Asking for and Giving Advice

Asking for and Giving Advice: Tips for ESL Students to Write Meaningful Responses. Mastering Advice-Giving and Seeking in English – A Guide for ESL Learners with Free PDF Practice

Asking for and Giving Advice

As an English learner, one of the key skills you’ll need to master is how to give and receive advice. This skill is not only practical in daily conversations but also in formal and informal written communication, like emails and letters. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how to write effective replies when asked for advice, using practical examples and tips. Plus, we’ll offer a free PDF worksheet to help you practice your skills.

What is Asking for and Giving Advice in English?

Asking for advice and giving advice are two essential communication skills in English. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just trying to get along with others, knowing how to handle advice situations is critical. Asking for advice typically involves a question or a request for help, while giving advice requires offering a suggestion or solution. When replying to someone’s request for advice, it’s important to respond thoughtfully and respectfully, using appropriate expressions and structures.

Advice for ESL Students: How to Write an Effective Response

Let’s look at three common scenarios where advice is requested. For each situation, we’ll write a thoughtful reply, using common expressions for giving advice. These replies are a great way to practice writing meaningful advice in English.

Scenario 1: Concern About a Friend Cheating in Exams

Dear John, “I study at university. We have our final exams in two weeks. I’m very worried about my best friend. He is planning to cheat on the coming examinations. What should I do?”

Reply: Dear [Name],

I understand how stressful this situation must be for you, especially with the exams coming up soon. First, I would suggest talking to your friend in a calm and understanding manner. Let him know how serious cheating can be and the consequences it could have on his future. Maybe encourage him to seek help from a tutor or study group if he’s struggling with the material.

If you believe he is still determined to cheat, you might want to consider discussing it with a trusted professor or advisor. It’s important to stay true to your values and avoid participating in any dishonest actions, even if your friend insists on it. I hope your friend listens to your advice and makes the right choice.

Best of luck with your exams,
John

Scenario 2: Balancing Time Between Friends and Boyfriend

Dear John, “My friends keep complaining that I spend too much time with my boyfriend. They say I never hang out with them anymore. I don’t want to lose my friends, but at the same time, I want to see my boyfriend as much as possible. What would you suggest I do?”

Reply: Dear [Name],

I can understand your dilemma. Relationships, whether with friends or a significant other, are important, and finding a balance can be tricky. My first piece of advice would be to have an honest conversation with both your boyfriend and your friends. Explain that you value both relationships and that you want to make time for everyone. Perhaps you can set aside specific days for your friends and other times for your boyfriend, ensuring neither feels neglected.

It’s important to prioritize your friendships, especially if they’ve expressed concern. That doesn’t mean you have to stop spending time with your boyfriend, but try to find a balance where both parties are happy. If your friends are truly your friends, they will understand your need to balance both aspects of your life.

Take care,
John

Scenario 3: Dealing with a Messy Roommate

Dear John, “I’m having a real problem with my roommate. I like to keep our apartment clean, but my roommate is a very messy person. She likes throwing her clothes and stuff all over the place, while I’m trying hard to keep the apartment neat and tidy. What do you think I should do?”

Reply: Dear [Name],

It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation with your roommate. When it comes to living with someone, it’s important to communicate openly and set some ground rules. I suggest talking to your roommate about your concerns in a friendly but firm manner. Explain how important it is for you to have a clean and tidy living space and see if you can agree on certain cleaning responsibilities.

Perhaps you could establish a weekly cleaning schedule or divide chores in a way that feels fair to both of you. If your roommate continues to disregard your feelings, it might be necessary to involve a landlord or a mediator to help resolve the situation.

Good luck,
John

Final Thoughts:

Writing and speaking about advice in English is an important skill for ESL learners to master. It’s not just about the words you use, but how you structure your responses and show empathy toward the person seeking advice. Whether it’s offering a solution to a problem or providing guidance, being able to give clear, thoughtful, and respectful advice will help you in your personal and professional life.

Download our Free PDF Worksheet on Giving and Asking for Advice
We’ve created a free, downloadable PDF with more practice exercises on giving and asking for advice. This worksheet is perfect for ESL students looking to improve their English writing skills. It includes various scenarios, tips for giving advice, and sample responses.

Download it now and start practicing!

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Asking For and Giving Advice Download

Want more free ESL grammar lesson? Share this post with other teachers and let us know how it worked in your classroom!

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More ESL Classroom Games & Activities

Looking for more fun grammar activities for your English class? Check out these ideas:
ESL Speaking Games to improve fluency
Grammar Board Games for practicing sentence structures
Interactive Writing Activities for ESL learners