WritingCLB 6-8Template 1 — Direct recommendation

Task 1 — Advice / Recommendation Email

When to use

A friend or colleague asks for your advice; give a clear recommendation with reasons.

CLB 9 upgrade

Use modal variety (I'd suggest, you might want to, it would be wise to) and conditionals.

Template 1 — Direct recommendation Template 2 — Weigh two options, then recommend Template 3 — Advice from personal experience

Subject: Re: Your Question About [Topic]

Dear [Name],

Thanks for reaching out about [situation] — I'm happy to share what I think.

My honest recommendation would be to [clear advice]. The main reason is [reason 1 + brief support]. On top of that, [reason 2 + how it helps them].

One thing to watch out for is [pitfall + how to avoid it], just so you're prepared.

That's my two cents, but of course it's your call. Let me know what you decide, and feel free to ask if you want to talk it through.

Best,
[Your Name]

Sample Answers

Ex 1 — Advising a friend on choosing a study laptop164 words

Subject: Re: Which laptop should I buy for school?

Hi Sam,

Thanks for asking — I'm happy to help you sort this out.

My honest recommendation would be to go for a mid-range laptop with a solid-state drive and at least sixteen gigabytes of memory, rather than the cheapest model on the shelf. The main reason is that a solid-state drive makes everything feel fast and will keep the laptop usable for all four years of your programme. On top of that, sixteen gigabytes lets you run research tabs, documents, and video calls at the same time without it freezing during a deadline.

One thing to watch out for is buying purely on screen size — a huge screen is heavy to carry between classes, so aim for a fourteen-inch model that still fits in your bag.

That's my two cents, but it's your call. Let me know what you're leaning toward, and I'm glad to look at specific models with you.

Best,
Alex

Ex 2 — Recommending a clinic to a new resident166 words

Subject: Re: Where can I find a family doctor?

Dear Fatima,

Welcome to the neighbourhood, and thanks for reaching out — I'm glad to point you in the right direction.

My honest recommendation would be to register with the Riverside Family Health Centre on Oak Street. The main reason is that they are currently accepting new patients, which is rare around here, so you'll want to call before the spots fill up. On top of that, they have several doctors who speak multiple languages and offer evening appointments, which is really helpful when you're juggling work and settling in.

One thing to watch out for is that walk-in wait times can be long on Mondays, so if you can, book a proper appointment midweek instead.

That's my suggestion, but of course choose whatever feels right for your family. Let me know if you'd like me to send their phone number, and don't hesitate to ask if you need anything else while you're getting settled.

Best,
Laura

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