TEACHER’S NOTES

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Agony Aunt

Activity Type Introduction

Reading, writing and In this intriguing activity, students take on the role of an agony
speaking activity aunt and practice giving advice.

Procedure
Language Focus
Write 'Agony Aunt' on the board and ask the students if they know
Giving advice
what the term means - an agony aunt gives advice to people who
write in to an advice column of a newspaper or website.
Aim Tell the students that they are going to take on the role of an agony
To take on the role of an aunt called Abby.
agony aunt and practice
On the board, write the following short letter asking Abby for
giving advice.
advice:

Preparation
Make one copy of the
cards for every four
students and cut as
indicated. Also, make one
extra copy of the cards
for later in the activity.
Dear Abby,
My car is very old and it keeps breaking down. I don't have the
money to buy a new car. What should I do?
Invite students to give advice about the problem and write their
ideas on the board.
Examples:

I think you should sell your car and buy a bicycle.

Level You should get some breakdown cover.

Pre-intermediate Next, give each student a card. Each card contains a short letter
to Abby asking for advice about a particular problem.

Time Working alone, the students write a reply, giving advice for the
problem on their card. When the students have finished, collect
30 minutes in all the cards.

Next, divide the class into four groups.

Give each group a set of replies to one problem. Also, give each
group a corresponding blank card to write a final reply.

Working with the people in their group, the students read and
discuss all the advice given for their problem. The group then
chooses the best advice and writes a final response on the blank
card.

Afterwards, the groups take it in turns to read their problem and

advice to the class.

After each group has spoken, get feedback from around the class
to see if the other students agree with the advice or not.

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 ASKING FOR AND GIVING ADVICE

ESL / EFL RESOURCES Agony Aunt

Dear Abby, Dear Abby,

I'm 22. I live at home with my parents and
I hate it. I argue with my parents every
day. We just don't get along. I can't afford
to move out. What should I do?
Liam
I think my boyfriend is seeing someone
else. He's always chatting to another
woman online. When I ask him about it,
he says she's just a friend. What do you
suggest I do?
Emma

________________________________ ________________________________

Dear Liam, Dear Emma,

Dear Abby, Dear Abby,

I'm quite a shy person. I've just moved to a
new city. I don't know anyone here and I'm
lonely. What's your advice?
Ava
I feel unhappy with my life. I don't know
why. Life just doesn't seem very exciting at
the moment. What do you think I should
do?
Noah

________________________________ ________________________________

Dear Ava, Dear Noah,

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