Writing a Short Message or Note

Writing a Short Message or Note

Write a short, clear message for someone.

Keep it short

  • Say who it is for.
  • Say what you need.

Be clear

  • Use simple words.
  • Check it makes sense.

Examples

Example 1

  1. Message: Gone to the shop. Back soon.
  2. It says where you are and when you return.
  3. It is short and clear.

Example 2

  1. Note: Please wash your cup. Thanks!
  2. It says what to do and is polite.
  3. Short and easy to read.

Practice Questions

  • Which note is short and clear?
    Answer: Gone to the park. Back at 5.
    A good note is short and clear.
  • What should a message include?
    Answer: Who it is for and what you need
    Messages should be short and clear.
  • Which message is polite?
    Answer: Please can you call me. Thanks!
    Please and thanks make a message polite.
  • Which note tells someone what to do?
    Answer: Please put the milk away. Thanks.
    It clearly says what to do.
  • Which is a good short message?
    Answer: Back at 6. See you then!
    Short messages are easy to read.
Start the interactive Writing a Short Message or Note lesson → ← Back to Functional English