Give Advice and Suggestions: A2 Writing

The key idea

Put kind words, one or two suggestions, a reason, encouragement, and an offer of help in a clear order.

What is it for?

Learn how to reply to a friend's problem with kind advice, a reason, and an offer to help.

What you need to know

Start by showing that you understand your friend's problem.
Give one or two useful suggestions.
Use because to explain why your advice may help.
Add kind words to help your friend feel better.
Offer help and invite your friend to reply.

1. Put your ideas in a clear order

A good reply has five simple parts. Start with kind words. Then give advice and a reason. Next, encourage your friend. Finally, offer help.

You do not need a long message. Keep each part short and clear.

Start: show that you care.
Advice: suggest one or two actions.
Reason: explain why they may help.
Encouragement: help your friend feel more confident.
Offer: ask how you can help.

I'm sorry you're worried about your exam.

Show that you understand the problem.

You should study for twenty minutes tonight.

Give one clear piece of advice.

It can help because you have more time to practise.

Give a simple reason for your advice.

2. Choose the right advice words

Use should to give advice. It says that something is a good idea.

Use could to suggest one possible action. It gives your friend a choice.

Use Why don't you ...? to make a friendly suggestion.

Must is stronger than should. It often sounds like an order. Use it only when something is necessary.

You should ... gives advice.
You could ... offers a possible choice.
Why don't you ...? suggests an action.
You must ... expresses a strong need or rule.

You should ask your teacher for help.

This is friendly advice.

You could practise with a friend.

This gives your friend another choice.

Why don't you go to bed early?

This suggests a helpful action.

You must wear a seat belt in the car.

This expresses a strong safety rule.

3. Give a reason, but keep it short

Give one or two pieces of advice. Too many suggestions can confuse your friend.

Use because to explain your idea. Your friend can then understand why it may help.

Choose advice that fits the problem.
Add because and a simple reason.
Do not give ten different suggestions.
Use a new sentence for each idea when needed.

You could make a study plan because it saves time.

The reason explains the benefit.

You should ask a classmate because they can explain the homework.

The advice matches the problem.

4. Sound friendly, not bossy

Your friend may feel worried or sad. Use kind words and a calm tone.

Avoid words that sound angry or critical. You are helping, not telling your friend what to do.

Use words such as Don't worry and You can do it.
Ask a friendly question when it fits.
Offer help with Can I help you ...?
Finish with Let me know how it goes.

Bad: Stop worrying and study harder!

This sounds like an order.

Good: You could study with a friend. It may help you feel calmer.

This offers help without blame.

Let me know how it goes. Can I help you practise?

These sentences show care and offer help.

How to do it, step by step

Start with kind words about your friend's problem.
Give one or two pieces of advice.
Explain your advice with because.
Encourage your friend with a positive sentence.
Offer help or ask your friend to tell you what happens.

Formulas and key language

Use it for	Example	Another example
I'm sorry you're ...	I'm sorry you're worried.	I'm sorry you're having a hard day.
You should + base verb	You should ask your teacher.	You should practise every day.
You could + base verb	You could study with a friend.	You could make a short list.
Why don't you + base verb?	Why don't you talk to your teacher?	Why don't you try again tomorrow?
It's a good idea to + base verb	It's a good idea to plan your day.	It's a good idea to ask for help.
You can ... because ...	You can practise because you have time tonight.	You can ask Ana because she knows the school.
Don't worry. You can ...	Don't worry. You can learn these words.	Don't worry. You can make new friends.
Can I help you ...?	Can I help you study?	Can I help you with your bag?
Let me know how it goes.	Let me know how your exam goes.	Let me know how your first day goes.

UK / US: Both British and American English use should and could for advice. Spelling can differ in other words, such as practise (UK verb) and practice (US verb).

Model text

A Reply to a Worried Friend

1. Show you care

Hi Maya, I'm sorry you're nervous about your English exam. I know you want to do well.

Start with kind words. Show that you understand the problem.

2. Give advice

You should study for twenty minutes each evening. You could also ask your teacher about difficult words.

Give two useful suggestions. Do not give too many.

3. Give a reason

This is a good idea because short practice can help you remember more. You can also take small breaks when you feel tired.

Explain why the advice may help.

4. Encourage your friend

Don't worry too much. You are learning, and you can improve with practice.

Use positive words to help your friend feel better.

5. Offer help

Why don't we study together on Thursday? I can help you practise. Let me know how it goes!

Offer help and finish with a friendly message.

Common mistakes

✗ You should to ask your teacher.

✓ You should ask your teacher.

Use the base verb after should. Do not add to.

✗ Why don't you to take a break?

✓ Why don't you take a break?

Use the base verb after Why don't you.

✗ You could asks a classmate.

✓ You could ask a classmate.

Use the base verb after could.

✗ You should sleep early because.

✓ You should sleep early because you feel tired.

Because needs a reason after it.

✗ You must try to relax!

✓ You could try to relax.

Could sounds gentler when you suggest a possible action.

✗ You should study, make notes, read everything, and practise for hours.

✓ You should make notes because they can help you remember.

One clear suggestion and one reason are easier to follow.

Plan it, then check it

Plan

Write down your friend's problem in a few words.
Choose one or two helpful actions.
Add a reason with because.
Choose kind words and an offer of help.

Check

Did I start with kind words?
Did I give only one or two suggestions?
Did I explain at least one suggestion?
Did I encourage my friend?
Did I offer help or ask for a reply?

Practice

EXERCISE:

Choose the Friendliest Advice

Choose the best reply for each problem.

1.Your friend is nervous about a test. What can you say?

The second answer offers help and gives a reason.

2.Your friend does not understand the homework. What can you say?

The first answer gives clear advice without blame.

3.Your friend feels tired after school. What can you say?

The third answer makes a friendly suggestion.

4.Your friend is worried about a new school. What can you say?

The second answer gives one useful action and a reason.

5.Your friend has too much homework. What can you say?

The first answer offers a simple way to plan.

6.Your friend is afraid of making mistakes in English. What can you say?

The third answer encourages your friend.

Now write

Your task

Your friend writes: I'm nervous about my first day at a new school. Write a friendly reply with two pieces of advice. Give a reason for at least one suggestion. Encourage your friend and offer help.

Target: 5-7 sentences

Word bank

nervousschoolclassmateteachershouldcouldbecausepractisetalkaskhelpDon't worryYou cantogethertomorrow

Sentence starters

I'm sorry you're ...
You should ...
You could ...
This may help because ...
Don't worry. You can ...
Can I help you ...?

Use made-up names and details. Do not share private information.

Instant feedback on your own text is part of Premium.

Check your writing

Did I start with kind words about my friend's problem?
Did I give one or two clear pieces of advice?
Did I explain why at least one suggestion may help?
Did I use friendly words to encourage my friend?
Did I offer help or ask my friend to tell me how it goes?

← Thank Someone and Apologise Describe a Place and Compare It →