Level Advanced
Organisation Individuals
Preparation A copy of the letter for each student
Time 10-20 minutes
Procedure Each student receives a copy of a letter and is asked to write two telegrams for it, one with 24 words, the other with 12 words. The telegrams are read out and compared.
Variations Students receive different letters.
A letter
Dear Mum and Dad,
I tried to ring you earlier today, but couldn’t get through for some reason. Now I’ve borrowed some notepaper and stamps just to let you know what has happened. Last night in the Youth Hostel at Innsbruck someone stole my money, my passport, my interrail card and my camera. I am furious that I hadn’t put everything in my sleeping-bag with me as I usually do. This morning I went straight to the police, but they weren’t very helpful about getting my things back. The thief has probably cleared out of the country.
I’ve hitch-hiked to Salzburg to try and get some help from Uncle Harry and Auntie May but they seem to be away. All the blinds are drawn and nobody answers the phone. Still, they aren’t expecting me till next week. I don’t know where or how I’ll sleep tonight. Perhaps at the station. Thank god it’s warm.
Please, please, could you send some money as quickly as possible care of the Main Post Office!! I wish I had the money for a telegram! Do hurry. I’ll try to do something about the passport and interrail card tomorrow. But money is the most important thing. I’ve got very little food left.
Love
Mike