7E El examen: Escribir un mensaje

E. Escribir un mensaje

El mensaje

Writing a note is an optional question on both the Higher Level and Ordinary Level papers. On both papers, candidates have a choice of writing a diary entry or writing a note. There are four points to be communicated in the note and you MUST include all points. Each point is worth 5 marks, for a total of 20 marks. It is worthwhile learning one or two suitable phrases that you can use to start and end your note. However, there is no need to expand on the four points. Students often lose marks in the note for overcomplicating them by attempting to write too much. Sticking to the minimum can get you full marks once you have covered all points in clear and accurate Spanish. Be careful with the verb tenses because your verbs must be correct to get full marks. Make sure you write your points in order and structure your note with the day, date or time, a greeting and a sign-off. Starting a new point on a new line makes it easier for the examiner.

Sample note (Leaving Certificate Higher Level 2018):

You are staying in Granada with your Spanish friend Paco. Leave a NOTE in SPANISH for your friend, including all of the following points: • Say that your foot is very sore. • Tell him that you are going to see the doctor around one o’clock. • Say that you can’t walk, so you are going to get a taxi. • You will be back at the apartment before dinner.

Hola Paco:

Te escribo para decirte que me duele mucho el pie. Voy al médico a eso de la una. No puedo caminar así que voy a coger un taxi. Volveré al piso antes de cenar.

Hasta luego.

Lucy lunes, 24 de enero

Expresiones útiles para escribir un mensaje

Te escribo para decirte…............................... I’m writing to tell you… (informal) Le escribo para decirle… ............................... I’m writing to tell you… (formal)

Os escribo para deciros….............................. I’m writing to tell you… (plural, informal) Les escribo para decirles… ........................... I’m writing to tell you… (plural, formal)

Tengo que ir....................................................... I have to go. He ido al dentista............................................. I’ve gone to the dentist. Voy al supermercado. ..................................... I’m going to the supermarket. Te estaba buscando........................................ I was looking for you.

Te llamaré luego............................................... I’ll call you later. Llámame mañana............................................ Call me tomorrow. Mándame un mensaje luego......................... Send me a message later. Te mandaré un mensaje luego..................... I’ll text you later.

Volveré antes de las seis. ............................... I’ll be back before six. Te veré esta tarde. ........................................... I’ll see you this evening. Volveremos a las nueve en punto................ We’ll be back at nine on the dot. Vuelvo en media hora..................................... I’m coming back in half an hour.

E.1 Escribe un mensaje.

You have arranged to go to a match with a Spanish friend. Leave a note in Spanish for your friend, including all of the following points: • Say that you’ve bought the tickets for the match online. • Tell him that you will meet him at the stadium at 7:30pm. • Say you’re going to Sara’s party after the match. • Ask him to send you a message if he’d like to come to the party with you.

E.2 Escribe un mensaje.

You have arranged to go to a concert with a classmate in Granada. Leave a note in Spanish for your friend, including all of the following points: • Say your classmate invited you to a flamenco concert this evening. • You would like to go, as you’ve never seen flamenco dancing before. • Say you will get the bus home at midnight. • Say you will call him/her if you miss the last bus.