Language for Giving Advice (A2)

Exercise 1: Ask and answer the questions below with your partner.

1. Who is the first person you go to when you need advice?

2. When was the last time you asked someone for advice? Did you take it?
3. Finish this sentence: ‘If you want to be happy, you should…’

Exercise 2: Read the dialogue aloud in pairs.

.
In the Classroom
Karolina is asking her teacher for some tips on how to improve her English more quickly.

Karolina: Excuse me, Miss. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Teacher: Yes, Karolina. How can I help you?

Karolina: Well, I need to improve my English fast. I need a C2 level of English for my new job, and I
don’t know what to do. Can you give me some advice?

Teacher: Of course. So, in my opinion, one of your main problem areas is listening comprehension.
You should watch films and TV series in English, and you could listen to podcasts too.

Karolina: That’s a great idea! I often watch movies in English, but I’ve never listened to a podcast.

Teacher: You also have problems with prepositions. Why don’t you install the Prepositions Master –
Learn English app on your phone? Then you can practise them while you’re on the bus.

Karolina: Okay, I’ll do that. What other problems do I have?

Teacher: Hmm, your pronunciation is very good, but you still make some small mistakes. It’s a good
idea to use the phonemic chart when learning English. How about putting a poster of the
chart on your bedroom wall to become familiar with it?
Karolina: Yes. I’ve never really studied the chart properly. I’m sure that will help.

Teacher: Oh, and don’t forget, you must speak English at all times during class. You will have to
study hard if you want to reach C2 level, but you shouldn’t worry. I’m sure you can do it.

Karolina: I hope so! Thank you, Miss.

Exercise 3: Common language for asking for & giving advice

Read the conversation again, and look at the sentences in bold print. Which verbs and other structures do
we use for giving advice? Add them to the list below:

• You should + [base verb] •

• •
• •
• •

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Exercise 4: Let’s practise!
.
Imagine that a friend has asked you and your partner for some tips on how to get fit, and live a healthier life.
Work with your partner, and finish the sentences below with seven pieces of advice for your friend.

1. You should ... __________________________________________________________________________________.

2. Why don’t you ... _____________________________________________________________________________ ?

3. It’s a good idea ... ______________________________________________________________________________ .

4. How about ... _________________________________________________________________________________ ?

5. You must ... ___________________________________________________________________________________ .

6. You have to ... _________________________________________________________________________________ .

7. You shouldn’t ... _______________________________________________________________________________ .

Exercise 5: In pairs or small groups, take turns asking for and giving advice for the problems below.

“I saw my friend’s girlfriend kissing “I have a job interview tomorrow,

a guy in a nightclub last weekend.” and I really want to get the job.”

“My flatmate never cleans the house. “I can’t decide where to go or what
She’s so lazy. I have to do all the work.” to do for my holiday this year.”

“I want to buy my friend something

“The doctor says I need to lose
nice for her birthday, but I don’t
weight and get fitter.”
have much money.”

“I want to organise a surprise celebration

“I want to cook something different for
for my best friend’s 21st birthday, but
dinner, but I don’t know what to make.”
I don’t know what to do.”

“My teacher told me that if my English “I have a first date tonight with
doesn’t improve soon, I’m going to someone I really like, and I want to
have to repeat the course.” make a good impression.”

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