Practice

Reading Practice 13: A Message from a New Neighbour

CELPIP General reading practice. Part 1: Correspondence. Standard level. Free to try.

Passage

From: Tunde Bakare

To: Marie Gagnon

Subject: Thank you, and a small favour

Hi Marie,

I just wanted to say thank you again for the banana bread you left at our door last Sunday. My kids finished it in one evening, so I am afraid there is nothing left to return except the plate, which I washed and will drop off this weekend.

We are slowly settling in. The boxes are almost all unpacked, although the garage is still a mess. Adaeze started at Maple Ridge Elementary on Monday. She was nervous on the first morning, but by Wednesday she came home talking about a girl named Chloe who sits beside her. I think that might be your granddaughter? If so, please tell her thank you from us.

I also have a small favour to ask. I start a new job at the hospital next week, and two days a week my shift begins at 6:30 a.m. My wife leaves early too. Would you know of anyone on our street who could walk Adaeze to school on Tuesday and Thursday mornings? We would of course pay for their time. If you cannot think of anyone, no problem at all. I will ask at the school office.

Finally, the city flyer says the street party is on the 21st. Is it usually a potluck? I would love to bring jollof rice if people are open to trying something new.

Warm regards,

Tunde

Questions

1. Why does Tunde begin his email by thanking Marie?
2. What does Tunde say about the plate?
3. How has the family's move gone so far?
4. How did Adaeze feel by the middle of her first week?
5. What does Tunde ask Marie for?
6. What will Tunde do if Marie cannot help?