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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 (64 votes)
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Submitted by JUNELLY CAMPOS on Sat, 26/12/2020 - 17:28

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Well, I effort to be punctual but sometimes it´s difficult You know the traffic, unexpected situations, But if you organize your times you won´t be late never

Submitted by Mazin on Thu, 24/12/2020 - 22:41

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I always try not to be late as much as I can, Therefore in most situations I'm on time. I think being late for me depends on the situation itself but maybe it's between 13 and 15 mins.

Submitted by Mone on Mon, 21/12/2020 - 19:44

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It depends on where I wait. When I'm at home it doesn't matter if you don't come on time. When I'm waiting in a coffe bar is ten minutes late ok. After that I would call you.

Submitted by Anhi on Sun, 20/12/2020 - 09:51

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i lived in london for a long time, i must confess travelling was a nightmare because it´s a huge city and it is a hassle to travel with public transport. you can certainly grab and study a map, but if its the first time you go somewhere, you´d better consider getting lost. Google maps and city maper were helpful, but sometimes you had to walk for at least 20 or 30 minutes.

Submitted by Anhi on Sun, 20/12/2020 - 09:36

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i try hard to be on time, some times it works, some others not

Submitted by bykarenreis on Fri, 18/12/2020 - 15:47

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I´m always on time!

Submitted by m.royan2020 on Fri, 18/12/2020 - 04:49

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I am usually on time. a 10 minutes is late. I'm happy for this lesson. :D

Submitted by Lylylie on Tue, 15/12/2020 - 17:09

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I am always on time,I hate be late,or when someone left me waiting.I am always careful to don't late,so I think that the other person have to be on time as well.In my opinion is acceptable be late between five or ten minutes.But be too late about thirty or more just piss me of,unless the other person have a real and convince reason to be late.

Submitted by Dalmi on Mon, 14/12/2020 - 11:39

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Actually, when i have appointment with new people, i always on time. But, when someone didn't respect the time when making an appointment, i will be late person. For me, 15 minutes may be considered as late.

Submitted by vanessa Rodri on Wed, 09/12/2020 - 20:59

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I hate when I'm late