Keep the conversation going

Ann Landers’ column represents a kind of journalism that has a long history in the United States. There are similar columns in newspapers around the world. People who are confused and uncertain about personal problems can write to a newspaper columnist for advice. Answers to these letters are printed in the daily paper. Because the situations are so human, most everyone enjoys reading the person’s letter and the columnist’s answer.

This chapter includes a selection of letters sent to Ann Landers. The material is adopted from the book «Reply Requested. 30 letters of advice». All of these letters are real; they were written by ordinary Americans and published in newspapers across the country. The letters reflect direct and purposeful uses of English to express important events and common feelings. All end with a request for advice of some kind.

What will you be doing?

To practice reading skills, you will read examples of everyday, informal written English. The sentences in these letters tend to be short and simple; they are not complicated by many clauses, flowery phrases, or long and lovely images. The writers are not trying to impress anyone. They are trying only to express a personal problem for which they want advice. The letters are good examples of clear, effective writing.

To practice speaking skills, you will participate in discussions with your classmates and express different facts and feelings in paired practice. You will role-play, too, by taking the part of someone and saying what you think is appropriate to the situation. In this way, you will practice expressing emotions such as anger, blame, surprise, sympathy, or embarrassment. This will increase your confidence in speaking and understanding conversational English.

To practice vocabulary skills, you will learn words that are frequently used to express feelings and attitudes, as well as idioms and informal expressions often spoken but seldom written.

To practice writing skills, you will communicate your personal opinions by writing answers to the letters as if you were Ann Landers. These assignments will be short and will give you the opportunity to express your own beliefs and values about particular social or personal problems.

Situation 1.

What's in a Name?

Dear Ann Landers,

This friend, with whom I work on committees, insists on calling me "Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle." My parents came from Europe and kept the family name instead of changing it. The name is not difficult to pronounce if a person will take the time to divide it into syllables. My friends and the other people I work with have no trouble.

The last time this woman called me "Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle" was when she introduced me to her mother-in-law. The woman looked startled and believed it was my real name. I immediately corrected her, but with a laugh in my voice and a smile on my face. Later I mentioned the incident to a friend who said I was too sensitive, that my name is virtually unpronounceable, and she suggested that I grow a thicker skin. If you think she is right, say so. If not, tell me how to handle it.

Not Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle