B1 Upper-Intermediate Writing · Lesson 8
Reply to a Friend and Give Detailed Advice
Learn to reply directly to a friend’s problem and give practical, well-explained advice.
B1 Upper-IntermediateInformal advice email30 min120–130 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.
Learning objective
Write a supportive informal reply that acknowledges a problem, gives several pieces of advice, explains reasons, and encourages the reader.
Model text
Hi Sam,
Thanks for your message. I understand why you are worried about your first week at university, especially because you do not know anyone there yet. If I were you, I would join one or two student activities instead of trying to meet people only in class. Clubs are useful because everyone already has something in common. You could also arrive a little early for lectures and start simple conversations with the people sitting near you. Another idea is to invite someone for coffee after class rather than waiting for them to ask you. Most new students are probably feeling nervous too. Give yourself a few weeks and do not expect everything to feel comfortable immediately. I am sure it will get easier.
Take care,
Leo
Thanks for your message. I understand why you are worried about your first week at university, especially because you do not know anyone there yet. If I were you, I would join one or two student activities instead of trying to meet people only in class. Clubs are useful because everyone already has something in common. You could also arrive a little early for lectures and start simple conversations with the people sitting near you. Another idea is to invite someone for coffee after class rather than waiting for them to ask you. Most new students are probably feeling nervous too. Give yourself a few weeks and do not expect everything to feel comfortable immediately. I am sure it will get easier.
Take care,
Leo
How to write
1
Acknowledge your friend’s situation
2
Show understanding or empathy
3
Give two or three practical suggestions
4
Explain why the advice may help
5
Finish with encouragement and a friendly closing
Useful language
I understand why...If I were you,...You could also...Another idea is to...This may help because...I am sure...
B1 Upper-Intermediate focus: Develop each main idea with a reason, example, consequence, or reflection. Use a wider range of linkers, but keep the text natural and easy to follow.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text
Reply to a Friend and Give Detailed Advice
Read the model text closely. Choose the answer that best explains its grammar, vocabulary, linking, or register.
Analyse how the model uses language to achieve the writing purpose.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does Leo begin with “I understand why you are worried”?
2
What form is used in “If I were you, I would join…”?
3
Why does Leo use “could” in “You could also arrive a little early”?
4
What does “rather than” do in the coffee suggestion?
5
Why is “probably” used in “Most new students are probably feeling nervous too”?
6
What is the tone of “Give yourself a few weeks”?
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Exercise 2 · Structure & development
Reply to a Friend and Give Detailed Advice
Use the model text to analyse how its ideas are ordered, connected, developed, and supported.
Analyse the organisation of this specific model text and the function of its details.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does Leo respond to Sam’s worry before listing suggestions?
2
How are the first two suggestions connected?
3
Why does the sentence about clubs immediately follow the first suggestion?
4
What does the coffee suggestion add that the earlier advice does not?
5
Why is “Most new students are probably feeling nervous too” placed near the end?
6
How does the final sentence “I am sure it will get easier” function?
Exercise complete. Your progress has been saved.
Exercise 3 · Writing
Reply to a Friend and Give Detailed Advice
Learn to reply directly to a friend’s problem and give practical, well-explained advice.
Complete the writing task.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 120–130 words and develop your ideas clearly.
Your task
Your friend has written to you about a problem. Reply to the email, show that you understand the situation, and give detailed practical advice with reasons.
- Use a friendly greeting.
- Refer directly to your friend’s problem.
- Give at least three pieces of advice or suggestions.
- Explain the reason for at least one suggestion.
- Use supportive language.
- Keep an informal tone.
- Finish with encouragement and a closing.
I understand why...If I were you,...You could also...Another idea is to...This may help because...I am sure...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 120–130
Your draft is saved automatically on this device.
Quick check
•Write about 120–130 words
•Use a friendly greeting
•Refer clearly to the problem
•Give at least three suggestions
•Explain why a suggestion may help
•Invite a response or encourage the reader
•Use a suitable closing
•Use several linking expressions
•Use at least 7 clear sentences
Exercise complete. Your writing has passed the lesson check and your progress has been saved.
AI feedback
After the lesson check, get detailed feedback appropriate for this B1 Upper-Intermediate task.