Lesson 21: Review 4 + Writing
Short Note / Bilhete curto
Goal: Consolidate and write a short note
Lesson Overview
1Review vocabulary and grammar from previous lessons.
2Learn the structure of an informal short note.
3Avoid common translation mistakes from Portuguese.
4Write your own short note to a friend or roommate.
Review: Places and Food
1supermarket/ˈsuːpəmɑːrkɪt/
2school/skuːl/
3fridge/frɪdʒ/
4shops/ʃɒps/
Review: Past vs. Future
| Past Action | Future Action |
|---|---|
| I went to the shops. | I will go to the shops. |
| I went to school. | I will go to school. |
Review: Existence
There is + singular noun
Example: There is food in the fridge.
There are + plural noun
Example: There are apples on the table.
What is a Short Note?
i
A quick, informal message for someone you know.
Used to leave information at home, at work, or for a friend. Usually 20 to 30 words.
Structure of a Short Note
1. Greeting
Hi! / Hello! / Dear [Name],
Hi! / Hello! / Dear [Name],
2. Main Message
I am at... / I went to... / I will be back at...
I am at... / I went to... / I will be back at...
3. Sign-off
See you later! / Back soon! / Love, [Name]
See you later! / Back soon! / Love, [Name]
Greetings and Sign-offs
| Greetings (Informal) | Sign-offs (Informal) |
|---|---|
| Hi Tom! | See you later! |
| Hello Ana! | Back soon! |
| Hi everyone, | Bye! |
| Hey guys, | Love, [Name] |
Common Mistake: Returning
X
Incorrect: I back at 6pm.
"Back" is not a verb in English. You cannot say "I back".
+
Correct: I will be back at 6pm.
Use the future tense with the verb "to be".
Common Mistake: Existence
X
Incorrect: Have food in the fridge.
Do not translate the Portuguese "Tem" (from the verb ter) directly to "Have".
+
Correct: There is food in the fridge.
Use "There is" or "There are" to show that something exists.
Common Mistake: Past Actions
X
Incorrect: I go to the shops. (when talking about the past)
Do not use the present tense for actions you already finished.
+
Correct: I went to the shops.
Use the past simple "went" for completed actions.
Model Note Analysis
Hi Tom! Greeting
I went to the supermarket. I will be back at 5pm. There is food in the fridge. Message
See you later!
Ana Sign-off
Useful Phrases Bank
LocationI am at the shops. / I am at school.
Past ActionI went to the supermarket. / I went to work.
Return TimeI will be back at 6pm. / I will be back soon.
InstructionsPlease call me. / There is food in the fridge.
Guided Practice
Complete the short note:
Hi Maria!
I ______ (go) to the pharmacy. I ______ (be) back at 8pm.
______ (existence) medicine on the table.
See you later!
Paulo
Write Your Own Note
*
Write a 20-30 word note to your roommate or friend.
Include: 1 greeting, 1 past action (went), 1 return time (will be back), 1 existence phrase (there is), and 1 sign-off.
Wrap-up
1Short notes are brief and informal.
2Use "went" for past actions, not "go".
3Use "I will be back", never "I back".
4Use "There is/are" for existence, never "Have".
← → arrow keys