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

👍 👍 👍 👍

10:40

CU then.

10:40

Bye for now.

10:41

 

 

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Average: 4.9 (20 votes)
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Thank you Kirk for your reply. Please look into the email as I've been waiting for a week. I'm interested to learn more topics for the self-access course and would like to know more/get more clarification. Thanks

Hello again RuthYong,

Thanks for letting me know that you got my response. Someone will be in touch via email soon.

All the best,

Kirk

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by RuthYong on Sat, 26/06/2021 - 03:01

Permalink
I would certainly prefer to call instead of sending messages. To me, calling my friends would lead to faster response and clear unnecessary doubts. This is also more convenient for me due to my visual impairment.
Profile picture for user Jack Milgram

Submitted by Jack Milgram on Wed, 10/02/2021 - 08:00

Permalink
I hate talking to people. That's why I always choose to send messages. Sometimes I just send an emoji, and that works even better. But remember - formal situations require emailing, not text messaging.

Submitted by mohamad90 on Tue, 09/02/2021 - 19:53

Permalink
The most certain way to communicate is talking face to face. Other ways like sending sms couse mistake, specially when we communicate with strangers. Nevertheless communicate with new technologies has several merits.

Submitted by Alek89 on Tue, 09/02/2021 - 10:49

Permalink
I definitely prefer sending text messages to my friends. I think nowadays this is the main way to communicate with others, and also it's more simple and fast. Nevertheless, a phone call can be very useful depending on the context.

Submitted by Jamilalucente on Tue, 26/01/2021 - 12:21

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I prefer sending messages, because it is quicker and practice.

Submitted by Ehsan on Sun, 03/01/2021 - 13:11

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Considering the economic cost I prefer to use social messengers like WhatsApp. I often text them and sometimes make a voice or video relation with them.

Submitted by reem mohd on Tue, 08/12/2020 - 16:49

Permalink
I honestly prefer more to message them. I mean... I don't always have the time to call someone and be on a call with them for long periods of time (only in serious situations though). So, messaging is my go-to method all the time :)