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B1 Writing

B1Emails25 min

An informal email giving advice

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

When a friend writes to you about a problem, you can reply with an email that gives advice. A good advice email is warm and informal. It usually starts by thanking your friend for writing and showing that you understand how they feel. Then it gives two or three pieces of advice with reasons, and it ends by encouraging your friend and asking them to tell you what happens.

Model text

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

Useful language

PurposeUseful language
Respond to the problemThanks for your email. / I'm sorry to hear that ... / I know how you feel.
ReassureDon't worry too much. / It's completely normal to ...
Give adviceI think you should ... / You could ... / Why don't you ...?
Stronger adviceIf I were you, I'd ... / You really ought to ...
Give a reasonThat way, ... / ... because ... / It's a good idea because ...
Add another ideaAnother idea is to ... / Also, ... / It might also help to ...
FinishI hope this helps. / Let me know how it goes! / Good luck!

Exercise 1 of 2

Giving advice

Choose the best word or sentence.

  1. Why don't you _____ to your teacher about it?

  2. If I were you, I _____ book the tickets now.

  3. You should _____ a list of everything you need.

  4. I'm really sorry _____ that you've been ill.

  5. Try to go to bed earlier. _____, you'll feel less tired in the mornings.

  6. Which sentence sounds most like friendly advice?

  7. Which is the best way to end an advice email to a friend?

0 of 7 answered

Exercise 2 of 2

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!

0 of 7 answered

Your turn

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.

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Sample 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

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Source

Original lesson by Joy English.

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