Useful language
Asking for advice
•
Do you think I should ...?
•
Do you have any idea
about ...?
•
Can you think of
anything that ...?
•
What do you advise?
•
What can I do?
Giving advice
•
If I were you, I’d ...
•
You should/shouldn’t ...
•
The best thing to do is ...
•
Have you thought of/
about (+‒ing) ...?
•
Why don’t you ...?
•
Another idea is to ...
•
It’s best not to ...
Result
•
This would/will mean
that ...
•
That way ...
•
If you do this, (you
will/ won’t) ...
Ending the letter/email
•
I hope my advice helps.
•
Hope things get better.
•
Let me know what
happens.
1
Read the rubrics. What will the main body
paragraphs be about?
3
Read the model again.
a) Replace the phrases in bold with other
phrases from the useful language box.
b) What is Ricky
’
s advice? What will the
expected results be? Complete the table.
4
Write your letter of advice for rubric A
(140‒190 words).
2
Read the model. Which rubric from Ex. 1 does
it answer?
Hi Max,
I’m sorry to hear you’re so stressed at the moment! Don’t
worry about the exam, I’m sure you’ll be fine. I thought I’d
give you some tips that I find helpful when I’m studying.
In my opinion,
1) the best thing to do is
make a revision
timetable.
2) This will mean that
you won’t forget to
include any topics in your revision. Make sure you include
regular breaks in the timetable, though. That way you will
work more efficiently.
3) If I were you, I’d
try to get some exercise to relieve your
stress.
4) Have you thought about
going swimming? It’s a
great way to reduce stress levels. Finally,
5) you shouldn’t
stay up all night studying, as you will be too sleepy to
concentrate properly!
Anyway,
6) I hope things get better
. If you ever need some
friendly support, phone me!
Take care,
Ricky
Letters/Emails asking for/giving advice
from a
friend usually consist of four paragraphs. See
how the paragraph plans differ.
• Letters/Emails asking for/giving advice
MODULE 1
26
Para 1:
opening remarks, state the problem
Paras 2,3:
describe the problem in detail and
how it affects you
Para 4:
ask for help/advice, closing remarks
ASKING FOR ADVICE
Para 1:
opening remarks, express sympathy
Paras 2,3:
give advice supported by expected
results
Para 4:
express hope things will improve,
closing remarks
GIVING ADVICE
Advice
Results
This is part of a letter you have received from your
English pen‒friend.
Write your letter (140‒190 words).
I’m visiting your country for the first time. What’s
the best time to visit? What places would you
suggest visiting?
This is part of an email you received from your English
pen‒friend.
Write your email (140‒190 words).
I have an important exam coming up. I’m very
anxious. Any advice?
A
B
