Asking for and Giving Advice
In daily life, we often find ourselves needing advice, whether it’s about making
decisions, solving problems, or improving ourselves. Asking for advice and giving
advice are essential skills in communication, especially in English. In this lesson,
we will focus on different expressions and phrases that can help you ask for advice
politely and give it effectively. We will also practice how to use these expressions
in real-life situations through a dialogue and exercises.
1. Dialogue:
Seeking Advice at Work
Anna and Ben are friends discussing a problem. Anna needs advice on what to
do about an issue at work.
Anna:
Hey Ben, I’ve been having some trouble at work lately. I’m not sure if I should
talk to my manager about it or just let it go. What do you think I should do?
Ben:
Hmm, that’s tricky. You should definitely talk to your manager about it. You
need to make sure your concerns are heard.
Anna:
You think so? Do you think that I should bring it up during our next meeting,
or should I email her about it first?
Ben:
If I were you, I would bring it up in person. It’s always better to talk face to
face. If you email her, it might seem like you’re avoiding the issue.
1
Anna:
That makes sense. I guess I’m just nervous about how she might react.
Ben:
I understand. But, honestly, you’d better speak up now rather than wait. If you
let it go for too long, it could get worse.
Anna:
You’re right. Thanks for the advice, Ben. I feel a lot better now.
Ben:
No problem! I’m sure everything will be fine.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answer the following questions:
[Link] does Anna ask Ben about at the beginning of the conversation?
2. What advice does Ben give Anna when she asks what she should do?
3. Why does Ben suggest that Anna talk to her manager in person instead of
sending an email?
4. How does Anna react to Ben's advice at the end of the conversation?
5. Which expressions does Anna use to ask for advice?
6. Which expressions does Ben use to give advice?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Asking for Advice:
Here are some common expressions you can use to ask for advice in English:
• What do you think I should do?
• What should I do?
• What do you suggest?
2
• What do you advise me to do?
• If you were me what would you do?
• What ought I to do?
• Do you think that I should…?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Giving Advice:
Here are some common expressions you can use to give advice in English:
• If I were you I would/wouldn’t…
• If I were in your shoes/position I would…
• You had better/ you’d better…
• You should…
• Why don’t you…?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Exercise: Writing Sentences Using Advice Expressions
Now, let’s practice by writing some sentences. Below are situations. Write
sentences the expressions we’ve learned.
1. Situation: I want to improve my English pronunciation.
Asking for advice: What should I do?
Giving advice: You should practice speaking every day with a native speaker.
2. Situation: I want to buy a new car, but I don’t have enough money.
Asking for advice:
Giving advice:
3
3. Situation: I have problems getting to sleep at night.
Asking for advice:
Giving advice:
4. Situation: I’d like to go on holiday next month.
Asking for advice:
Giving advice:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Now that you’ve seen and practiced some of the expressions for asking and
giving advice, it’s time to get creative! Your task is to come up with your own
examples using the phrases we’ve learned.
Situation 1: ………………………………………………………………………
Asking for advice: ………………………………………………………………..
Giving advice: ……………………………………………………………………
Situation 2:
Asking for advice:………………………………………………………………...
Giving advice:…………………………………………………………………….
Situation 3: ……………………………………………………………………….
Asking for advice:………………………………………………………………..
Giving advice :……………………………………………………………………
In this lesson, we’ve learned different ways to ask for advice and how to give
it effectively in English. Whether you are seeking advice for making decisions or
solving problems, using the right phrases will help you communicate clearly and
politely. Practice these expressions, and you’ll be able to give and receive advice
with confidence!
Adapted by: Pr. SAIDI
