WRITING HANDOUTS FOR FAST-TRACK PROGRAM_ CLC2

WRITING HANDOUT 5: LETTER OF ADVICE

A. Useful language
Letters of giving advice can be written in formal and informal style depending on the
situation.

Organization of Letters of Giving Advice

Introduction
- Paragraph 1: express understanding of problem
Main body
- Paragraphs 2-3: suggestions for solutions and reasons
Conclusion
- Closing remarks

Useful Language for Letters of Giving Advice

Opening Remarks:
Formal Informal
- Thank you for your letter requesting - I just got your letters and I think I can help
- I am writing in reply to your letter asking you
for advice about - I was sorry to hear about your problem.
- I hope the following advice will be of some Here's what I think you should do
help to you

To Clarify Suggestions:
Formal Informal

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- I strongly recommend that - Why don't you

- I would suggest that - It would be a good idea to
- I believe the best course of action is - What you should do is
- I would advise you to - How about.../I think you should
- You should/You ought to/If I were you I - The best advice I can give you is
would…

Closing Remarks:
Formal Informal
- I trust you will accept this advice - Hope this has helped
- I hope this will be of help - Let me know what happens
- I would very much like to know if this was
helpful

Sample Letter of Giving Advice

Dear Laurance,
I just got your letter, and I think I can help you. After hearing your problem, I feel so
sorry. I hope the following pieces of recommendation can be of great help to you.
With regards to your problem related to your weight, I suggest that you should try to do
some healthy exercises, such as playing ball game or swimming. It is a terrific way to stay
fit and healthy. Should you keep on doing these things, I bet you will get slimmer and
prettier. Besides, you shouldn’t mind how you look too much. Your inner confidence is much
more important than your outer look.
Your next problem is associated with your English schoolwork. I think you are too scared
of learning English, so you get low marks in English tests. It is advisable for you to give
yourself more chance to listen to and learn English. It is not a big deal if you encounter new
words since should you keep on watching English programs, you will gradually make great
progress.
Above is all I can suggest you. Hope this works well with you. Looking forward to hearing
from you soon.

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Love,
Amie

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B. Exam focus
VSTEP WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You received an email from your English speaking friend, Tom. He asked you for
some information and advice about your region. Read part of his email below.

I’m going to spend a two week holiday in your city this summer. I feel quite worried
because I’ve never been there. Can you tell me a bit about your city as well as give me
some advice (things like the hotel or somewhere to stay, what to do and what clothes to
bring)? I want to prepare well for this trip and I look forward to seeing you, too.

Write an email responding to Tom.

You should write at least 120 words. You are not allowed to include your name or address.
Your response will be evaluated in terms of Task Fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary and
Grammar.
Language Input:
- Paragraph 1: Greeting & Purpose of the letter
+ I’m writing to inform you about my city as well as give you my advice for your
upcoming trip here.
- Paragraph 2: Describing your city
+ Where I live is a peaceful town surrounded by a beautiful slow-flowing river.
+ My city is really popular with …
- Paragraph 3: Giving advice
+ Regarding where you can stay during your time in my city, I think you should ...
+ When you arrive here, it’s in the middle of summer. Hence, it can be terribly hot.
That is why you are advised to bring …
+ Referring to what you can do, ...
- Paragraph 4: Closing
+ I hope that the information I have given above will probably help you feel less
anxious about your upcoming trip in my wonderful country.

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WRITING HANDOUTS FOR FAST-TRACK PROGRAM_ CLC2