.

10:37

Go on.

10:38

New headphones?

10:38

Nah. Jeremy said he was getting her headphones.

10:38

OK. What then?

10:38

Have you seen those gift certificates for a spa? Maybe one of those?

10:39

She'd love that!

10:39

I'll pick it up today then.

10:39

Thanks a million. Appreciate it.

10:39

No worries. See you tomorrow then?

10:40

Yep.

10:40

What time was it again? 4?

10:40

4.30. I can pick you up at your house if you like.

10:40

πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘ πŸ‘

10:40

CU then.

10:40

Bye for now.

10:41

 

 

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Average: 4.7 (27 votes)

Submitted by Bulent Oner on Mon, 07/10/2024 - 15:07

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It depends on the intimacy of your friendship, the topic, the timing, etc.
If the topic is not easy and complicated to send a message, I prefer to write first if you are available. If the answer is available, I call.
Sometimes it also depends on my mood. If I don't want to talk to someone and need to give urgent information, I write instead of calling.
However, written communication can cause some misunderstandings. There may be some conflicts because people do not see each other. So if you don't have the chance to meet face to face, one-to-one telephone communication is always better than writing.

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Submitted by abby_extra on Thu, 15/08/2024 - 02:02

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In my preference, I like texting, is fast, and more over people use the shorter ways to explain the same idea, but with less details. It happens to me, that I get bored esaly by phoning. Summarasing I am more to talk face-to-face than phone. 

Submitted by MariaGrazia85 on Thu, 04/07/2024 - 18:12

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I'm comfortable in both sending mesages and phone someone. However I think that chosing one of these solutions depends on the situtaion. In case of emergency and immediate comunication it's preferable to phone someone (for example the first aid after a little accident) while if I want chat to some friend or need set up for a date, it's better to use text messages. Writte comunication can be easy to receive as it involves a relaxed attitude, oral conversation can be used for formal conversations though

Submitted by Alena__ on Tue, 02/07/2024 - 10:30

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I prefer sending messages because I think it`s more comfortable. A person can answer later, if he`s busy at the moment. Also, he may have more time to think. What is more, people can chat almost everywhere, where as calling isn`t as practise. E.g. some people don`t like to call sb in public places, where others can hear them. So, sending messages is a great way to communicate for them

Submitted by ubaid332 on Sat, 29/06/2024 - 07:12

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What do you prefer – sending messages to your friends or phoning them?

I mostly sending message to my friends when they available they respond me. Sending a message to someone before call is a good approach because mostly people are busy in various tasks so permission for call by message is a good habit. Sometimes when I am hurry or want to inform them about an important message then I call them.

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Submitted by Libra23 on Tue, 04/06/2024 - 11:50

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Nowadays, I prefer absolutely sending messages, in particular voice messages because I can be faster than when I write a text. 

I make phone calls only if it’s necessary, so my friends, family and relatives know if I phone them it’s an important or urgent situation. 

Submitted by kiranjee on Wed, 15/05/2024 - 12:08

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Well it's depend some time I send msgs some time I call her mostly friends I send msgs when you come where are you how much time you get some think like that msgs

Submitted by oisoueuatina on Wed, 21/02/2024 - 12:44

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100% sending messages, I'll only call them if it's really important or if I can't find them at a party/something like that. I'm not really into phone calls and neighter they are

Submitted by aleseb3110 on Thu, 01/02/2024 - 12:56

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Rarely do I phone my friends because I fear of their parents answering me instead of them. In addition, I only make phonecalls with some really close friends in which I have enough trust. Sometimes I don't call them because I'm afraid of not finding a conversation theme or being boring, specially with girls.