Unit 3 Section 6: Reading and writing emails

This is the final part of the series with Habib. He talks about his job, what is involved and why he is a self-employed taxi driver.

You can then read an email from Habib, answer questions and write your own email. You will also have the opportunity to discuss and voice your opinions in the comments section. Most of all, you will be able to learn what it’s like to be a self-employed taxi driver in the UK.

Instructions and downloads

All the activities are available online below.

Alternatively you can download:

Printable version

Answers

Habib's email

Task 1 - reading an email

If you have done the other parts of this unit, you should know quite a lot about Habib and his life as a taxi driver in London.

One of Habib’s friends, Ali, has requested some advice about becoming a self-employed taxi driver in the UK. He asks Habib how to do it and what the job involves.

Before you read Habib’s response, what do you think he will write about?
Make a note of some key points that you think Habib will cover.

Now read the email and check your answers.

Click here for the email

Task 2 - synonyms

A synonym is a word with a similar meaning, e.g. synonyms of ‘job’ are occupation, work, trade, profession, career, employment, position, post, vacancy, role.

The 8 sentences below are adapted from Habib’s email. Choose the best synonym for each of the words in bold.

You can use a thesaurus to help.

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Task 3 - asking for advice

Ali is pleased when he receives Habib’s email because it answers all his questions. Read Habib’s email again and write some of the questions you think Ali could have asked.

Compare your answers by clicking here to see the questions that Ali asked (activity 16 on the answer key).

If you are interested in becoming a taxi driver, you could try to get advice from someone on a taxi drivers’ forum. There are many national and local forums and you could search the internet to find one that suits you.

Click here for the website

(Please note, this site is not a recommendation and you enter any forum at your own risk.)

Task 4 -writing an email

As Ali, write a reply to Habib’s email. Think of more questions that you would like to ask him about becoming self-employed e.g. do you get sick or holiday pay if you are self-employed?

If you are stuck, click here for the website to give you ideas.
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When you have finished, make sure you have registered on this website so you can add your email to the comments section below.

You can also compare your email with the model answer (activity 17) by clicking here for the answer key

Remember there isn't a 'right' answer and your email may be better!

Discussion

Have you written an email asking Habib some more questions? Can you post it in the comment section below? (click here if you need to register for the site)

Have you tried the other activities in this series about Habib? Or you could find out about Laura, a self-employed cleaner. For more information about becoming self-employed, go to Unit 1.

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Unit 3 Section 6: Reading and writing emails

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