Agony column. How to Improve Your English with Agony Column Writing with free printable PDF Worksheet
Agony column
Writing an agony column response is a great way to practice English, especially using mixed tenses, modal verbs, and conditional phrases. This activity helps learners express advice, opinions, and empathy effectively. In this article, we will explore key techniques for writing agony column replies and engage in a practical writing exercise!
Getting Started: Discussing Advice
Before writing, consider the following questions:
- Who do you usually turn to for advice?
- Do you often find yourself giving advice?
- What do you think is the best way to solve problems?
Understanding Agony Columns
Agony columns, commonly found in magazines and newspapers, feature letters from people seeking advice about personal issues. The responses offer guidance and solutions. Have you ever read an agony column? What do you think about them?
Key Phrases for Giving Advice
When writing a response, use these helpful expressions:
- Giving Advice & Suggestions:
- I think you should… / Why don’t you…?
- If I were you, I’d… / It might be an idea to…
- You had better… / In my opinion…
- You should/shouldn’t… / I wouldn’t advise you to…
- You have to… / You must/mustn’t…
- You don’t have to… / If you ask me…
Writing Exercise: Respond to a Problem Letter
Read the following problem letters and choose one to respond to. Use modal verbs, conditional sentences, and advice-giving structures in your reply.
Problem Letters
- House-Hunting Dilemma: Louise, 34, is struggling to find a house while working full-time. She is using her office phone for personal calls and wonders if she should ask for permission or continue secretly.
- Friend in a Cult?: Angela, 18, is worried about her friend, who has withdrawn from their social circle and spends all her time with a mysterious “workgroup.” Angela suspects it may be a cult and seeks advice on how to help.
- Too ‘Safe’ in a Relationship?: James, 30, was dumped by his girlfriend after 3½ years because she finds him too “safe.” He is confused about what women want and questions whether they prefer “exciting” or “dangerous” men.
- Loneliness in Later Life: Raymond, 58, lost his wife two years ago and feels lonely. His children live far away, and he has no close friends left. He wonders if it’s too late to start over and how he can overcome his depression.
- Love vs. Career: Sam, 27, has been offered a one-year job in Milan, but his girlfriend Sarah is against it. She gave him an ultimatum: either he stays or they break up. Sam loves Sarah but doesn’t want to miss this opportunity.
- Speaking Up About a Bad Boss: Tracey, 28, is leaving her job in two weeks and wants to confront her rude and unfair boss before she goes. She wonders whether she should speak up or leave quietly.
Group Activity: Writing and Presenting Your Reply
- Choose a problem letter and write a detailed response.
- Use different tenses, modal verbs, and conditional phrases in your reply.
- Exchange letters with a partner and provide constructive feedback.
- Share responses with the class and discuss different approaches to the problems.
Conclusion
Writing agony column responses is an excellent way to enhance your English skills, practice complex grammar structures, and develop your ability to give advice. Try this activity and see how well you can express support and guidance in English!
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