✏️ WritingLevel 1Lesson 31
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Writing a Short Message

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Write a short message with a clear To, From, and message body
  • 2State one clear purpose in the message body — what the reader needs to know or do
  • 3Keep a short message brief and easy to understand
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Mini Lesson

Sometimes you need to leave a quick note for someone — on the fridge, on a desk, or in a lunchbox. A short message is not a long letter. It is short, clear, and gets straight to the point!

Part 1 — To and From

  • Start every message with "To:" so the reader knows it is for them.
  • Always include "From:" so the reader knows who wrote it.
  • Example: To: Mom / From: Jake.
  • Capitalize the name after To and From.

Part 2 — The message body

  • Write one or two clear sentences with one purpose.
  • Ask: "What does the reader need to know or do?"
  • Example: I am at Leo's house. I will be home by 4 o'clock.
  • Every sentence starts with a capital letter and ends with a period.

Keep it short!

  • A short message should be easy to read in five seconds.
  • Do not add extra information the reader does not need.
  • One clear idea is always better than three confusing ones.
Phone screen with text message bubblesA cell phone screen showing a short text message bubble saying See you at 3pm and a reply bubble.Short Text Message9:00See you at3pm!Okay, seeyou then!messagereply
Short messages are brief — just a few words the reader needs.
Parts of a short message on a sticky noteA sticky note stuck on a fridge surface with a short handwritten message. The To, From, and message body parts are labeled with colored arrows.Parts of a Short MessageTo:MomFrom:JakeGone to store.Back at 4.- JakeGreetingMessageSign-off
A sticky note with greeting, message body, and sign-off labeled.
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Ask yourself: "Does my message say To, From, and exactly what the reader needs to know?"

Vocabulary
Message
A short written note telling someone something they need to knowe.g. a note on the fridge
Purpose
The one clear reason for writing the messagee.g. letting Mom know where you are
Brief
Short and to the point — no extra detailse.g. a brief note, not a long letter
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