1. reach sb. by phone：通过电话联系某人，即打电话给某人。这个表达比call sb.正式。
2. literature 指的是某一科目的文献资料，不能理解为“文学”。
3. do a short presentation：做一次简短的演讲。其实presentation的精确含义和“演讲”还是有区别的，尤指那种一边放PPT(幻灯片) 一边给一群人讲解一个主题或一个项目等。
Email from John Gu to Marianne
Dear Marianne,
How have you been? I was trying to reach you by phone1) earlier today but you were not home.
A quick question for you: have you en coun tered any literature2)/writing on differences, cul tur al or otherwise, between Taiwan and Main land China that you can share with me or refer me to?
I am going to our head office in Arizona next week and I will be asked to do a short presentation3) on the topic.
John Gu
Email Response from Marianne to John Gu
Dear John,
I am so sorry that I did not respond to your email or voice mail regarding this request. I did not know any immediate resources, but I had every intention of4) contacting you and brainstorming5) with you.
Courtney, my daughter, was sick and I have taken on6) a bit too much between work and the children’s holiday activities. I am so sorry that I just did not respond to you.
I hope your presentation in Arizona went well. Let me know when you have a free moment how the trip went.
Sorry again for my ?FONT COLOR="#02a0c6">dropping the ball7)?— especially for someone who is always right there to help me out!
Warmest Regards,
Marianne
4. have an intention of doing sth.：有做某事的念头，就是愿意做某事的意思。句中加every修饰表示强调，即非常愿意。