Giving Advice

Depending on how formal the writing is, we can use the following phrases:

For giving advice

• Why not...?

• Why don't you...?

• You should...

• It would be a good idea to/if...

• Have you thought about / considered...?

• If I were you, I would...

• I think the best thing would be to / if...

• One/Another suggestion is to...

• You could also …

For showing the result

• This will/would mean that...

• Then,/That way,...

• If you do this,...

• By doing this,...

• The result of this would be...

e.g. Why not phone Mary and tell her how you feel? That way, at least you will be facing the problem.

Plan

Introduction

Dear … (the person’s first name)

Para 1: express sympathy

Main body

Para 2,3,4: give your advice (tell parents/start revising/stop worrying/etc.)

Conclusion

Para 5: end the letter, offering some encouragement

This is a part of a letter you received from a penfriend. Write an answer.

… “and I know that I really need to speak English better. The problem is, I haven’t got time for extra lessons or regular study sessions. What else can I do to improve my English? Please write and tell me what you suggest.”

Dear Dan,

Thanks for your last letter. I think it's great you want to brush up on your English and of course I'm only too glad to help. Here are a few things you can try.

First of all,it would be a good idea to start reading more in English. You probably won't have time to read novels but there are plenty of magazines that also help you improve your English. As you are so fond of nature, why don't you take out a subscription to National Geographic? You'll be amazed at how fast you pick things up when you actually like the subject.

Another suggestion is to watch films on DVD without the subtitles. That way you force yourself to listen to the language very carefully. For a film lover like you, that'll be learning while really having fun!

The best advice I can give you, though, is to get more English speaking pen-friends and email friends. That method really worked for me when I wanted to improve my Italian. Not only will you learn a lot of new phrases, but you'll also practise the language actively yourself.

I hope these ideas will help. And remember, practice makes perfect, so don't give up too easily! Write and let me know how you get on.

Yours,

Pam

- 34 -

Read the extract from the letter and write an answer.

“I’ve put on such a lot of weight recently and I just don’t know what to do. I’ve tried all sorts of diets, but nothing seems to help’

Sally

Dear Sally,

I've just got your e-mail, and I was sorry to hear you're worried about your weight. I bet the problem isn't as bad as it seems, though! In any case, there are lots of things you can do to lose weight.

What you should do is eat a healthy diet, with lots of fish, fruit and fresh vegetables instead of junk food and sweets. If you do this, you'll soon lose weight, and you'll look and feel much healthier, too. You could also exercise more and walk whenever possible rather than going by car or bus. That way you'll burn calories and get your body back in shape at the same time.

I know it's hard to do at first, but believe me, it will work! Good luck, and don't forget to let me know how you're getting on.

All the best,

Pete

This is part of a letter you got from an English pen-friend.

“ I feel very lonely in my new neighbourhood. I have no friends and I’m really depressed. Any advice?”

Dear Paul,

I’ve got your letter and decided to write straight away. I know exactly how you feel. When I moved to the city last year, I felt very lonely. Don’t worry, though, there are several things you can do.

Firstly, why don’t you join some local clubs? There are lots of hiking clubs in that area and I know you love walking. That way, you will meet other people who enjoy doing the same kinds of things. It would also be a good idea to join a drama group. If you do this, you will become more confident and you’ll also make new friends.

I hope I’ve been of some help. Write son and let me know how things are going.

Take care,

Kate

Your penfriend has recently written to you saying that he/she is very unhappy with school and home life. You have decided to write a letter of advice, offering your support. Write your letter,making various suggestions and saying what results you expect if he/she follows your advice.

Dear Karen,

Thanks for your letter. I was really sorry to hear you're so unhappy at the moment and thought I'd drop you a line to cheer you up and pass on some friendly advice.

First of all, it seems to me that both your problems are closely linked. Because you feel lonely at school you are unhappy at home. Why not join the school sports team? I know you're fond of sports so that would be an ideal opportunity to make new friends with people your age. And have you ever thought about joining an after-school club? I did that when we first moved to the city and believe me it works!

Now, as for the situation at home, I really think you should talk to your parents. Just explain how you feel; you'll be surprised how understanding they'll be. As the situation is now they can only guess at why you're so sulky all day and they certainly can't help! Trust me, it will clear up the tension and they'll probably have some useful tips too!

If you follow my advice, I'm sure you'll feel much better soon. Anyway, let me know how it goes. Lots of love,

Cynthia

- 35 -

Read an extract from the letter and write an answer.

“ I’ve just found our that I’ve failed my summer exams at school. I haven’t told my parents yet because I’m too scared. I’ll have to retake the exams in September, but I know I’ll fail again! What can I do? Please help me!”

Dear Martha,

I was sorry to hear about your problem. I know it’s upsetting to fail exams, but I think I can help you.

First of all, you ought to tell your parents. I’m sure they will understand and try to help you. Youshould also start revising now, then you will have a much better chance of passing your exams. If I were you, I’d stop worrying that much. The more relaxed you are, the better you will do in your exams.

I hope this advice will help you, and I’m sure you will do well if you follow it.

Good luck,

Auntie Claire

Dear Rachel,

I was sorry to hear about the disagreement between you and your parents. I think I can give you some advice, though, that may make things better.

First of all, you ought to remember that your parents love you very much and will be proud of you whatever you do. They may want you to become a doctor now, but if they see you succeed in another field they will be satisfied.

If I were you, I would have a serious talk with them. The best thing you can do is explain to them that, since you are not interested in medicine, you would never be a good doctor.

You should also tell them that if you study art, you will have the possibility of teaching or working in advertising as well as doing your own work.

I hope my advice is of some help to you. I will be waiting to hear how things turn out. Remember to think positively!

Love,

Aunty Rosie

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14