The topic of describing a time when you received valuable advice is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on their impact, and demonstrate your language skills. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about advice and guidance. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you often ask for advice?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I strike a balance between seeking advice and making my own decisions. When I’m faced with complex situations or unfamiliar territory, I definitely value input from those with more experience. However, I also believe in trusting my instincts for day-to-day matters. It really depends on the gravity of the situation and how much expertise I feel I have in that particular area.”
Seeking advice in IELTS Speaking Part 1
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you received valuable advice. You should say:
- Who gave you the advice
- What the advice was
- Why you needed the advice
- And explain how the advice helped you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about receiving invaluable guidance that had a profound impact on my career trajectory. The advice came from my university professor, Dr. Johnson, during my final year of computer science studies.
Dr. Johnson, known for his industry connections and practical approach to teaching, pulled me aside after a lecture on emerging technologies. He advised me to focus on specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning, as he foresaw these fields revolutionizing various industries in the coming years.
At that time, I was grappling with the decision of which area to concentrate on for my future career. The tech landscape was rapidly evolving, and I felt overwhelmed by the myriad of options available.
His advice was eye-opening and helped me in several ways. Firstly, it gave me a clear direction to channel my efforts, allowing me to tailor my final year projects and internships accordingly. Secondly, it instilled confidence in me to pursue a path that, while challenging, held immense potential.
Following his guidance, I delved deep into AI and machine learning, even opting for additional courses to bolster my knowledge. This specialized focus set me apart during job interviews, and I landed a position at a cutting-edge tech firm right after graduation.
Looking back, I can confidently say that Dr. Johnson’s advice was a turning point in my academic and professional life. It not only shaped my career but also ignited a passion for a field that continues to fascinate and challenge me every day.”
Valuable career advice in IELTS Speaking
Follow-up questions:
- How did you feel when you first received this advice?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of specializing in such a cutting-edge field was thrilling, but I also felt slightly overwhelmed by the challenge ahead. However, my professor’s confidence in my abilities helped alleviate my doubts.”
- Have you ever given similar advice to someone else?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Yes, I have. In fact, I’ve made it a point to pay it forward by mentoring junior developers at my workplace. I often advise them to stay abreast of emerging technologies and to cultivate a growth mindset. I emphasize the importance of continuous learning in our rapidly evolving field, much like how Dr. Johnson’s advice highlighted the value of specialization for me.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think people rely too much on advice from others?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s a delicate balance. While seeking advice can provide valuable perspectives and insights, over-reliance might hinder personal growth and decision-making skills. It’s crucial to use advice as a tool for informed choices rather than a crutch.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question that touches on the core of personal development and decision-making. I believe there’s a fine line between seeking guidance and becoming overly dependent on others’ opinions. While leveraging collective wisdom can be incredibly beneficial, especially in complex situations or unfamiliar territories, it’s equally important to cultivate one’s critical thinking and intuition.
Excessive reliance on advice can potentially stifle individual growth and the development of crucial problem-solving skills. It might also lead to a lack of accountability in one’s choices. However, completely disregarding external input could result in missed opportunities for learning and improvement.
The key, in my opinion, lies in striking a balance. We should aim to gather diverse perspectives, critically evaluate them against our own knowledge and experiences, and then make informed decisions. This approach allows us to benefit from others’ expertise while still maintaining autonomy in our choices and fostering personal growth.”
Balancing advice and personal decision-making in IELTS Speaking
Examiner: “How has the way people seek advice changed with technology?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of advice-seeking in numerous ways. The advent of the internet and social media platforms has dramatically expanded our access to information and diverse perspectives. This shift has both positive and negative implications.
On the positive side, we now have unprecedented access to expert knowledge across various fields. Online forums, professional networking sites, and specialized apps allow us to connect with advisors and mentors globally, transcending geographical constraints. This democratization of information has empowered individuals to make more informed decisions in both personal and professional spheres.
However, this abundance of information also presents challenges. The sheer volume of advice available can be overwhelming, making it difficult to discern credible sources from unreliable ones. There’s also the risk of echo chambers, where algorithms might expose us primarily to opinions that align with our existing beliefs, potentially limiting our perspective.
Moreover, the instantaneous nature of online communication has altered our approach to seeking advice. While it allows for quick problem-solving, it might also lead to a tendency to seek immediate answers rather than engaging in deeper, more reflective decision-making processes.
In essence, while technology has vastly expanded our resources for seeking advice, it also requires us to develop stronger critical thinking and digital literacy skills to navigate this complex information landscape effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Invaluable guidance (noun phrase)
/ɪnˈvæljuəbl ˈɡaɪdəns/
Definition: Extremely useful or indispensable direction or advice.
Example: “Her mentor’s invaluable guidance helped shape her career path.” -
Profound impact (noun phrase)
/prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/
Definition: A very significant or deep effect.
Example: “The advice had a profound impact on my decision-making process.” -
To grapple with (phrasal verb)
/ˈɡræpl wɪð/
Definition: To struggle or contend with a problem or challenge.
Example: “I was grappling with the decision of which career path to choose.” -
To bolster (verb)
/ˈboʊlstər/
Definition: To strengthen or support.
Example: “The additional courses helped bolster my knowledge in the field.” -
Turning point (noun phrase)
/ˈtɜːrnɪŋ pɔɪnt/
Definition: A moment of critical change in a situation.
Example: “Receiving that advice was a turning point in my academic life.” -
To pay it forward (idiom)
/peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːrwərd/
Definition: To respond to a person’s kindness by being kind to someone else.
Example: “I try to pay it forward by mentoring junior colleagues in my field.” -
To strike a balance (phrase)
/straɪk ə ˈbæləns/
Definition: To find a compromise between two opposing things.
Example: “It’s important to strike a balance between seeking advice and making independent decisions.” -
To cultivate a growth mindset (phrase)
/ˈkʌltɪveɪt ə ɡroʊθ ˈmaɪndset/
Definition: To develop an attitude that embraces challenges and sees failure as an opportunity to learn.
Example: “I always encourage my team to cultivate a growth mindset in their approach to problem-solving.”
Advice from an IELTS Speaking Examiner: To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences like receiving valuable advice, focus on developing your ability to provide detailed, coherent responses. Practice elaborating on your ideas using a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Remember to maintain fluency while organizing your thoughts logically. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you build confidence and improve your ability to articulate your experiences effectively.
describe a piece of advice you would give to a friend can be a related topic that allows you to demonstrate your ability to provide thoughtful guidance, much like the advice you’ve received. This can showcase your capacity for critical thinking and empathy, which are valuable skills in the IELTS Speaking test.
