Have you ever needed to give advice or suggest an idea during a conversation? Being able to express suggestions clearly and respond to them appropriately helps you communicate better and work with others effectively. In this chapter, you will also explore how to build strong arguments through reading and writing hortatory exposition texts. These skills will strengthen your ability to think critically, express opinions, and persuade others with confidence.
Engaging conversations require more than just words—they need connection and flow. In this unit, you will explore strategies to keep discussions interesting by asking for and giving suggestions, recommendations, and advice while linking ideas smoothly to sustain meaningful interactions.
Mission 1. Think & Reflect
Read the questions carefully and take a moment to reflect on your own experiences and opinions. 1. What makes a conversation interesting? Can you think of a time when you had a great conversation? What made it engaging? 2. What do you think is harder: starting a conversation or keeping it going? Why? 3. Have you ever received or given advice online? How was it different from face-to-face interactions? 4. How do different cultures influence the way people give and receive advice or recommendations? 5. Have you ever received a piece of advice that changed your perspective? What was it, and how did it affect you?
Mission 2. Match the Thought!
In this mission, you will receive a list of statements and a list of reasons (causes/explanations), and your task is to match each statement with the most logical reason. Once you have paired them, discuss your choices and be prepared to explain your reasoning. Statement: 1. People tend to agree with others in group conversations. 2. Some conversations become boring or awkward. 3. Asking open-ended questions helps keep discussions going. 4. Digital communication can sometimes feel less personal. 5. Online discussions sometimes turn into arguments. 6. People often prefer texting over calling. 7. Giving advice in person feels more meaningful than giving it online.
Mission 3. Link the Opinion to the Evidence!
Read the text carefully, as it presents an issue related to modern communication. Analyze the given opinions, each representing a different viewpoint on the issue. Match each opinion with the supporting statement that best strengthens it. Then, discuss your answers, explain your choices, and consider different perspectives.
The Impact of Short-Form Content on Communication
In today’s digital world, short-form content like TikTok videos, Twitter posts, and Instagram reels has become the primary way people consume information. While these platforms provide entertainment and quick access to news, they also raise concerns about how people communicate and think critically. Some argue that short-form content has led to a decline in meaningful discussions because people get used to quick, simplified messages rather than deeper conversations. Others believe that it has helped people express themselves more creatively and has encouraged engagement in discussions by making information easier to understand. The debate continues: Does short-form content improve or weaken the way we communicate?
| Opinions | Supporting statement |
|---|---|
Supporting statement options: 1. Short-form content helps people improve their writing skills because they need to express their thoughts in a few words, making them more precise and analytical in conversations. 2. People who consume short-form content have a better understanding of every topic they encounter because the information is always presented with complete details. 3. With limited space and time, short-form content often oversimplifies discussions, leaving out important details and reducing opportunities for in-depth conversations. Many people engage with surface-level information without exploring the full context. 4. The rise of short-form content has encouraged deeper discussions in classrooms and workplaces, as people now prefer to have long and detailed conversations. 5. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow people to explain complicated subjects in creative, engaging ways, making learning more accessible to wider audiences. Through storytelling, visuals, and humor, complex information can be presented in a way that captures interest. 6. Short-form content provides instant access to trending news and important updates, allowing users to stay informed even with a busy schedule. Instead of reading long articles, people can quickly grasp key points and participate in discussions on current events. 7. Watching short-form videos frequently helps people read books faster because they are used to processing information quickly.
Mission 4. Build the Conversation!
Choose a topic from the list below, dive into the three open-ended questions with detailed answers, and seamlessly connect your responses to create a natural, engaging conversation. Topic 1: The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Daily Life - How is AI changing the way people work and interact with technology? - Do you think AI is more beneficial or harmful to society? Why? - What should people do to adapt to an AI-driven future while still maintaining critical thinking and human creativity? Topic 2: The Influence of Social Media on Self-Perception - How does social media affect the way people see themselves and others? - Do you think social media sets unrealistic beauty and lifestyle standards? Why or why not? - What can people do to maintain a healthy self-image while using social media? Topic 3: The Impact of Digital Communication - How has digital communication changed the way people interact with one another? - Do you think people are losing their ability to communicate effectively in person? Why or why not? - What strategies can people use to balance digital and real-life interactions? Example: Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Real-Life Communication Step 1: Ask & Answer Three Open-Ended Questions How has social media changed the way people communicate in daily life? Social media has made communication faster and more accessible, but at the same time, it has reduced the need for face-to-face interactions. Many people now prefer texting or messaging over calling or meeting in person. Do you think social media helps or harms friendships? Why? I believe it depends on how people use it. On one hand, social media helps friends stay connected regardless of distance. On the other hand, it can make interactions feel superficial because people may focus more on likes and comments rather than meaningful conversations. What can people do to maintain real-life conversations in a digital world? One way is by setting boundaries for social media use, such as having phone-free dinners or making time for in-person meetings. Also, using social media as a tool to plan real-life hangouts rather than just scrolling aimlessly can help maintain strong personal connections. Step 2: Link the Ideas to Keep the Conversation Flowing "Social media has definitely changed how people communicate, making it faster and more convenient. However, I also feel that many people now prefer online communication over in-person interactions, which can sometimes weaken real-life relationships. That connects to another important question—does social media help or harm friendships? I think the answer depends on how we use it. While it allows us to stay in touch with friends, it can also make relationships feel less personal if people only interact online. This brings me to another point—what can we do to maintain real-life conversations in a digital world? Setting social media boundaries and prioritizing face-to-face interactions could be a good start."
Mission 5. Completing the Conversation Naturally!
Fill in the blanks with appropriate expressions to ask for, give, and agree with recommendations, suggestions, and advice. Ensure a natural flow by smoothly linking each statement to the previous one, using expressions that keep the conversation engaging and avoid abrupt topic changes. Lisa: Hey, Alex! I’ve been struggling to manage my study time lately, and I’m looking for ways to stay focused. _______________________________________ (Ask Alex’s opinion before asking for a recommendation) Alex: Hmm, I totally understand! I used to have the same problem. _____________________________ (Link to Lisa’s concern and give a recommendation) Lisa: That’s interesting! I never thought about that before. But sometimes, I get distracted by my phone and end up wasting time. _____________________________________________ (Ask for advice in a way that keeps the conversation going) Alex: That’s a common problem! ______________________________________ (Agree with Lisa’s concern, then give advice) Lisa: That’s actually a great idea! But I also feel like studying alone can be a bit boring sometimes. ___________________________________________ (Link to previous topic before asking for a suggestion) Alex: I get what you mean! ________________________________________ (Acknowledge Lisa’s concern and give a suggestion) Lisa: Oh, that sounds fun! I’ll try that next time. By the way, I also want to improve my English speaking skills. _______________________________________________ (Link the new topic to the previous conversation before asking for a recommendation) Alex: That’s a great goal! ____________________________________________________ (Show enthusiasm before giving a recommendation) Lisa: Wow, that sounds really helpful! Thanks a lot for your suggestions and advice, Alex. ___________________________________________ (Show appreciation while keeping the conversation engaging) Alex: No problem! _______________________________ (End the conversation in a friendly and natural way)
Research shows that about 40% of our daily actions are driven by habits rather than conscious decisions, such as brushing your teeth, driving, or checking your phone. Studies suggest that it takes around 66 days for a behavior to become automatic, although this can range from 18 to 254 days depending on the complexity of the habit. Developing positive habits, like regular exercise, can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise boosts endorphin levels, which are natural mood lifters, ultimately enhancing overall mental well-being.
Have you ever been in a conversation that just… died? One moment, you're talking, and the next, there's an awkward silence. Or maybe you've been in a chat where one person talks non-stop without actually engaging the other person? Conversations should feel natural, engaging, and flow smoothly, but sometimes they can feel forced, boring, or disconnected. So, how do we keep conversations interesting? The key is to ask for opinions and link ideas smoothly. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions — ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper responses. By asking open-ended questions, you make the other person feel valued and involved. ❌ "Do you like traveling?" (This is a yes/no question, which may stop the conversation.) ✔️ "What's the most interesting place you've ever visited?" (This invites a story!) Other great ways to ask opinions: "What do you think about…?" / "How do you feel about…?" / "Have you ever experienced…?" / "Why do you think people prefer…?" Link Ideas Smoothly — once you've asked a question and the other person responds, don't just jump to a new topic! Instead, find a way to connect their ideas to something new. Example, your friend says: "I love traveling to historical places because I enjoy learning about the past." Instead of randomly changing the topic, you can link their idea to another question or comment: "That's interesting! So do you prefer visiting historical cities or natural landscapes?" / "That reminds me of the time I visited an ancient temple! Have you ever traveled abroad?" Linking expressions help the conversation flow smoothly: "That's interesting! It reminds me of…" / "Speaking of that, have you ever…?" / "Oh, that's a great point! I also think that…" / "That's similar to what I was thinking about…" Give and Respond to Suggestions, Advice, and Recommendations — to make conversations meaningful, give useful input when someone shares a problem, an idea, or a concern. Depending on the situation, you can suggest, recommend, or give advice. Imagine your friend says: "I've been feeling really tired lately because of my schoolwork." You can respond in different ways: Giving Advice: "If I were you, I'd try getting more sleep and taking short breaks while studying." Giving a Suggestion: "Maybe you could create a study schedule so you don't feel overwhelmed." Making a Recommendation: "I'd recommend trying a productivity app to help manage your workload." Show Interest and Keep It Balanced — a great conversation is like a tennis match. Both people should have a chance to speak, ask, and respond. Use active listening expressions: "That's really cool!" "Oh wow, I never thought about that!" "That makes sense!" Avoid one-word answers that shut down the conversation. Instead of saying "Yes," say "Yes, and actually, I think…" Don't interrupt too much—let the other person finish their thought. Watch body language if you're talking in person—leaning forward, nodding, and making eye contact show engagement.
Mission 6. Think, Speak, Guide!
Read the dialogue below and observe how the speakers ask for and give recommendations, suggestions, and advice. Then, test your understanding by answering the questions that follow!
Planning a Weekend Trip & Managing Budget
Rafi: Hey, everyone! We have a long weekend coming up. I was thinking about taking a short trip, but I’m not sure where to go. Do you have any recommendations? Ari: That sounds great! I’d recommend going to the mountains. The weather is perfect for hiking right now, and you can enjoy the fresh air. Dini: That’s a good idea! But if you’re looking for something more relaxing, you could try a beach getaway instead. The sea breeze and the sound of waves are so refreshing. Yasmi: Yeah, both of those sound nice. But, Rafi, what kind of trip are you looking for? Do you prefer an adventure or a relaxing holiday? Rafi: Hmm, I think I’d enjoy something peaceful. I’ve been really stressed with school lately. Ari: Oh, in that case, I’d suggest visiting a quiet countryside resort. They usually have spas and nature walks that help you relax. Dini: I agree! If I were you, I would choose a wellness retreat. They have meditation and yoga sessions, which are great for stress relief. Rafi: That actually sounds amazing! But I also want to do something fun, not just relax all the time. Yasmi: Well, you might want to consider going to a small town with cultural attractions. That way, you can enjoy sightseeing and still have a peaceful trip. Ari: That’s a great idea! Or maybe you should visit a place that offers both adventure and relaxation. Like Bali—it has beautiful beaches, but you can also do activities like snorkeling and exploring temples. Rafi: Ooh, that sounds perfect! But I’m also a bit worried about the budget. What do you guys suggest I do to save money on the trip? Dini: I’d advise booking your tickets early because last-minute bookings are usually more expensive. Ari: That’s true! Also, you should compare hotel prices online to find the best deals. Yasmi: Another tip is to consider staying in a guesthouse or an Airbnb instead of a hotel—they’re often cheaper and more comfortable. Rafi: These are all great suggestions! I’ll look into it and decide soon. But now that I think about it, I’ve also been spending too much money lately. I should probably learn how to manage my budget better. Do you guys have any advice? Dini: Definitely! If I were you, I would start by tracking my expenses. Writing down everything you spend can help you see where your money goes. Ari: That’s a great idea! You could also set a spending limit for unnecessary purchases. That way, you won’t waste money on things you don’t really need. Yasmi: Another thing you might want to try is using budgeting apps. They can automatically categorize your spending and remind you to save. Rafi: Wow, those are really useful tips! I never thought about using a budgeting app before. Thanks, guys! Dini: No problem! Let us know where you decide to go! Ari: Yeah! And if you need more recommendations, just ask! Questions: 1. What is the conversation about? 2. What problem does Rafi have at the beginning of the conversation? 3. What kind of trip does Rafi prefer, and why? 4. What recommendations, suggestions, and advice do Rafi’s friends give for choosing a destination? List at least three examples. 5. Why is Rafi worried about the budget, and what advice does he receive? 6. Identify three expressions used to ask for recommendations, suggestions, or advice. 7. Which expressions are used to agree with someone’s suggestion or advice? 8. If you were Rafi, what destination would you choose and why? How would you manage your budget?
Mission 7. Conversation Checkpoint
Read the conversation carefully, paying close attention to how the speakers interact and communicate their ideas. After reading, check the statement list and determine whether each one is correct or incorrect based on the conversation. Mark (T) for True or correct statements and (F) for False or incorrect ones! Siska: Hey, guys! This weekend is going to be a long one, and I really want to do something fun, but I have no idea what. Do you have any recommendations? Tini: Hmm, that sounds great! I’d recommend going on a short trip to the mountains. The fresh air and beautiful scenery will help you relax. Jaya: That’s a good idea! Or maybe you could visit a beach resort instead. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway, and you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing. Marka: Yeah, both of those sound like fun options! But, Siska, what kind of activity do you actually prefer? Do you want something relaxing, or are you looking for something more adventurous? Siska: Hmm, I think I’d enjoy something peaceful, but at the same time, I don’t want to just sit around all day. I want to do something a little exciting too. Tini: Oh, in that case, I’d suggest going to a nature retreat that also offers outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. That way, you get the best of both worlds. Jaya: That’s a great suggestion! If I were you, I would choose a place with both relaxation and fun activities. Maybe a lake resort with water sports? Siska: That actually sounds amazing! But now that I think about it, I’ve been feeling really tired and unhealthy lately. What do you guys suggest I do to have a healthier lifestyle? Marka: That’s a really important thing to think about! I’d advise starting with a balanced diet and drinking more water. It makes a big difference. Tini: Yeah, and you should also try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. Even a simple morning walk can help. Jaya: Another thing you might want to consider is sleeping earlier. If you get enough rest, you’ll feel more energetic during the day. Siska: These are all great suggestions! I should probably start changing my habits little by little. Marka: That’s a good plan! I’d recommend setting small goals first, like drinking more water and sleeping on time before making bigger lifestyle changes. Siska: You’re right! I guess I’ll start with small changes and work my way up. Tini: That’s a great idea! Let’s support each other to live healthier! Jaya: Yes! And don’t forget to have fun this weekend too. Siska: Definitely! Thanks for all the advice, guys!
| Statement | T/F |
|---|---|
Mission 8. Categorizing Helpful Expressions
Carefully read the conversation from the previous mission (Mission 7) and observe how the speakers give recommendations, suggestions, and advice. Identify and extract sentences that contain these expressions, then categorize them correctly in the table below. Finally, reflect on the language used—how do recommendations, suggestions, and advice differ, and when should each be used?
| Recommendation | Suggestion | Advice |
|---|---|---|
Mission 9. Guiding Words: Giving Recommendations, Suggestions, and Advice
Read the given scenario carefully, where someone needs help or guidance. Then, respond with a well-thought-out recommendation, suggestion, or piece of advice. Use appropriate expressions such as "I recommend…," "You could…," or "If I were you, I would…" to provide a clear and helpful response. Scenarios: 1. Your friend is struggling with time management because they spend too much time on social media instead of studying. 2. Someone wants to improve their English speaking skills but doesn’t know where to start. 3. A classmate is feeling nervous about an upcoming presentation and asks for help. 4. Your sibling is considering buying an expensive smartphone but is unsure if it's worth the price. 5. A friend is having trouble making new friends after moving to a new school. Example response: Scenario: Your friend is struggling with time management because they spend too much time on social media instead of studying. Suggestion: "You could try setting a time limit for social media use and using a planner to organize your study schedule." Recommendation: "I recommend using apps that block distractions while studying. That way, you can focus better on your tasks." Advice: "If I were you, I would set a specific study time and put my phone in another room to avoid distractions."
A recommendation is when you strongly endorse or support a specific option or course of action. It is usually based on personal experience, expertise, or strong confidence in the choice. Example: "I’d recommend visiting Bali if you love beaches and cultural experiences." A suggestion is when you offer an idea or option that someone might consider, but they are free to decide whether to follow it or not. Suggestions are usually less forceful than recommendations. Example: "Maybe you should take a break if you feel overwhelmed." Advice is when you offer guidance or a solution to help someone solve a problem or make a personal decision. Advice often comes from concern for someone’s well-being. Example: "If I were you, I would start saving money for emergencies." Expressions for Asking Recommendations: "What would you recommend for…?" / "Can you recommend a good…?" / "Do you have any recommendations for…?" Expressions for Asking Suggestions: "What do you suggest I do about…?" / "Do you have any suggestions for…?" / "What would you suggest?" Expressions for Asking Advice: "What should I do about…?" / "If you were me, what would you do?" / "Can you give me some advice on…?" Expressions for Giving Recommendations: "I highly recommend..." / "I strongly suggest..." / "You should definitely try..." Expressions for Giving Suggestions: "Maybe you could..." / "You might want to consider..." / "Why don’t you try...?" Expressions for Giving Advice: "If I were you, I would..." / "You should..." / "It would be better if you..." Ways to Agree with a Recommendation: "That’s a great recommendation!" / "I’ll definitely try that!" / "That sounds perfect!" Ways to Agree with a Suggestion: "That’s a good suggestion!" / "That makes sense." / "I never thought about that before!" Ways to Agree with Advice: "That’s really helpful advice!" / "I think you’re right." / "That’s exactly what I needed to hear!"
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