DIALOGUE
In this lesson, your tutor will help you go over this topic: asking for advice. First, read the following dialogue out loud with your tutor, then switch roles and try again.
Kevin and Dorothy are talking about asking for advice.
Kevin: Dorothy, I need to ask you for some advice.
Dorothy: Sure, how can I help you?
Kevin: I am trying to decide whether to move to another city. If you were me, what would you do?
Dorothy: I would listen to your family since they have to move with you. What does your family suggest?
Kevin: I haven’t asked them yet. What do you advise me to do?
Dorothy: You should have a family meeting. Your family will give you guidance.
Kevin: Do you know what else I need to do to move? What would you suggest?
Dorothy: I’m not sure what is the best way. Perhaps you need expert advice.
Kevin: Yes, you’re right. I should find someone who has moved before, and ask them “What should I do?”
Dorothy: Sometimes people may give you advice without you asking. For example, “here’s a free bit of advice“.
VOCABULARY
Go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly.
Vocabulary/ Expressions
| advice | (n) an opinion or suggestion about what someone should do
My advice to you is to travel the world. |
| If you were me, what would you do? | (complete sentence) asking for advice thinking that person was you
I don’t have enough money to pay my rent. If you were me, what would you do? |
| advise | (v) to give information to someone; a suggestion or opinion
I advise you to get more sleep. |
| What do you suggest? | (complete sentence) a way to ask for advice
I’m having problems losing weight. What do you suggest I do? |
| What do you advise me to do? | (complete sentence) a way to ask for advice
I can’t start my car. What do you advise me to do? |
| do you know | (phrase) a way to ask for advice or help
Do you know where I can buy cheap gas? |
| guidance | (n) help or advice that tells you what to do
She asked for my guidance about living abroad. |
| expert | (adj) having a special skill or knowledge about a subject
He gave me his expert opinion on buying a car. |
| What should I do? | (complete sentence) a way to ask for advice
My car was stolen! What should I do? |
| a free bit of advice | (phrase) to give advice to someone when they didn’t ask for it
Here’s a free bit of advice. You better be prepared for the test tomorrow. |
EXERCISE
Practice answering the following questions with your tutors. You can use the sample answers to come up with your own answer. Use the phrases and sentences you learned above.
- How would you ask for advice if you wanted to quit smoking?
- I really need to stop smoking. What do you suggest I do?
- My doctor advised me to quit smoking. If you were me, what would you do?
- Your answer:
- I’m always late for work. What should I do?
- I suggest you get up earlier.
- I think you should use two alarm clocks.
- Your answer:
- How would you ask for advice if you wanted help with the IELTS exam?
- I need to study for the IELTS exam. What should I do?
- I’m not ready to take the IELTS exam. What do you advise me to do?
- Your answer:
- How would you give a free bit of advice about learning English?
- Here’s a free bit of advice. Watch movies in English
- Here’s a free bit of advice. Read newspapers in English.
- Your answer:
- How would you ask for advice about studying English abroad?
- I can’t decide which country I want to study in. What should I do?
- I can’t find an apartment to live in. I need your expert advice.
- Your answer:
CONVERSATION
Use the following questions as a guideline to form an interesting conversation with your tutor. Feel free to diverge from these suggestions if anything interesting comes up.
- Have you ever given a free bit of advice? If yes, tell me about it. If no, would you?
- Why do people ask for advice?
- Can advice be both good and bad? Why or why not?
- Has anyone ever asked you for advice? If yes, tell me about it. If no, would you give advice if someone asked you? Why or why not?
- I found an expensive watch in a coffee shop. What should I do?
WRAP-UP
Go over any new expressions or vocabulary that you learned today.
