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

Download
Worksheet129.04 KB

Language level

Topics

Average: 4.9 (20 votes)
Do you need to improve your English reading skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English reading skills with our online courses.

Submitted by Wahiba on Mon, 23/09/2019 - 08:09

Permalink
I always call my mother because she is old and she lives alone so she needs to talk and hear voices . I prefer send messages to my husband, my children and my friends they ares very busy and I don’t like to disturb them. Of course I β€˜ll call them if it's necessary.
Profile picture for user Cheick Sadibou

Submitted by Cheick Sadibou on Sun, 21/07/2019 - 21:14

Permalink
Sending message is my last choice i prefer call

Submitted by Sam1995 on Mon, 27/05/2019 - 20:36

Permalink
If you ask me , I'd say it depends on the situation I'm in which means if it's so important to talk to them about something , therefore I would rather make a phone call , but personally I would prefer sending messages to making a phone call since it's cheaper and better in a way which it does not disturb them as well .

Submitted by Sarah-njzh on Fri, 24/05/2019 - 07:00

Permalink
it depends the thing we talk about and the situation we are. if I want to get the response immediately or something is important I'd like phoning my friends. on the contrary, if we are just having small talk or something not emergency I prefer sending messages to them.
Profile picture for user AL-Mustafa

Submitted by AL-Mustafa on Tue, 26/03/2019 - 08:36

Permalink
I prefer sending messages to my friends rather than call them . Actually i always prefer sending message when i try to contact a person , becuase messages are archived and i can back to them if forget something , for example , Beatriz can back to the conversation with Andrew if she forget the time .

Submitted by mithra66 on Mon, 11/03/2019 - 06:09

Permalink
I prefer sending a message rather than a phone call. because it makes both of us go straight to the main point and prevents wasting time.

Submitted by RayOona on Thu, 07/03/2019 - 10:10

Permalink
I prefer phoning my friends,because it is great to hear voices and I can express myself better by talking than writting a letter.

Submitted by wnyahoda on Wed, 06/03/2019 - 18:10

Permalink
I prefer sending messages. This is mainly because most of my friends are always busy. It's impolite to disturb them especially at work, unless its very important then I will phone.

Submitted by sarah on Mon, 04/03/2019 - 21:45

Permalink
I prefer phoning them, because i can really express myself well and is also an opportunity for me to hear their voice expecially when they are very far away from me.

Submitted by Niedja Suelly … on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 01:09

Permalink
I prefer sending messages to my friends rather than phoning them, because if I phone them I force them to give me attention that moment, instead they talked to me whenever they want