EduCareer

Reading an Email from a Friend

B2 (Upper-Intermediate)Reading

Reading an Email from a Friend

Read a B2 informal email from an old friend and understand the news and tone. A real-world reading text with key words and questions.

Reading an Email from a Friend
LevelB2 (Upper-Intermediate)Words305Reading time3 min

Read this email from a friend you have not heard from for a while. Then answer the questions.

From: Daniel
To: You
Subject: Long time no see!

Hi,

I know, I know – it has been far too long since I last wrote, and I owe you an apology. Life has been absolutely hectic these past few months, but that is no excuse for going so quiet. How on earth are you? I feel as though I have missed a whole chapter of your life.

The big news at my end is that I have finally taken the plunge and changed careers. After ten years in accounting, I decided I simply could not face another decade of spreadsheets, so I have retrained as a secondary school teacher. It has been terrifying and exhausting, and I am earning considerably less than before – but honestly, I have not regretted it for a single moment. For the first time in years, I actually look forward to Mondays, which still amazes me.

Anyway, enough about me. I would genuinely love to hear all your news. Are you still living in the same place? Still playing in that band? And more importantly, when are we finally going to meet up? I am free most weekends now that the school term is settling down. Let me know what suits you, and we will sort something out. It really would be lovely to catch up properly.

Write back soon – no pressure, but do not leave it as long as I did!

All the best,
Daniel

Key words
  • hectic – very busy and full of activity
  • take the plunge – to decide to do something difficult after hesitating
  • retrain – to learn the skills for a new job
  • regret – to feel sorry about something you did
  • catch up – to exchange news after not meeting for a while

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.Why does Daniel apologise at the start of the email?
"it has been far too long since I last wrote, and I owe you an apology."
2.What is Daniel's "big news"?
"I have finally taken the plunge and changed careers ... I have retrained as a secondary school teacher."
3.How long did Daniel work in accounting?
"After ten years in accounting."
4.How does Daniel feel about his career change?
"I am earning considerably less than before – but honestly, I have not regretted it for a single moment."
5.What does "take the plunge" mean?
To take the plunge means to decide to do something difficult after hesitating.
6.What does Daniel ask about the reader?
"Are you still living in the same place? Still playing in that band?"
7.What does Daniel want to arrange?
"when are we finally going to meet up? ... we will sort something out."
8.What is the overall tone of the email?
The email is warm and friendly, apologising, sharing news and hoping to meet up.

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