LETTERS ASKING FOR OR GIVING ADVICE

LETTERS ASKING FOR OR GIVING ADVICE

Letters asking for or giving advice can be formal or informal depending on the situation. A letter asking for advice can be sent to a friend or an advice column in a magazine. Details of the problem should be mentioned. A letter giving advice should contain suggestions introduced with appropriate language.

Asking for advice

Introduction: paragraph 1 - reason(s) for writing

Main Body: paragraphs 2, (3) - description of problem(s)

Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks

Useful Language for Letters Asking for Advice

Opening Remarks:

Formal

I am writing to ask if you could help me with ….

I would appreciate it if you could give me some advice about ….

I am writing to ask for your advice /I would be grateful if you could offer your advice ….

Could you possibly offer your advice …..

I wonder if you could help me with a problem, etc.

Informal

I'm writing to ask for your advice ….

Can you give me your advice ….

I've got a problem and I need your advice …; etc.

Closing Remarks:

Formal

I would appreciate it if you could give me your advice as soon as possible ….

I look forward to receiving your advice …..

It would be of great help if you could advise me, etc.

Informal

What do you think I should do?  

Please let me know what you think I should do.  

Please tell me what to do, etc.

What would you advise me to …?

Other useful expressions:

Informal

Do you think I should …?

Do you have any idea about …?

I was wondering if you …

Sample letter asking for advice (informal)

  Dear Pam,

  Sorry that I haven’t written for ages, but I’ve been very busy studying. I’m writing because I need your advice about a problem I have.

  My friends and I have decided to go away on holiday in the summer, but I don’t have enough money. I was wondering if you had any ideas about earning some extra cash. If I don’t save up enough money by August, I’ll have to go away with my parents instead. Can you think of anything that would help me to make some money quickly?

  What would you advise me to do? Please write back as soon as you can.

  Love,

  Mary

Giving advice

Introduction: paragraph 1 - thanks for letter/express understanding of problem

Main Body: paragraphs 2, (3) - suggestion(s) + reason(s)

Conclusion: final paragraph - closing remarks

Useful Language for Letters Giving Advice

Opening Remarks:

Formal

Thank you for your letter requesting …

I am writing in reply to your letter asking for advice about …

I hope the following advice will be of some help to you, etc.

Informal

I just got your letter and I think I can help you …

I was sorry to hear about your problem. Here's what I think you should do, etc.

Suggestions can be introduced with expressions such as:

Formal

I strongly recommend that …

I would suggest that …

I believe the best course of action is …

I would advise you to …

You should …

You ought to …

You cold also …

If I were you I would …

Informal

Why don't you …

You should …

You ought to …

It would be a good idea to …

What you should do is ...  

How about...

I think you should ...

The best advice I can give you is..., etc.

Closing Remarks:

Formal

I trust you will accept this advice.

I hope this will be of help.

I would very much like to know if this was helpful.

Informal

Hope this has helped.

Let me know what happens, etc.

Read the following letters and answer these questions.

Which letter is formal and which is informal?

What is the topic of each paragraph in each letter?

Replace the underlined phrases with other similar expressions, keeping the appropriate style.

Dear Miss Pierson, MODEL A

Thank you for your letter asking for my advice about what you should do now that you have finished school. There are a range of options for you to choose from.

If I were you, I would make a list of all the careers which may interest you and then decide which one you feel you are best suited to. You could also see a careers officer who would be able to give you professional advice. Furthermore, it would be a good idea to write to some universities and ask them to send you a prospectus; you may find a course which really appeals to you.

I hope these suggestions will be of help to you. I wish you well in whatever course of action you decide upon.

Yours sincerely,

Linda Steel           

  Dear Stephanie

  Thanks for your letter asking me for advice about how to lose weight. I’m sure your problem isn’t as serious as you say it is.

  The best advice I can give you is to choose one diet and really stick to it for a couple of months. It’s pointless trying lots of different ones which only last a few days, as you’ve discovered! The most important thing to remember is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and to exercise regularly.

  If you follow my advice, I’m sure you’ll be back in shape in no time. Let me know how it goes.

  Love,

  Katе