H 1

Asking for/Giving Advice

A.    Read the following Ä…uestions, then listen to the dialogue and answer them. You mav take notes while listening.

a)    Who did Pat send a letter to?

b)    Is the letter forraal or informal?

c)    What is the reason for writing?

d)    What problems does she describe in the letter?

e)    How does Pat start and finish the letter?

B.    Read the following Ä…uestions, then listen to the second letter and answer them.

a)    What is the reason for writing?

b)    What advice is given?

c)    How does the letter start and end?

d)    Is it an informal, formal or serai-formal letter?

2 Look at the two plans in the right-hand column of this page. Which plan was followed in each letter?

Mir Letters a /( dependir

asking for or giving advice can be formal, informal or semi-formal ling on the situation. A letter asking for advice can be sent to a friend, a j    consultant or an advice column in a magazine. Details of the problem should be

mentioned. A letter giving advice should contain suggestions introcuced with appropriate language.

Useful Language for Letters Asking for Advice

Opening Remarks: (Formal) I am writing to ask if you could help me with /1 would appreciate it if you could grve me some advice about /1 am writing to ask for your advice /1 would be grateful if you could offer your advice / Could you possibly offer your advice / I wonder if you could help me with a problem, etc. (Informal) Tm writing to ask for your advice / Can you give me your advice / l’ve got a problem and I need your advice, etc.

Closing Remarks: (Formal) I would appreciate it if you could give me your advice as soon as possible /1 look forward to receiving your advice / If would be of great help if you could advise me, etc. (Informal) What do you think I should do? / Please let me know what you think I should do. / Please tell me what to do, etc.

Useful Language for Letters GMng Advice

Opening Remarks: (Formal) Thank you for your letter requesting /1 am writing in repiy to your letter asking for advice about /1 hope the following adyice wid be of some help to you, etc. (Informal) I just got your letter and I think I can help you /1 was sorry to hear about your problem. Here's what I think you should do, etc. Suggestions can be introduced with expressions such as: (Formal) I strongly recommend that /1 would suggest that /1 beOeve the best course of action is /1 would advise you to / You should / You ought to / If I were you I would (Informal) Why don’t you / You should / You ought to / It would be a good idea to / What you should do is _ / How about... /1 think you should... / The best advice I can give you is..., atc. CÅ‚oalng Remarks: (Formal) I trust you will accapt this advice /1 hope this will be of help /1 would very much Uka to know if this was heÅ‚pful (Informal) Hope this haa heÅ‚ped / Lat me know what happena, etc.

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Asking lot adyice

Inłroducłioa

ParaGraph /

reason(s) for writing

Main Body

Paragraphs 2 • 3

deseription of problem(s)

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Coodusfoa

F/oa/ ParaGraph

dosing remarks (M) name

Giving advice

lałroductioa

Paraf rapt /

tfmks for lettv/txpress onderstOK&ig of probfcm

Mata My

Paraf raptu 2 • 3

sttggtstiw(s) + rtasonfs)

Matusia*

H*a( Parafrapt dosing rtmarb (M) name