As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates struggle with this topic. “Describe a time when you gave advice to someone” is a common cue card in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 2. It’s a topic that allows examiners to assess your ability to recount personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to excel in this task, providing sample answers for different band scores and offering valuable tips to boost your performance.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Our focus will be on Parts 2 and 3, but we’ll also touch on some relevant Part 1 questions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask questions related to advice and decision-making. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you often ask for advice from others?
- Who do you usually turn to when you need advice?
- Do you think it’s important to give advice to friends?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you often ask for advice from others?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): Well, I’d say I occasionally seek advice from others, especially when I’m faced with important decisions. I believe it’s valuable to get different perspectives, but I also try to maintain a balance between relying on others’ opinions and trusting my own judgment.
Key phrases: occasionally, faced with important decisions, valuable to get different perspectives, maintain a balance
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a typical cue card you might encounter:
Describe a time when you gave advice to someone
You should say:
- Who you gave the advice to
- What the advice was about
- Why you gave the advice
- And explain whether the person followed your advice
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a time when I gave advice to my younger sister. She was struggling with time management during her first year at university. I noticed she was always rushing to meet deadlines and seemed overwhelmed by her coursework.
The advice I gave her was to create a study schedule and prioritize her tasks. I suggested she use a planner to map out her assignments and allocate specific time slots for each subject. I also recommended she start assignments early rather than leaving everything to the last minute.
I decided to give her this advice because I had been through similar challenges when I started university. I remembered how stressful it was to juggle multiple subjects and deadlines, and I wanted to help her avoid the same mistakes I had made.
Fortunately, my sister took my advice to heart. She implemented the study schedule and started using a planner regularly. Over time, I noticed she became more organized and less stressed. She told me that following my advice had made a significant difference in her academic performance and overall well-being.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to recount an instance when I offered advice to a close colleague who was grappling with a career dilemma. Sarah, a talented software developer, was torn between accepting a lucrative job offer from a prestigious tech giant and staying with our current company, where she had the opportunity to lead an innovative project.
The crux of my advice was to prioritize long-term growth and job satisfaction over short-term financial gains. I urged her to consider factors such as work-life balance, company culture, and potential for skill development. Specifically, I suggested she create a pros and cons list, focusing on aspects like career trajectory, learning opportunities, and alignment with her personal values.
My motivation for offering this advice stemmed from my own experiences and observations in the tech industry. I’ve witnessed numerous colleagues chase high salaries only to find themselves unfulfilled or burnt out. I believed Sarah had the potential to make a significant impact with our current project, which aligned perfectly with her passion for sustainable technology.
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Interestingly, Sarah took my advice under consideration but ultimately arrived at her own conclusion. She decided to stay with our company, but negotiated for additional responsibilities and compensation. This outcome demonstrated the value of thoughtful advice while also highlighting the importance of personal decision-making. Sarah later expressed her gratitude, saying that our discussion had prompted her to reflect deeply on her career aspirations and values.
Follow-up Questions
After your long turn, the examiner might ask additional questions like:
- Do you think your advice made a difference?
- Have you ever regretted giving someone advice?
Here’s a sample answer for the first question:
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): I firmly believe that my advice made a substantial impact on Sarah’s decision-making process. While she didn’t follow my suggestion to the letter, our discussion served as a catalyst for deeper reflection. It prompted her to reassess her priorities and consider factors beyond just salary. The fact that she negotiated a better position within our company demonstrates the ripple effect of our conversation. It’s gratifying to see how a thoughtful exchange of ideas can lead to positive outcomes, both professionally and personally.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of giving advice. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think people generally appreciate receiving advice?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): In my experience, people’s reactions to advice can vary greatly. Some individuals are open to guidance and appreciate the insights others can offer. However, others might feel defensive or resistant, especially if the advice is unsolicited. I think the key is in how the advice is delivered – if it’s given with empathy and respect, it’s more likely to be well-received.
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): The reception of advice is a nuanced issue that often depends on various factors. Generally, I believe people appreciate advice when it’s offered tactfully and comes from a place of genuine concern. However, cultural differences and individual personalities play significant roles. In some cultures, seeking and accepting advice is seen as a sign of wisdom, while in others, it might be perceived as a weakness. Additionally, the timing and context of the advice are crucial. Advice given during a crisis might be more welcome than unsolicited opinions during times of stability. Ultimately, I think most people value advice when they feel it’s given with their best interests at heart and when they have the autonomy to decide whether to follow it.
Examiner: In what situations do you think it’s better not to give advice?
Candidate (Band 7-8 answer): I believe it’s often better to refrain from giving advice when you’re not fully aware of the situation or lack expertise in the area. It’s also wise to hold back if the person hasn’t asked for your opinion, as unsolicited advice can sometimes be seen as intrusive. Additionally, in emotionally charged situations, people might need empathy and support more than advice.
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): There are several scenarios where withholding advice might be the most prudent course of action. Firstly, in situations where one lacks sufficient context or expertise, offering advice could be counterproductive or even harmful. Secondly, when dealing with highly personal or sensitive issues, particularly if the individual hasn’t explicitly sought guidance, giving unsolicited advice might be perceived as overstepping boundaries. Moreover, in professional settings, constantly offering advice to colleagues or superiors without being asked can be seen as presumptuous or undermining. It’s also crucial to recognize cultural differences – in some cultures, giving direct advice, especially to elders or authority figures, may be considered disrespectful. Lastly, when someone is in the midst of an emotional crisis, they often need a sympathetic ear rather than solutions. In such cases, active listening and emotional support are typically more beneficial than advice-giving.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. Here are some key phrases and their usage:
Grapple with (phrasal verb) – to struggle with or work hard to deal with a difficult problem
Example: Many students grapple with time management issues in their first year of university.Torn between (idiom) – unable to choose between two options
Example: She was torn between accepting the job offer and staying loyal to her current company.Prioritize (verb) – to decide which of a group of things are the most important so that you can deal with them first
Example: It’s essential to prioritize your tasks to meet all your deadlines.Implement (verb) – to put a plan or system into operation
Example: After receiving the advice, she immediately implemented a new study schedule.Catalyst (noun) – something that causes an important event to happen
Example: Our conversation acted as a catalyst for her career change.Nuanced (adjective) – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Example: Giving advice is a nuanced art that requires empathy and tact.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, here are my top tips for excelling in the Speaking test:
Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself.
Record yourself: This helps you identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Don’t stick to simple sentences; incorporate complex and compound structures.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your thoughts and provide examples.
Stay calm: Remember, the examiner is there to assess your English, not to trick you.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally and express your genuine thoughts.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any topic in the IELTS Speaking test, including describing a time when you gave advice to someone. Remember, the key is to demonstrate your English language skills while expressing your ideas clearly and confidently.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a person who has helped you become more confident. This can be particularly helpful as confidence plays a crucial role in effective communication and advice-giving.