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Reading: emails, notices and short stories
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A short email
- Hi Tom, I'm sorry but I can't come to the cinema on Friday. My train arrives late. Can we go on Saturday instead? The 2 pm show? Let me know. — Ben
- Plans change in emails too. Catch the reason (the train) and the new plan (Saturday, 2 pm).
Why can't Ben come to the cinema on Friday?
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“My train arrives late.”
What is the new plan?
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“Can we go on Saturday instead? The 2 pm show?”
Translate into English: 我们改到周六好吗?
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instead = the new plan, not the old one.
A notice
- GARAGE SALE — Saturday 10 am–2 pm, 14 Park Street. Books, clothes, toys. Everything under five pounds.
- A notice answers five questions fast: what, when, where, what is on offer, how much.
- under five pounds = less than five pounds.
True or false? Everything at the garage sale costs more than five pounds.
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“Everything UNDER five pounds” — under means less than.
Complete the address: The garage sale is at 14 ___ Street.
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“14 Park Street.”
A short story
- Last year, Anna moved to a new city. She didn't know anyone. One day, a neighbour brought her some homemade bread. They talked for an hour. Now they are best friends.
- Stories move through time: last year → one day → now. Follow the tense change.
What did the neighbour bring Anna?
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“A neighbour brought her some homemade bread.”
Instructions in order
- How to make a cup of tea: First, boil the water. Then, put a tea bag in a cup. Next, add the hot water. Wait three minutes. Finally, add milk if you like.
- Instruction words keep the order clear: First, Then, Next, Finally.
Match each sequence word to its place in the instructions.
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First → Then → Next → Finally keeps the steps in order.
Question first, then read
- Before you read, ask: what do I need to find? Then read for that answer.
- For a notice: when and where? For a story: who and what happened? For instructions: what is the first step?
- You do not need every word — homemade explains itself: made at home.
Email, notice, story or instructions?
Each text type has its own shape and its own questions.
Common traps
- ❌ instead = "in place of" is a new plan, not the same plan → ✓ Saturday instead of Friday.
- ❌ under five pounds = exactly five → ✓ less than five.
- ❌ She didn't know anyone = she knew nobody → ✓ not … anyone = nobody.
- ❌ Skip the order words → ✓ First, Then, Next, Finally tell you the sequence; use them.
Write a short email (3–4 lines) to a friend: you must change a plan. Give a reason and a new time.
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Example: “I'm sorry I can't come on Friday. I have to work late. Can we meet on Saturday at two?”
Your turn
- Read the email again. Say the old plan, the reason, and the new plan without looking.
- Write a short email (3–4 lines): you must change a plan with a friend. Give a reason and a new time.
Keep the reading working
- Tomorrow, before you reopen this page: read one short English message (an app, a package, a website) and say who it is for and what it wants you to do.
- Next in this course: present perfect. Reading one level down: notes, signs and messages.