Writing a Letter of Advice

Let’s learn how to write an informal letter giving advice.

Exam in Mind Level B1

How to write an informal letter giving advice

Start with general news and/or a reference to what your friend wrote in their last email.
Express sympathy for your friend’s situation
I understand what a difficult decision it is.
I can see why you’re worried/unhappy.
Offer advice by asking a question
Have you thought about … (making a list)?
Why don’t you … (talk to your friend)?
Offer advice by making a statement
If I were you, I’d … (fi nd out more).
It’s a good idea to … (read about it online/ask a teacher you get on well with).
Change the subject and say something positive or give more news
By the way, thanks for …
Incidentally, did you hear that …?
Reassure your friend at the end of the email
I’m sure everything will be OK.
I’m sure things will work out fine.

Situation for writing an informal letter giving advice:

Your friend from Ireland wanted to make a train journey across Europe by himself/herself, but his/her parents didn’t agree. Write an email to your friend and:

• express your opinion on travelling by train,
• say whether you think his/her parents’ concerns are justified and explain why,
• give him/her advice on the situation,
• invite him/her to visit your country during the summer holiday and suggest the most convenient date for you.

Sample

Hey Pam,

Great to hear about your plans. Your life is so exciting at the moment. I’m back at uni and studying hard.

I can see why you’re unhappy. Travelling by train is great and I’m sure your trip will be fantastic, but have you really thought about the dangers? Your bag could get stolen while you are sleeping, and it can be very expensive to travel by train. I think your mum and dad think you’re too young to travel by yourself. They’re afraid something bad could happen. On the other hand, I don’t agree with your parents. I think you’re old enough to make your own decisions and mistakes. They can’t look after you forever.

If I were you, I’d write a list of all the things that could go wrong and think of a solution to each problem. Then you can talk to your parents and present all your arguments. I’m sure that will make them feel much better.

By the way, can you visit Poland during the summer holidays? The beginning of July would be best for me.

I’m sure things will work out fine.

Meg

I’m Liliya and this is my informal letter giving advice.

Hi Tom,

I’ve heard about your plans to take a train journey across Europe. Personally, I think it’s a cool idea! Exploring different countries, experiencing diverse cultures, and visiting iconic landmarks sounds like a truly enriching experience.

But I can also understand your parents’ hesitation. It’s perfectly natural for them to feel uneasy to let you go alone on such a long journey. They’re probably concerned about your safety, that you might be robbed, lose something important, or even get lost. And of course, the fact that you’re still a minor likely adds to their worries.

Have you considered inviting a friend to join you? If I were in your parents’ shoes, I’d feel much more at ease knowing you weren’t traveling solo. It might also be a good idea to keep in regular contact with them, perhaps by sharing photos, videos, or short updates along the way. It would help reassure them and make them feel more involved in your journey.

By the way, did you watch Eurovision this year? Honestly, I was a little disappointed. The bands I expected to win didn’t make it through.

If your parents allow you to go, you absolutely must include my country in your itinerary! I’d be more than happy to show you around, there’s so much I’d love to share with you. The end of June would be best for me.

Wishing you the best of luck convincing your parents. I’m sure everything will work out.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Best wishes,

Ann