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Joy English · Level B1 · Emailsjoy-english.com

An informal email giving advice

Name:Date:

Reply to a friend who has a problem: show that you understand, give clear advice with reasons and end in a friendly way.

Re: Feeling nervous about the new job

Hi Ravi,

Thanks for your email. It's completely normal to feel nervous before starting a new job, so please don't worry too much. I felt exactly the same last year.

First of all, I think you should plan your journey and do a practice trip this weekend. That way, you won't be stressed about being late on the first morning. Another idea is to write down a few questions to ask your manager, because it shows that you're interested. If I were you, I'd also try to have lunch with your new colleagues instead of eating alone. It's the easiest way to make friends.

Anyway, try to enjoy it, and remember that nobody expects you to know everything on day one. I'm sure you'll be brilliant. Let me know how your first day goes!

Take care,

Mina

Giving advice

Choose the best word or sentence.

  1. Why don't you ___ to your teacher about it?
    • a) talk
    • b) to talk
    • c) talking
  2. If I were you, I ___ book the tickets now.
    • a) will
    • b) would
    • c) am
  3. You should ___ a list of everything you need.
    • a) to make
    • b) making
    • c) make
  4. I'm really sorry ___ that you've been ill.
    • a) for hearing
    • b) to hear
    • c) hear
  5. Try to go to bed earlier. ___, you'll feel less tired in the mornings.
    • a) Instead
    • b) That way
    • c) Although
  6. Which sentence sounds most like friendly advice?
    • a) You must stop playing video games.
    • b) Stop playing games immediately.
    • c) Maybe you could set a time limit for games.
  7. Which is the best way to end an advice email to a friend?
    • a) I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes!
    • b) I look forward to receiving your reply at your earliest convenience.
    • c) Please find the advice attached.

Complete the advice

Type one word in each gap.

  1. I'm sorry to ___ that you're having problems with your flatmate.
  2. Why ___ you invite her for a coffee and talk about it?
  3. If I ___ you, I'd write a list of house rules together.
  4. You ought ___ talk to her before the problem gets worse.
  5. It's a good ___ to stay calm when you talk to her.
  6. I ___ this helps. Good luck!
  7. Let me ___ how it goes!

Writing task

Your friend Lena has written to you: 'I want to get fitter, but I never have time and I always give up after a week. What should I do?' Write an email to Lena. Show that you understand, give her at least three pieces of advice with reasons, and finish in a friendly way.

120–180 words

Check your writing

  • I started by thanking Lena or responding to her problem.
  • I showed that I understand how she feels.
  • I gave at least three pieces of advice using different phrases.
  • I gave a reason for each piece of advice.
  • I used linking words such as First of all, Another idea and That way.
  • I finished in a friendly way and asked her to tell me how it goes.

Answer key

Giving advice

  1. a) talkAfter Why don't you, use the base verb without to: Why don't you talk ...?
  2. b) wouldIf I were you is followed by I would (I'd) + base verb.
  3. c) makeShould is followed by the base verb without to: you should make.
  4. b) to hearThe fixed phrase is I'm sorry to hear that ...
  5. b) That wayThat way means 'if you do this'. It introduces the good result of the advice.
  6. c) Maybe you could set a time limit for games.Maybe you could ... is gentle and friendly. Must and direct orders sound too strong between friends.
  7. a) I hope this helps. Let me know how it goes!This ending is warm and informal. The other two are formal phrases for business emails.

Complete the advice

  1. hearI'm sorry to hear that ... shows that you understand the problem.
  2. don'tWhy don't you + base verb? is a friendly way to make a suggestion.
  3. wereThe fixed phrase for advice is If I were you, I'd ... You may hear If I was you in speech, but were is the standard form.
  4. toOught is always followed by to + base verb: you ought to talk.
  5. ideaIt's a good idea to ... is a common way to give advice.
  6. hopeI hope this helps is a friendly sentence to end your advice.
  7. knowLet me know means 'tell me'. It shows that you care what happens next.

Model answer

Hi Lena,

Thanks for your message. I know exactly how you feel, because I used to give up on exercise all the time too.

First of all, I think you should start with something small, like a twenty-minute walk three times a week. That way, it won't feel like a huge effort and you'll be more likely to continue. Why don't you also find a friend to exercise with? It's much harder to cancel when someone is waiting for you. If I were you, I'd choose an activity I really enjoy, such as dancing or cycling, instead of something that feels like a punishment. Finally, you could keep a simple diary of your workouts, so you can see your progress.

I hope this helps. Let me know how you get on!

Best wishes,

Aiko

Joy English · free English practice · https://joy-english.com/writing/advice-email