Mastering Your IELTS Speaking Test: Describe a Time When You Had to Give Someone Advice

Giving advice is a common theme in the IELTS Speaking Test, especially in Part 2 where candidates describe experiences in detail. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I will guide you through the process of answering the cue card topic “Describe a time when you had to give someone advice.” By providing specific examples and detailed analysis, this guide will help you optimize your performance to achieve a high band score.

I. Introduction

The IELTS Speaking test comprises three parts:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview – Basic questions about yourself.
2. Part 2: Long Turn – A cue card topic with a specific task to describe.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion – Questions related to Part 2 for in-depth discussion.

Key Elements for High Scores:

• Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly with clear structure.
• Lexical Resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Utilize diverse grammatical structures accurately.
• Pronunciation: Pronounce words correctly with appropriate intonation.

Now, let’s delve into specific parts and practice with real examples.

II. Content Sections

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions in Part 1:

• What do you do? (Work/Student)
• What do you do in your free time?
• Do you often give advice to people?

Suggested Answer:
“I believe giving advice is an integral part of our social interactions. I frequently find myself in situations where friends or family seek my opinion on various matters. For example, just last week, my friend asked for advice about choosing a new university course.”

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when you had to give someone advice.

Cue Card Instruction:

• Describe a time when you had to give someone advice.
• You should say:
  • Who you gave advice to
  • What the advice was
  • Why they needed advice
  • And explain how they reacted to your advice

Model Answer:
“There was a significant moment when I had to give advice to my younger brother about his career choices. He was feeling incredibly confused about whether to pursue engineering or business. Given the pressure and expectations from our parents, he was struggling to make a decision.

After carefully listening to his concerns, I suggested that he list the pros and cons of each career path, considering his strengths and interests. I advised him to think about what he enjoyed doing the most and what kind of future he envisioned for himself.

He appreciated my logical approach and decided to take some career assessment tests. Eventually, he discovered that his true passion lay in business management. He was relieved and thankful for my advice, as it provided him with a clearer sense of direction.”

Follow-Up Questions:

• Did he follow your advice? How has his choice impacted him since then?
• Have you ever regretted giving someone advice?

Suggested Answer:

• Yes, he did follow my advice, and it has been quite beneficial for him. He is currently excelling in his business management course and feels more confident about his future.
• I don’t usually regret giving advice, but there was one instance when my suggestions didn’t turn out as expected. However, I believe that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Questions:

• Why do people seek advice from others?
• What are some common themes in advice-seeking situations?

Model Discussion:

Examiner: Why do people seek advice from others?

Candidate: People seek advice from others for various reasons, primarily because they value different perspectives. Consulting someone else can bring new insights and help in making well-informed decisions. Additionally, it provides emotional support and reassurance, especially when facing dilemmas.

Examiner: What are some common themes in advice-seeking situations?

Candidate: Common themes often involve major life decisions, such as career choices, relationship issues, and financial matters. For example, young adults frequently seek guidance on their educational paths or job opportunities, while others might look for advice on managing their finances or dealing with personal relationships.

III. Vocabulary and Useful Phrases

Important Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores:

1. Incredibly confused (adjective + adverb): Extremely unsure or puzzled.
   • He was incredibly confused about his career choices.
2. Logical approach (noun phrase): A method that is reasonable and based on clear thinking.
   • I suggested a logical approach to weighing the pros and cons.
3. True passion (noun phrase): Genuine interest or love for something.
   • He discovered his true passion lay in business management.

Example Usage:

• “She reluctantly agreed to follow my advice after realizing its potential benefits.”
• “My recommendation was based on past experiences and thorough research.”

IV. Examiner’s Tips for Practice

1. Consistent Practice: Record yourself speaking on various topics to evaluate and improve your fluency and coherence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly read diverse materials to build a robust vocabulary.
3. Structured Responses: Always organize your answers with clear introductions, detailed bodies, and concise conclusions.
4. Seek Feedback: Practice with an instructor or a speaking partner who can provide constructive criticism.

Student giving advice to a friend

By following this comprehensive guide with examples and focused practice, you can enhance your speaking skills and aim for a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking Test.