Problem Page Advice
Students read a letter describing a personal problem. In pairs, they write advice responses using target language (modals, conditionals, advice phrases). Can then swap and give spoken responses too.
Procedure
- Distribute 3–4 problem letters — short (80–150 words) first-person accounts of a dilemma.
- Each pair picks one and writes a 150-word advice response.
- Target language embedded:
- If I were you, I'd...
- You should try...
- It might be worth... / A useful thing to do would be...
- Have you considered...?
- Pairs read their advice aloud. Class votes on most helpful (and most reckless) response.
- Pair up again — new problem, new partner, spoken advice only this time.
Sample Problems
Friendship
Dear Page, my best friend has started hanging out with a new group and doesn't reply to my messages anymore. I feel hurt but don't want to seem needy. What should I do?
Work
Dear Page, my new boss takes credit for my work in meetings. I can't prove it but it keeps happening. How do I handle this?
Family
Dear Page, my parents want me to study medicine. I want to study music. I haven't told them because they'll be disappointed. What should I do?
Learning
Dear Page, I've been studying English for 3 years and I still can't speak fluently. I'm losing motivation. Is it worth continuing?
Why It Works
- Authentic functional language: advice uses modals and conditionals in their most natural habitat.
- Personal resonance: problems that touch universal experiences generate genuine engagement.
- Register flexibility: advice lets students choose between gentle / firm / funny / philosophical.
- Speaking + writing linked: the same target language appears in both modes.
Variations
- Teacher as agony aunt: students write problems; teacher selects and answers a few in writing or speech.
- Escalating advice: pairs give advice; next pair adds advice for if the first advice doesn't work.
- Reply from the other perspective: write advice from the perspective of the problem-causer. Trains empathy.
- Podcast format: pairs record an audio "advice show" episode responding to 3 problems.
Tips
- Sensitivity: avoid problems that mirror real students' situations too closely. Keep the fiction clear.
- Don't just give generic advice: push pairs to offer specific, creative solutions — not "be honest with them."
- Compare responses: different pairs give radically different advice on the same problem; this is the discussion gold.
Source
Harmer, J. (2015) The Practice of English Language Teaching (5th ed.). Pearson. Standard activity in general English and Cambridge exam prep coursebooks.