Table of Contents
Letter of Advice Lesson Plan
This letter of advice lesson plan is designed to help students learn and use expressions of advice in context, collaborate in groups to reach a consensus and develop their writing skills by crafting a personal letter that offers advice.
Lesson Overview
Objective:
- Students will learn to use expressions of advice in appropriate contexts, work collaboratively to reach a decision, and develop their writing skills by composing a letter of advice.
Target Language:
- Expressions for asking and giving advice
- Structuring a letter of advice
Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Copies of Anna’s letter scenario
- Chart templates for group work
Activities:
- Warm-Up: Discuss expressions of advice through a relatable scenario (e.g., toothache).
- Language Practice: Students complete a chart with expressions for asking and giving advice.
- Scenario Discussion: Read and analyze Anna’s dilemma.
- Group Activity: Students discuss and decide on the best advice for Anna.
- Writing Exercise: Each student writes a letter of advice to Anna.
Duration:
- Approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on class size and discussion depth.
Assessment:
- Participation in group discussion
- Completion of the advice chart
- Quality and clarity of the final letter of advice
Introduction: Understanding Expressions of Advice
Begin the lesson by engaging the students in a real-life scenario. Tell them you have a bad toothache and need their advice. Write the following question on the board:
WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO?
Invite the students to share their suggestions. For example:
- “I think you should brush your teeth regularly.”
- “You ought to see a dentist.”
- “You had better avoid eating candies.”
Use this opportunity to introduce common expressions for giving advice. Then, ask students to brainstorm other phrases used for asking and giving advice.
Next, have students complete a chart like this:
| Asking for Advice | Giving Advice |
|---|---|
| What should I do? | I think you should/ought to… |
| What ought I to do? | If I were you, I would… |
| What do you suggest? | Why don’t you…? |
| What do you advise me to do? | You’d better… |
| What’s your advice? | It might be a good idea if you… |
| If you were me, what would you do? | I advise you to… |
A Dilemma: Anna’s Choice
Introduce the students to Anna’s dilemma through the following scenario:
Anna, a 23-year-old ambitious and intelligent journalism student, is facing a difficult decision. She has received marriage proposals from four men, each offering a unique path in life. Here’s her letter:
Dear friend,
You won’t believe it! I’ve been proposed to by not one, but four men at the same time. I’m torn and don’t know what to do. You know I’m struggling financially and can’t afford my university fees this year, so these proposals came at just the right time. On one hand, I want to finish my studies and get my PhD, but on the other hand, I’m stuck financially, especially since my father was fired and can’t support me anymore.
The four men are all respectable and kind, although I never imagined they would propose. Here’s a bit about each:
Alan is a wealthy and famous businessman with a great sense of humor, but he’s 10 years older than me.
John is a shy, good-looking young artist who is still making a name for himself. He’s romantic and sweet-talking.
George is a successful lawyer who makes a lot of money, but he’s always busy and travels frequently.
Tom is an engineer with a beautiful apartment and a nice car. He’s handsome, generous, and smart but very attached to his mother as her only child.
Please help me make a decision. What do you think I should do? I look forward to hearing from you.
Your friend, Anna
Activity: Group Work and Discussion
1. Reading and Analysis:
- Have students read Anna’s letter and identify her options.
2. Group Work:
Divide the class into groups of four. Ask each group to fill out a chart summarizing the characteristics of each suitor:
| Name | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Alan | |
| John | |
| George | |
| Tom |
3. Decision-Making:
In groups, students discuss and decide on the best option for Anna. Encourage them to think creatively and consider all factors.
4. Class Discussion:
Facilitate a whole-class discussion where each group shares their conclusions.
Writing a Letter of Advice:
Finally, students individually write a letter advising Anna on what to do.
Dear Anna,
…………..
Your friend,
…………..
Conclusion
This letter of advice lesson plan enhances both critical thinking and writing skills by engaging students in real-world problem-solving. By working together to reach a consensus, students not only practice giving advice but also develop their collaboration and communication abilities, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.