Give Advice to Someone with a Problem B1 Writing Practice Tests

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

Exercise 1

Read the sentences below. Choose the one sentence that has correct punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. The other sentences contain one or more errors related to advice-giving language at B1 level.

Example: Which sentence is correct?
a) if i were you i would talk to your doctor about it.
b) If I were you, I would talk to your doctor about it.
c) If i were you, I would talk to your Doctor about it.
Answer: b) If I were you, I would talk to your doctor about it.

1. You are writing an informal email to a friend who feels stressed about exams. Which sentence uses the correct modal form to give advice at B1 level?

You should definitely to take short breaks while you are studying.

You should definitely take short breaks while you are studying.

You should definitely taking short breaks while you are studying.

You should definitely took short breaks while you are studying.

2. A friend has written to you saying they are unhappy at work. Which sentence correctly uses 'If I were you' to give advice?

If I were you, I will talk to your manager about the problem.

If I am you, I would talk to your manager about the problem.

If I were you, I would talk to your manager about the problem.

If I was you, I would talked to your manager about the problem.

3. Read this sentence from an advice email: 'You are feeling tired all the time. _____, you should try to sleep at least eight hours every night.' Which linking word correctly introduces the advice?

Although

Despite

Therefore,

Even though

4. Which sentence correctly uses 'although' to combine two ideas in an advice email?

Although it is hard to change habits, but you can start with small steps.

Although it is hard to change habits, you can start with small steps.

Although it is hard to change habits. You can start with small steps.

Although, it is hard to change habits, you can start with small steps.

5. Your friend is having trouble sleeping. Which sentence correctly uses 'why don't you' to give a friendly suggestion?

Why don't you to try drinking warm milk before bed?

Why don't you trying warm milk before bed?

Why don't you try drinking warm milk before bed?

Why don't you tried drinking warm milk before bed?

6. Read this sentence from a student's advice email: 'I think you should definitly speak to a doctor about your problem.' What is the spelling error in this sentence?

'speak' should be spelled 'speek'

'definitly' should be spelled 'definitely'

'doctor' should be spelled 'docter'

'problem' should be spelled 'problam'

7. Which sentence uses 'however' with correct punctuation in an advice email?

Eating healthy food is important however you also need to exercise regularly.

Eating healthy food is important, however you also need to exercise regularly.

Eating healthy food is important. However, you also need to exercise regularly.

Eating healthy food is important however, you also need to exercise regularly.

8. A friend feels lonely after moving to a new city. Which sentence correctly uses the present perfect to acknowledge their situation in an advice email?

I understand that you have been feeling lonely since you moved there.

I understand that you have been feeling lonely since you are moved there.

I understand that you felt lonely since you have moved there.

I understand that you are feeling lonely since you have been moved there.

9. Which of the following openings is most appropriate for an informal advice email to a friend at B1 level?

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing with reference to your recent communication regarding your difficulties.

Hi Jess! Thanks for your email — I'm really sorry to hear you've been having such a tough time.

To Whom It May Concern, It has come to my attention that you require assistance.

Greetings. I wish to advise you on the matter of your personal situation as discussed.

10. Read this paragraph from a student's advice email: 'In addition, you could perhaps join a local sports club, _____ would give you a great chance to meet new people and get fit at the same time.' Which relative pronoun correctly completes the sentence?

that

who

where

which

Exercises: 1 2 3 4 5

How to Give Advice to Someone with a Problem in English

Have you ever received a message from a friend who is worried, confused, or unsure what to do? In real life — and in English exams — you are often asked to read someone's problem and write back with advice. This is one of the most common B1 writing tasks because it is so useful in everyday life.

You might write an informal email to a friend who is stressed about exams, a short letter to a classmate who has argued with someone, or even an article giving tips to readers of a school magazine. Whatever the format, the goal is the same: to understand the problem clearly and give helpful, organised, and friendly advice.

At B1 level, your writing should be 100–120 words, organised into 3–4 clear paragraphs, and use a range of linking words, modal verbs for advice, and B1 grammar structures such as conditionals and relative clauses.

Essential Writing Rules and Sentence Structure

1. Use Modal Verbs to Give Advice

At B1 level, you must use a variety of modal verbs and advice expressions. Do not repeat the same phrase over and over.

You should talk to your teacher about this.
Why don't you try joining a new club?
You could ask your parents for help.
If I were you, I would apologise straight away.
It might be a good idea to take a short break.
Have you thought about speaking to someone you trust?

2. Use the Second Conditional for Advice

The second conditional is one of the most natural ways to give advice in English. It shows that you are imagining yourself in the other person's situation.

If I were you, I would speak to your manager directly.
If she tried talking to him calmly, things would probably get better.

3. Use Relative Clauses to Add Detail

Relative clauses help you avoid short, repetitive sentences and show B1-level writing skill.

I think you should visit the school counsellor, who helped me a lot last year.
There is a great app that can help you manage your time better.

4. Use Linking Words to Connect Your Ideas

Your advice should flow naturally from one sentence to the next. Use linking words to show contrast, reason, addition, and result. Do not start every sentence with "And" or "But."

5. Paragraph Structure for Advice Writing

Paragraph 1 (Introduction): Acknowledge the problem and show empathy.
Paragraph 2 (Main Advice): Give your first piece of advice with a reason.
Paragraph 3 (Extra Advice): Give a second piece of advice or suggest an alternative.
Paragraph 4 (Closing): Encourage your friend and offer further support.

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

The table below shows the most useful linking words for giving advice at B1 level. Study the function of each one carefully, and notice the punctuation.

Connector	Function / Use	Example Sentence
However,	Shows contrast between two ideas (starts a new sentence)	You might feel nervous at first. However, it gets much easier with practice.
Although	Shows contrast within one sentence (no comma needed before the main clause)	Although it feels difficult now, things will definitely improve soon.
Therefore,	Shows a result or conclusion	You have been working very hard. Therefore, you deserve a rest.
In addition,	Adds an extra point or piece of advice	In addition, you could try writing your feelings in a journal.
Because	Gives a reason (connects two clauses)	I think you should apologise because it will make you feel better.
So	Shows a result within a sentence	He has been feeling stressed, so he really needs your support.
While	Shows two things happening at the same time, or contrast	While it is hard to be patient, trying to understand others really helps.
As a result,	Shows the consequence of something	She stopped revising early. As a result, she felt much calmer on the day.
Even though	Emphasises a strong contrast	Even though the situation seems hopeless, there is always a solution.
If I were you,	Introduces second conditional advice	If I were you, I would talk to your form tutor straight away.

Model Writing Sample: An Advice Email to a Friend

The Situation (Prompt)

Your English-speaking friend, Jake, has sent you this email:

"I've been really stressed about my exams lately. I can't concentrate when I study, and I haven't been sleeping well. Do you have any advice for me?"

Write an email to Jake giving him advice. Write 100–120 words.

Model Answer

[Greeting]
Hi Jake,

[Opening — Show Empathy and Acknowledge the Problem]
Thanks for your email. I'm really sorry to hear that you've been feeling so stressed lately. I completely understand how difficult exam time can be, so I hope my advice helps.

[Main Advice — First Suggestion with Reason]
First of all, I think you should create a study timetable because having a clear plan can really help you feel more in control. Although it might seem like extra work at first, you will feel much calmer once you know exactly what to study each day.

[Extra Advice — Second Suggestion or Alternative]
In addition, why don't you try some simple relaxation exercises before bed? If I were you, I would also avoid looking at your phone late at night, which might be affecting your sleep.

[Closing — Encouragement and Offer of Support]
I'm sure you will do brilliantly, Jake. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help!

[Sign-off]
Best wishes,
[Your name]

Word Count Check

The body of this email (not counting the name prompts) is approximately 115 words — perfectly within the B1 range of 100–120 words.

Annotation: Why This Model Works Well

Empathy in the opening: "I'm really sorry to hear that…" shows the writer has understood the problem.
Varied advice structures: "I think you should," "why don't you," and "If I were you" are all used — not just one repeated phrase.
Linking words: "First of all," "Although," "In addition," and "which" (relative clause) all appear naturally.
Second conditional: "If I were you, I would also avoid…" demonstrates B1 grammar.
Warm closing: The encouragement and offer of further help is typical of a friendly informal email.

Key Phrases and Sentence Starters

Greetings (Informal Email or Letter)

Hi [Name],
Dear [Name],
Hey [Name]! (very informal — use only with close friends)

Opening Lines — Showing Empathy and Acknowledging the Problem

Thanks for your email — it sounds like you are going through a really tough time.
I was sorry to hear about your problem. I hope I can help!
I completely understand how you feel, and I think I have some useful advice for you.
It sounds like things have been quite difficult lately, so I wanted to write to you straight away.
Don't worry — this is a very common problem, and there are definitely some things you can do.

Giving Advice — Main Body Phrases

First of all, I think you should…
The most important thing is to…
If I were you, I would definitely…
Why don't you try…?
It might be a good idea to…
Have you considered / thought about…?
You could also try… because it really helped me when…
One thing that worked for me was…
Although it might seem difficult at first,…
In addition, another useful thing you could do is…

Giving Reasons for Your Advice

…because it will help you feel more relaxed.
…so that you can focus better on what really matters.
…since this kind of problem rarely goes away on its own.
…as a result, you will feel much more in control.

Closing Lines — Encouragement and Sign-off

I really hope things improve for you soon.
I'm sure you will find a solution — just take it one step at a time.
Please don't hesitate to write again if you need more advice.
Let me know how things go — I'm always here if you need to talk!
Take care of yourself, and remember that things always get better.

Sign-offs (Informal)

Best wishes, / Kind regards, (slightly more formal)
Take care,
Speak soon,
Lots of love, (very close friends only)

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Confusing "although" and "however"

❌ Although, it is hard to sleep, you should try going to bed earlier.
✅ Although it is hard to sleep, you should try going to bed earlier.
Explanation: "Although" is a conjunction that connects two clauses within one sentence. Do not put a comma directly after "although." "However," is an adverb that begins a new sentence and needs a comma after it.

❌ It is a difficult situation. Although, things will get better soon.
✅ It is a difficult situation. However, things will get better soon.
Explanation: When you are starting a new sentence to show contrast, use "However," — not "Although."

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Comma After Linking Adverbs

❌ In addition you could speak to your form tutor about this.
✅ In addition, you could speak to your form tutor about this.
Explanation: Linking adverbs and phrases such as "However," "Therefore," "In addition," and "As a result," must always be followed by a comma when they begin a sentence.

Mistake 3: Repeating the Same Advice Phrase

❌ You should talk to your friend. You should also apologise. You should try to explain how you feel.
✅ I think you should talk to your friend. Why don't you also apologise? In addition, it might be a good idea to explain exactly how you feel.
Explanation: At B1 level, you must show a range of vocabulary and structures. Using the same phrase repeatedly reduces your mark. Mix "you should," "why don't you," "if I were you, I would," and "it might be a good idea to."

Mistake 4: Spelling Errors with Common B1 Words

❌ I definately reccomend talking to someone you trust about this.
✅ I definitely recommend talking to someone you trust about this.
Explanation: "Definitely" (not "definately") and "recommend" (not "reccomend") are very commonly misspelled at B1 level. Other tricky words to practise: "necessary," "disappointed," "comfortable," "environment."

Mistake 5: Using the Wrong Conditional for Advice

❌ If I was you, I would speak to your teacher.
✅ If I were you, I would speak to your teacher.
Explanation: In the second conditional for advice, always use "were" (not "was") with "I." This is a fixed, formal structure in standard written English.

Writing Checklist and Practice Task

Writing Checklist

Before you submit your writing, go through this checklist carefully. Tick each box when you are satisfied.

✅ Did you include a proper greeting and sign-off? (e.g. "Hi [Name]," and "Best wishes,")
✅ Did you acknowledge the problem in your opening paragraph? (Show empathy — do not jump straight into advice.)
✅ Did you use at least two different advice structures? (e.g. "If I were you…" AND "Why don't you…?")
✅ Did you give a reason for each piece of advice? (Use "because," "so that," or "since.")
✅ Did you use at least two different linking words? (e.g. "Although," "In addition," "However,")
✅ Did you write in a friendly, informal register throughout? (No overly formal language in a friend's email.)
✅ Is your writing between 100 and 120 words? (Count carefully — not too short, not too long.)
✅ Did you check your spelling? (Focus on: "definitely," "recommend," "necessary," "disappointed.")
✅ Did you put a comma after linking adverbs? ("However," / "In addition," / "Therefore,")
✅ Did you end with encouragement and an offer of further support?

Your Practice Task

Read the email below from your friend, Sofia. Then write a reply giving her advice.

"Hi! I really need your help. I've just started a new job, but I'm finding it very hard to get on with one of my colleagues. She never speaks to me and seems unfriendly. I don't know whether I should say something to her or just ignore it. What do you think I should do?"

Write an email to Sofia giving her advice. Use the following points to help you:

Show empathy and say you understand how she feels.
Give one piece of advice with a reason.
Give a second piece of advice or suggest an alternative.
End with encouragement and an offer to help further.

Remember: Write 100–120 words in 3–4 paragraphs. Use a variety of advice structures, linking words, and at least one second conditional.

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.

📄 Download the Give Advice to Someone with a Problem PDF

Download this Give Advice to Someone with a Problem grammar lesson as a free printable PDF.
It includes grammar rules, examples, and explanations so you can study offline anytime.

📥 Download Free PDF