CELPIP Reading Part 1Reading Correspondence Practice

Hi Owen,

I wanted to sort out the balcony plant care you offered while I visit my sister with you. You planned to water the pots on Tuesday morning using the outdoor tap. I was looking forward to it, and everything seemed settled until this week. The reason I’m asking now is that the building water will be shut off for pipe work during that period. The superintendent moved the repair from Wednesday to Tuesday after a contractor opening appeared.

As a result, the tap and my kitchen sink will be unavailable until late afternoon. I first filled two covered containers with rainwater and placed them beside the balcony door. There is enough stored water for every pot if it is used sparingly. I went back through the original information to make sure the difficulty was not based on a misunderstanding. One detail to keep in mind is that the herb box dries quickly and normally needs attention before midday.

My preferred solution is watering with the stored rainwater early Tuesday. That would work best because it protects the herbs without requiring you to return after the service resumes. This seems more practical than rebuilding the arrangement from the beginning. If that works for you, I can update everything else as soon as you reply. Another possibility is waiting until Tuesday evening and using the tap.

The difficulty with that option is that the herbs may wilt if the balcony becomes hot during the afternoon. I thought about dropping the plan completely, but that would create more trouble than it solves. I’d rather use one of the practical alternatives that is already available. The practical detail I have not resolved is that the balcony door sticks unless it is lifted slightly while turning the handle. Please tell me what you think we should do about that part of the plan.

I kept the records about the balcony plant care you offered while I visit my sister together for this review. No other related plan needs to change while this matter is reviewed. A written reply about watering with the stored rainwater early Tuesday would prevent confusion. Thank you for considering the timing and practical effects of this request.

I need your answer by Monday evening. I leave early Tuesday and need to know whether to give the key to someone else. What I’m hoping is that you can use the stored water and follow the short note beside the containers. Once I hear from you, I will leave the key in your mailbox and label the herb container.

Talk soon,

Lina