Hibiscus Teach · Movies · Hamlet

Advice and its limits

A useful rule still needs a reason.

Explain advice in modern English, consider its limits and ask for a practical example.

AdultsB2–C1 English15–20 minutes of activities, plus video and replays6 questions · Answers included

Created by , British English teacher.

Your goal: Explain advice in modern English, consider its limits and ask for a practical example.

Start speaking · 20 seconds

Someone gives you a general rule. What question would help you decide whether it fits your situation?

How to use this lesson

Watch each clip, then try its activities.

Content note: Older English and strong parental advice. This excerpt comes from the 1990 adaptation.

Before you watch

Polonius gives Laertes advice before he leaves. This is the 1990 film adaptation.

Predict: Which pieces of advice do you expect to agree with?

Watch the video

Which advice concerns friends, listening, money and personal integrity?

a precept

a rule or principle intended to guide behaviour

One useful precept is to listen before replying.

a quarrel

an angry disagreement

A simple misunderstanding turned into a quarrel.

gaudy

very bright or showy in a way that attracts too much attention

He preferred a simple jacket to a gaudy costume.

a borrower

a person who receives something temporarily and is expected to return it

A careful borrower agrees when an item will be returned.

Original on YouTube ↗

Need support after watching? Read a short recap

Polonius advises Laertes on friendship, listening, arguments, clothing, borrowing and integrity. Consider the context before applying an absolute rule.

Try the quiz · 6 questions

Answer about this clip only. Choose one answer for each question.

1. Why does Polonius tell Laertes to get aboard?
2. What kind of friends does he advise Laertes to keep close?
3. Which balance does he recommend in conversation?
4. How does he describe suitable clothing?
5. What does he discourage in the advice about money?
6. What principle does he place above the others?

Useful English · Explaining advice and checking its limits

Which part of that advice fits this situation?

Check the scope of general advice.

Could you give me a practical example?

Ask for an explanation in modern English.

Keep talking · 3 questions

  1. Which piece of advice would you keep, and why?

    Support and one possible answer

    I would keep… because…

    I would keep the advice about listening because it helps me understand a disagreement before responding.

  2. When could an absolute rule about borrowing need more context?

    Support and one possible answer

    The rule may… but…

    The rule may protect a friendship, but an agreed loan between responsible people needs to be considered in its own context.

  3. Ask for a practical example of general advice.

    Support and one possible answer

    Thank the speaker, identify the unclear part and ask about a specific situation.

    Thank you for the advice. Could you give me a practical example of being true to myself when a team disagrees with me?

Listen and repeat · Optional

Listen to each item, then repeat it aloud. Use the full practice track below to review all six items.

Open the full MP3 practice track

Choose an item to listen and repeat.