litumi
B1+ · Upper-intermediate35 min

An informal email – asking for and giving advice

Syllabus topic 2: An informal email – asking for and giving advice

140–190 words · Email. Your friend writes: 'I've joined a drama group, but I'm nervous about speaking in front of people. I thought about leaving. What would you do? Also, how do you manage your time when you have rehearsals and homework?' Give two practical suggestions, respond to the time question and ask for advice about your own related difficulty.

Your writing task

Write 140–190 words. Your friend writes: 'I've joined a drama group, but I'm nervous about speaking in front of people. I thought about leaving. What would you do? Also, how do you manage your time when you have rehearsals and homework?' Give two practical suggestions, respond to the time question and ask for advice about your own related difficulty.

Writing focus

Advice sounds more supportive when you explain why it might help. Avoid treating your own preference as the only sensible option.

Your progress

Ready to move on?

Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Plan, write, revise

Suggested structure

  1. Acknowledge your friend's feelings warmly.
  2. Offer practical advice with reasons.
  3. Answer the time question and ask for advice in return.

Useful language

  • It sounds as if…
  • If I were you, I'd…
  • Have you ever tried…?

Use these phrases if they fit your ideas. There is no single correct response.

0 words · Suggested: 140–190Restoring your draft…

140 more words to reach the suggested range.

Review your draft

This is guided self-review, not automatic grading. The word range is a guide. Editing your text clears the checklist so you can review the new version; previous lesson completion stays in your history.

See an illustrative response

Hi Max, Thanks for telling me how you feel. Starting a drama group must be quite a change, especially if you are not used to performing. I wouldn't decide to leave after only a few meetings. If I were you, I'd speak to the group leader and ask to begin with a smaller role. That would give you time to get comfortable. You could also practice a short scene with one friendly member before doing it in front of everyone. For homework, I write down the tasks for the week and finish the most difficult ones on evenings without rehearsals. It doesn't always work perfectly, but it stops everything arriving at once. Actually, could you give me some advice too? I find it hard to remember long speeches. Have you ever tried recording yourself and listening back? I'd be interested to know if it helps. Let me know how the next meeting goes. Best, Sam

This example illustrates structure and tone and may be shorter than the suggested range. Develop your own response.

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