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

šŸ˜³

10:28

And I'm working 'til late.

10:28

So ā€¦

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

šŸ‘ šŸ‘ šŸ‘ šŸ‘

10:40

CU then.

10:40

Bye for now.

10:41

 

 

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Average: 4.8 (25 votes)

Submitted by Emiluy Zaw on Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:01

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I think it depends on which friend Iā€™m gonna talk to, but in general I use messages for quick chat and if I need to explain something or give an opinion that would take a long conversation, I prefer phoning them instead of sending them messages.

Submitted by betelf on Tue, 24/10/2023 - 14:52

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It depends on the timing and the person. If we are both available, I'll call them, but I'm also okay with messaging, so I don't mind.

Submitted by Hantu on Mon, 25/09/2023 - 12:00

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I always prefer messages. Phoning is way too risky. If she asks something I can't answer instantly, then something might go wrong, or very wrong :P. If I hang up due to signal issue or sudden job, it might be mistaken for rude. While messaging, It's more acceptable for late reply, disappearance, etc, which give me more time to think what to answer and how to wording it.

Submitted by KareemZain on Tue, 01/08/2023 - 16:11

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I prefer sending instant messages as it's more comfortable for me. I feel so stressed and uncomfortable during phone calls.

Submitted by jmajo on Thu, 29/06/2023 - 15:53

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I think it depends on wich friend Iā€™m gonna talk to, but in general I use messages for quick chat and if I need to explain something or give an opinion that would take a long conversation, I prefer phoning them instead of sending them messages.

Thanks for the lesson.
Great site!

Submitted by SRKSNO01H46A390I on Wed, 28/06/2023 - 00:45

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CALL OR MESSAGE It depends on the person I'm going to talk

Submitted by tetiankaa on Wed, 14/06/2023 - 08:34

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I prefer sending messages rather make a call. I will call only in case if it's very urgent. But usually I prefer to write. I don't always know if that person have time answer the call.

Submitted by Artyev on Fri, 19/05/2023 - 01:58

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I prefer more sending messages to my friends. You can ask "Why?", I'll answer: Firstly, for example, if I call my friend, I can disturb him by sound of ringing phone at this moment. Messages have just a short calm notification, than loud phone ringing. Secondly, you can read messages in your free time, so you don't have to try as soon as possible call your friend. Thirdly, as for me, it's just a comfortable way to keep in touch with people in your life.

Submitted by Yourfriendjaz on Tue, 16/05/2023 - 03:29

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To be honest, I don't have many friends, but even in my situation I rather to send a message instead of a phone call, I think that It is less annoying for them because maybe when I got spare time they're doing something important and I don't want to be a distraction at all. I understand that you can communicate better through a phone call, but with social media it is not necessary to call because you have the option to send voice notes.

Submitted by Miss zahra on Mon, 10/04/2023 - 16:15

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I used to call them but after I fell into pattern of family life I really do not have time for wasting so I prefer to send a brief message on online platforms like whatsapp.