B2 Pre-Advanced Writing · Lesson 7
Write a Detailed Email Giving Advice
Good advice is persuasive without sounding controlling: it considers the person's situation, explains consequences, and leaves room for choice.
B2 Pre-AdvancedDetailed informal advice email35 min180–190 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the model carefully: both practice exercises ask questions about this exact text.
Learning objective
You will learn to organise an informal advice email, use tactful modal language, compare options, justify recommendations, and suggest practical next steps.
Model text
Hi Sam,
Thanks for telling me about the job offer. I can see why you are unsure: the new position sounds more interesting, but moving to Bristol would affect much more than your work. Before you decide, I would separate the question into two parts. First, ask whether the job itself is genuinely better or simply new. If the responsibilities will help you develop skills you actually want, that is a strong reason to consider it. On the other hand, if the main attraction is the title, the excitement may disappear quite quickly.
I would also think carefully about the move. You could visit Bristol for a weekend, check typical rents, and imagine an ordinary Tuesday there rather than a short holiday. If possible, ask the company whether you can work remotely for the first month. That would give you time to test the role before making every change at once.
B2 Pre-Advanced Writing · Lesson 8
Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation
Resolving a difficult situation by email requires clarity, empathy, and a workable solution—not just an apology.
B2 Pre-AdvancedProblem-solving informal email35 min180–190 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the model carefully: both practice exercises ask questions about this exact text.
Learning objective
You will learn to acknowledge the problem, explain relevant circumstances without sounding defensive, propose flexible alternatives, and close with reassurance.
Model text
Hi Leo,
I wanted to explain why I have been so difficult to reach this week. The company I work for is moving offices, and I was asked at very short notice to help coordinate the move. I originally thought I would only need to label equipment, but the person managing the project became ill on Monday, so I ended up dealing with deliveries, access cards, and several last-minute changes. To make things more complicated, my phone stopped charging properly on Tuesday, which is why I missed some of your messages.
I know we planned to meet on Saturday, and I still really want to see you. However, I may need to stay at work until early afternoon if the final delivery is delayed. Could we keep the plan flexible and confirm around noon? If Saturday becomes impossible, I am completely free on Sunday and can come to your side of town.
Sorry for the uncertainty. I did not want you to think I was ignoring you. I should have a much clearer idea by Saturday morning.
Take care,
Nina
How to write
1
Explain the difficult situation and why communication has been disrupted
2
Acknowledge how the situation affects the other person
3
Give enough detail to make the problem understandable
4
Propose a practical plan with an alternative
5
End with reassurance and a clear next update
Useful language
I wanted to explain why...at very short noticeTo make things more complicated,...However,...Could we...?I did not want you to think...
B2 Pre-Advanced focus: Develop ideas with specific evidence, varied linking, precise vocabulary, and a register appropriate to the text type.
How to write
1
Acknowledge why the decision is difficult
2
Separate the problem into useful questions
3
Give advice with reasons rather than commands
4
Suggest a practical way to reduce uncertainty
5
Respect the reader’s final choice
Useful language
I can see why...Before you decide,...On the other hand,...You could...If possible,...Whatever you choose,...
B2 Pre-Advanced focus: Develop ideas with specific evidence, varied linking, precise vocabulary, and a register appropriate to the text type.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text
Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation
Read the model text closely. Analyse the exact grammar, vocabulary, linking, stance, and register choices.
Answer questions about this lesson’s unique model text.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
Which excerpt most clearly performs this writing move: “Open by explaining why you are writing”?
What is the main writing function of “To make things more complicated” in “To make things more complicated, my phone stopped charging properly on Tuesday, which is why I missed some of your messages.”?
Which excerpt best demonstrates this writing move: “Separate causes from consequences”?
Why does the writer use “Could we keep the plan flexible” in “Could we keep the plan flexible and confirm around noon?”?
What does “However, I may need to stay at work until early afternoon if the final delivery is delayed.” mainly achieve in this model?
Why is “Could we keep the plan flexible and confirm around noon?” effective near the end of the text?
Exercise complete.
You can continue to the next part of the lesson.
Exercise 2 · Structure and development
Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation
Read the model text closely. Analyse how its ideas are ordered, developed, connected, and concluded.
Answer questions about this lesson’s unique model text.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
Where does “Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation” first establish its central situation or purpose?
Which detail does the most work to develop the second stage of the text: “Give enough background to make the situation understandable”?
Why does “However, I may need to stay at work until early afternoon if the final delivery is delayed.” follow the preceding idea “I know we planned to meet on Saturday, and I still really want to see you.”?
What structural role does “However, I may need to stay at work until early afternoon if the final delivery is delayed.” play in this model?
Why does the model place “Could we keep the plan flexible and confirm around noon?” near the end?
Which sequence best represents the organisation of “Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation”?
Exercise complete.
You can continue to the next part of the lesson.
Exercise 3 · Independent writing
Write an Email Resolving a Difficult Situation
Apply the writing skills you analysed in this lesson’s model text.
Complete the writing task independently.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 180–190 words. Up to 200 words is accepted.
Your task
Explain a difficult situation clearly, acknowledge its effect, and propose a practical resolution or alternative. Use your own ideas and examples; do not copy the model text.
- Start with a natural personal greeting
- Explain the difficult situation and its cause clearly
- Acknowledge the effect on the other person
- Propose a practical solution or next step
- Offer flexibility, an alternative, or reassurance
- Finish with a natural personal closing
I wanted to explain why...at very short noticeTo make things more complicated,...However,...Could we...?I did not want you to think...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 180–190
Your draft is saved automatically on this device.
Quick check
•Write about 180–190 words
•Start with a natural personal greeting
•Explain the difficult situation and its cause clearly
•Acknowledge the effect on the other person
•Propose a practical solution or next step
•Offer flexibility, an alternative, or reassurance
•Finish with a natural personal closing
•Use at least 8 clear sentences
Exercise complete.
Your writing has passed the lesson check and your progress has been saved.
AI feedback
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