WORKING PARENTS

 This letter was sent to a magazine advice column (Amy’s advice column).Read it and answer the
following questions.

Dear Amy,
I am a fifteen-year-old student and I really need your help. Both my parents work long hours
and I don’t see them much. I know they love me but I feel that they are never here for me. For
example, I do ballet and last week we had a show. All the other girls’ parents came, but mine
were still at work and missed it. That made me feel very upset and miserable. I know they have
to work, but sometimes I wish they would quit. What do you advise me to do?
Disregarded Sarah

Questions:
1. Who is writing the letter?
2. Who is she writing the letter to?
3. What does the writer want?
4. What is the problem?

 Now, read the model letter and answer the following questions.

Dear Disregarded,
I am a fifteen-year-old student, too, and I read your letter about your working parents in Amy’s advice column. I
would like to give you some advice since I know exactly how you feel from my personal experience.
The problem you face is very common nowadays, however, there are some things you can do about it. First of all,
try to understand why your parents have to work so hard. I am sure it is because they try to satisfy the needs of the whole
family and not because they don’t care about you. They want you to have a good quality of life though they fail to realize
how much you miss them. Therefore, a good idea is to talk to them about how you feel. Tell them that you miss them and
you need them. I strongly believe that they will listen to you and will try to make you happy.
In addition, you shouldn’t complain much. They work hard and I am sure they are under stress, so the last thing
they need is more problems. Instead, discuss things with them and try to find solutions all together. Another thing you
could do is help your mother with the housework. In this way, not only will you do things together, but she will also have
more free time to spend with you. And know what? No matter what you do together, you can always have fun. So, you can
turn routine activities into fun activities!
In the end, if you show some understanding and also share your worries with them, I am certain they will be
willing to work together with you so that you are all happy. They can’t stop working but you will all feel much better.
I hope my advice will be of some help to you.
Sincerely,
Vicky

Questions:
1. Who wrote this letter?
2. What is the purpose of the letter?
3. What advice does the writer give?
4. How does the writer summarize her advice?