The Advice Column

An advice column is a short section in a newspaper or magazine to which people can write a letter explaining a problem that they have. Some advice columnists answer questions about household chores, gardening and cooking while others are called "AGONY AUNTIES." Agony aunties focus on problems that people have with their partners, friends, neighbors and family. Sometimes the problems are very serious, and sometimes they are silly. The columnist has to write advice for the people who write to him or her in a way that is clear and succinct.

Why don't you try it?

Here is an example of an advice column letter, originally sent to Ann Landers, one of the most famous advice columnists in the USA. Read it and give the writer some advice on her problem!

Dear Ann Landers: I am planning to marry the love of my life in June. "Phillip" is a terrific guy, except when it comes to my 12-year-old daughter, "Beth," who is very sweet but has attention-deficit disorder. Phillip does not understand that she needs to be reminded of things over and over. When he asks her to do a chore, he expects her to jump to it immediately. He doesn't realize that Beth is distracted easily and forgets. She isn't being deliberately disobedient.I think Phillip is being too hard on Beth when he says she needs more discipline. I agree that Beth may resent Phillip's presence in my life, but it doesn't help when he yells at her all the time. I love him dearly, but I'm having second thoughts about what marrying him might do to my daughter. Help me make the right choice. — Unsure in Baltimore

Prepare a response that gives advice to "UNSURE IN BALTIMORE" about her problem. What can she do about her situation? Be sure to use words like "should, could, might and may."

Remember to follow the paragraph structure we're been working on in class. Prepare your answer of 4-6 sentences in paragraph form, and publish it in the comments below!

Midterm Exam

Remember to study diligently for your midterm exam!

The test will cover units 1, 2 and 3 from American Headway 3a.

Remember to study the glossary at the back of the book, review the grammar tenses and prepare to write a response to a prompt.

See you there!