30 min

language learning center · B1 · Lesson 8

Giving considered advice

Ask for context and give supportive, appropriately qualified advice.

Understand and learn

Work from a natural example to useful language, one small pattern, a spoken attempt, and a response that is relevant to your life.

Nina

I’ve been offered a course abroad, but I’m not sure whether to accept it.

Nina explains a decision she is considering.

Owen

What is making the decision difficult?

Owen asks for context before advising.

Nina

It would be useful for my career, although it means being away for three months.

Nina balances the benefit and personal cost.

Owen

If I were in your position, I’d ask whether a shorter placement is possible before deciding.

Owen gives qualified advice and a concrete next step.

Notice, try, and speak

Understand a natural example and learn a small set of useful words, phrases, and patterns.

Useful words and phrases

These items were selected by the lesson curriculum for practical use—not extracted as an every-word list.

Learn these items
  • What is making it difficult?

    Ask for the missing context.

    What is making the decision difficult?

  • Have you considered…?

    Offer an option gently.

    Have you considered…?

  • You might want to…

    Give a cautious suggestion.

    You might want to…

  • If I were in your position…

    Frame advice as a personal view.

    If I were in your position, I’d ask whether a shorter placement is possible before deciding.

  • Before deciding…

    Suggest a step before commitment.

    If I were in your position, I’d ask whether a shorter placement is possible before deciding.

Notice, try, and speak

Which response gives supportive, qualified advice?

Which response gives supportive, qualified advice?

Make it yours

Respond to a dilemma by asking one question and offering two gentle suggestions.

Use a realistic choice about learning, travel, work, or time.

Use it with someone

Exchange thoughtful advice in English

  1. 1. What is making it difficult?
  2. 2. Have you considered…?
  3. 3. You might want to…
  4. 4. If I were in your position…
  5. 5. Before deciding…
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