The 41-word SMS: formal polish versus A1 task achievement
A1 writing, Part 1: short message. The prompt reads: «Γράψε ένα SMS στη φίλη σου τη Μαρία. Πες της ότι δεν μπορείς να έρθεις στο πάρτι, γιατί δουλεύεις. Πρότεινε να συναντηθείτε την Κυριακή, στις 6 το απόγευμα.» Limit: 40 words. The candidate writes: «Αγαπητή Μαρία, λυπάμαι πάρα πολύ αλλά δεν θα μπορέσω να παραβρεθώ στο πάρτι σας, διότι έχω επαγγελματικές υποχρεώσεις. Ελπίζω να περάσετε καλά. Θα ήθελα να σας προτείνω να συναντηθούμε την Κυριακή στις 6 μ.μ. Συγγνώμη για την αναστάτωση. Με εκτίμηση, Γιάννης». The draft is 41 words and communicates all three required points. The candidate asks whether to keep it because it is 'more correct' than a simple version. The register is formal: «Αγαπητή», «παραβρεθώ», «σας», «Με εκτίμηση». Two phrases are above A1 and risk errors. The task tests task achievement, register, and word-limit management, not the longest or most polite message.
1. Does the draft meet the A1 task? Identify what is rewarded and what is risky, then revise it to 40 words or fewer.
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Verdict: it meets the content requirement but is not an efficient A1 answer. All three points are present: cannot come, reason (work), and Sunday at 6. Those are what the task rewards first.
Risks: the register is too formal for a friend: «Αγαπητή Μαρία», «σας», «Με εκτίμηση». The verbs «παραβρεθώ» and «επαγγελματικές υποχρεώσεις» are above A1 and increase the chance of error without adding communicative value. The draft is also 41 words against a 40-word limit, so one word must go.
Revision (16 words): «Μαρία, δεν μπορώ να έρθω στο πάρτι γιατί δουλεύω. Να συναντηθούμε την Κυριακή στις 6; Γιάννης»
This keeps every required point, uses present tense and a simple question, and matches an informal SMS. At A1, clarity and correct basic forms score better than ambitious formal phrases.
2. The candidate wants to add «Θα φέρω μια τούρτα» but only has 6 words left. What should they do?
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Advice: do not add it unless the required points are already secure and the words fit. The task does not ask for a cake, so it is optional content. If the candidate wants it, use a shorter form: «Φέρνω τούρτα;» (2 words) or «Θέλεις τούρτα;» (2 words). Do not cut the reason («γιατί δουλεύω») or the time («στις 6») to make room.
Reasoning: A1 writing is scored on task achievement and simple accuracy. Extra content can distract the reader from the required message and adds grammar risk (future tense «θα φέρω», article «μια»). The 40-word limit is a ceiling, not a target; a 25-word message that covers all three points is stronger than a 40-word message with a missing detail.