how to write text messages

Text messaging. What shorthand do your students use? Do they use English? Ask them to do this quiz and add three of their own SMS speaks.

1) C U L8R M8 a) As far as I know.
2) B4 b) Love you with all my heart
3) AFAIK c) Boring
4) W8 4 ME, I’M L8, SOZ d) Text me back
5) KIT e) Have a nice day
6) RUOK? f) See you later mate
7) LUWAMH g) Keep in touch
8) HAND h) Easy
9) Zzzzzzzzz i) Are you okay?
10) KOTL j) Wait for me, I’m late, sorry
11) TMB k) See you tonight or tomorrow
12) 0 ME l) By the way
13) EZ m) Before
14) BTW n) Ring me
15) C U 2NITE O 2MORO o) Kiss on the lips


Your own SMS speak:

1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
3. _______________________________


Mobiles out!
Get them to text each other in class. They are not allowed to use real English words. Can other students translate the message into “correct” English?

Answers to quiz: 1 – f, 2 – m, 3 – a, 4 – j, 5 – g, 6 – i, 7 – b, 8 – e, 9 – c, 10 – o, 11 – d, 12 – n, 13 – h, 14 – l, 15 – k

the exercise is ready for you to use with your students. click on the title of the post. you will find there!