A0 · Message
Understanding a simple request and reply
Read for meaning first. Then return to the text for vocabulary, language choices, and evidence.
Before you read
Build the context out loud.
- What can you do when a delivery comes and you are at work?
- When do people send a short message to a neighbor?
First pass: keep moving when one word is unfamiliar. Dotted words open optional help; every word also appears in the vocabulary bank below.
Hi Rosa,
I am Omar, your new neighborA person who lives in the next home or very near you.Useful chunks: new neighbor · my neighbor in 4B in 4B. I am a nurseA person whose job is to care for sick people, often in a hospital.Useful chunks: a nurse at City Hospital · I am a nurse at City Hospital. On Friday, I am at workIn the place where you do your job, during working time.Useful chunks: at work on Friday · at work from 7 a.m. from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I have a deliveryA box or letter that a company brings to your home.Useful chunks: a delivery on Friday · I have a delivery on Friday. It is a small box. Are you at homeIn the place where you live.Useful chunks: at home on Friday · Are you at home? on Friday? Can you take the box for me? I am home at 7:30 p.m.
Thank you! Omar
Hi Omar,
Welcome to the building! Yes, I am at home on Friday. I am a teacher, but Friday is my day offA day when you do not go to work.Useful chunks: my day off · Friday is my day off. No problem. My door is blue. Come at 7:30 p.m.
Rosa
Original text written for Thomas’s Classroom Reading Lab.
Words in context
Useful vocabulary and chunks
Learn the word with the partners it naturally keeps.
neighbor
A person who lives in the next home or very near you.
new neighbor · my neighbor in 4Bnurse
A person whose job is to care for sick people, often in a hospital.
a nurse at City Hospital · I am a nurseat work
In the place where you do your job, during working time.
at work on Friday · at work from 7 a.m.delivery
A box or letter that a company brings to your home.
a delivery on Friday · I have a deliveryat home
In the place where you live.
at home on Friday · Are you at home?day off
A day when you do not go to work.
my day off · Friday is my day offCheck your reading
Comprehension check
Choose the answer best supported by the text. Check your choices when you finish the whole set.
01What is Omar’s job?
02Why is Omar not at home on Friday?
03What is Omar’s question for Rosa?
04Rosa is a teacher. Why is she at home on Friday?
05What time is good for Omar to go to Rosa’s door?
Language in the text
Ask and answer with be
In a yes/no question, be comes before the subject. In a short answer, use the full word am, is, or are at the end.
A statement starts with the subject: I am.
A question starts with be: Are you...?
Rosa answers with yes first, then the same words.
Friday is one day, so use is.
Check your reading
Language focus check
Use the surrounding meaning, not only the shape of one sentence.
01Choose the correct question for a neighbor.
02Rosa answers the question Are you at home? Choose the correct short answer.
03Complete the sentence about Omar.
Read like a writer
How a short message asks for help
A good message to a neighbor is short. It says who you are, gives the facts, and asks one clear question.
Say who you are
Rosa does not know Omar yet, so he gives his name and his apartment first.
I am Omar, your new neighbor in 4B.
Give the facts
The day and the times explain why Omar needs help.
On Friday, I am at work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ask one clear question
Rosa knows exactly what Omar wants, so she can answer yes or no.
Can you take the box for me?
Answer yes first
The reply gives the important answer in the first words.
Yes, I am at home on Friday.
From reading to speaking
Build your response
Work through the stages in order. Answer before opening the model.
01GistWho are Omar and Rosa, and what is the message about?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
Omar and Rosa are neighbors. The message is about a delivery on Friday.
02Main pointsWhat are the important days and times?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
On Friday, Omar is at work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rosa is at home. Omar is home at 7:30 p.m.
03ReactIs it good to help a new neighbor in this way? Why?
Useful ways to begin
Compare with a model response
I think it is good because Omar is new and Rosa is at home. It is a small help.
Speak
Take a position
Role-play with your tutor. You are a new neighbor with a delivery on Monday. Say your name, your job, and your work times. Ask Are you at home on Monday?
Write
Make the reading useful
Write a message of five or six sentences to a neighbor. Say who you are, give your day and work times, and ask one question with be.