The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to friendships and personal relationships. One common question that candidates may encounter is to describe a friend who is good at giving advice. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, describe character traits, and express opinions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Describe a restaurant you recommend to friends is another popular IELTS Speaking topic that requires similar descriptive skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about friendship and advice. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you often ask your friends for advice?
A: Absolutely, I frequently turn to my friends for guidance. I believe that getting different perspectives can be incredibly helpful when making decisions or facing challenges. My friends often have unique insights or experiences that I might not have considered, which makes their advice invaluable.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a friend who is good at giving advice
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How long you have known them
- What kind of advice they give
- And explain why you think they are good at giving advice
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known for about five years now. We met during our first year at university and have been close ever since. Sarah is incredibly insightful and has a knack for giving great advice on various topics.
Sarah often gives advice on personal relationships and career decisions. She has a way of looking at situations from multiple angles and helping me see things I might have overlooked. For example, when I was struggling with a difficult course, she suggested some effective study strategies that really helped me improve.
I think Sarah is good at giving advice because she’s a great listener and very empathetic. She always takes the time to fully understand the situation before offering her thoughts. Additionally, Sarah has a lot of life experience for someone our age, which gives her a unique perspective on many issues.
What I appreciate most about Sarah’s advice is that she doesn’t just tell me what to do. Instead, she helps me think through the problem and come to my own conclusions. This approach has really helped me develop my own decision-making skills over time.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my friend Alex, whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for over a decade now. We first crossed paths during our high school years and have maintained a close bond ever since. Alex possesses an exceptional ability to offer sage advice on a wide array of topics, ranging from personal dilemmas to professional challenges.
One of Alex’s strengths lies in providing guidance on interpersonal relationships and career trajectories. Their approach is characterized by a remarkable capacity to analyze situations from multiple perspectives, often shedding light on aspects that I might have inadvertently overlooked. For instance, when I was grappling with a particularly challenging academic course, Alex not only offered emotional support but also suggested some innovative study techniques that proved instrumental in enhancing my performance.
I believe Alex excels in giving advice due to a combination of factors. Firstly, they are an exceptionally attentive listener with a highly developed sense of empathy. Before offering any suggestions, Alex invariably takes the time to thoroughly comprehend the intricacies of the situation at hand. Moreover, despite our relatively young age, Alex has accumulated a wealth of diverse life experiences, which contributes to their uniquely insightful perspective on various matters.
What I find most valuable about Alex’s counsel is their Socratic approach to problem-solving. Rather than simply dictating solutions, they guide me through a process of self-discovery and critical thinking. This method has been instrumental in honing my own analytical and decision-making skills over the years, empowering me to navigate complex situations with greater confidence and clarity.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How has your friend’s advice helped you in difficult situations?
A (Band 6-7): My friend’s advice has been really helpful in tough times. For example, when I was unsure about changing my major, they helped me weigh the pros and cons and make a decision I felt good about. Their support gave me more confidence in my choices.
A (Band 8-9): My friend’s counsel has been invaluable in navigating complex situations. On one occasion, when I was confronted with an ethical dilemma at work, their advice helped me maintain my integrity while finding a diplomatic solution. Their guidance has consistently enabled me to approach challenges with a more nuanced perspective, ultimately leading to more favorable outcomes.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Why do you think some people are better at giving advice than others?
A (Band 6-7): I think some people are better at giving advice because they’re good listeners and have more life experience. They can understand different situations well and think of practical solutions. Also, they’re usually patient and don’t judge others, which makes people feel comfortable asking them for help.
A (Band 8-9): The ability to offer superior advice often stems from a combination of innate qualities and acquired skills. Individuals who excel in this area typically possess highly developed emotional intelligence, allowing them to empathize deeply with others’ situations. Moreover, they often have a diverse range of life experiences, which provides them with a rich tapestry of reference points from which to draw insights. Additionally, these individuals tend to have strong analytical skills, enabling them to dissect complex problems and offer nuanced, contextual solutions. Their non-judgmental approach and ability to articulate thoughts clearly also contribute significantly to their effectiveness as advisors.
Q: Do you think the ability to give good advice is a natural talent or a learned skill?
A (Band 6-7): I believe it’s a mix of both. Some people naturally have good intuition and empathy, which helps them understand others’ problems. But I think anyone can improve their advice-giving skills by practicing active listening and learning from their own experiences. It’s also important to stay informed about different topics to give better advice.
A (Band 8-9): I would argue that the capacity to offer sound advice is a nuanced interplay between innate predisposition and cultivated abilities. While some individuals may possess a natural inclination towards empathy and intuitive understanding, these traits alone are insufficient. The art of giving good advice is largely a learned skill that can be honed through conscious effort and experience. It requires developing a sophisticated emotional intelligence, refining critical thinking skills, and accumulating a diverse knowledge base. Moreover, effective advisors often cultivate their communication abilities to articulate complex ideas in an accessible manner. Thus, while natural talents may provide a foundation, the most adept advice-givers typically invest significant effort in developing and refining their skills over time.
Describe a new hobby you are considering is another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Insightful /ɪnˈsaɪtfəl/ (adjective): Having or showing a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation.
Example: “Her insightful comments always help me see things from a new perspective.” -
Empathetic /ˌempəˈθetɪk/ (adjective): Able to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Alex’s empathetic nature makes it easy for people to open up to him.” -
To shed light on (phrasal verb): To help explain or clarify something.
Example: “Sarah’s advice often sheds light on aspects of a problem I hadn’t considered.” -
Sage /seɪdʒ/ (adjective): Wise, especially as a result of great experience.
Example: “Despite his young age, he offers sage advice that belies his years.” -
To weigh the pros and cons (idiom): To consider the advantages and disadvantages of something.
Example: “Before making any major decision, I always try to weigh the pros and cons carefully.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a friend who gives good advice:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to advice-giving and personal qualities. This demonstrates your lexical resource.
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Provide specific examples: When explaining why your friend is good at giving advice, offer concrete situations where their advice was helpful. This adds authenticity to your response.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts about your friend. Explain your thoughts and elaborate on why certain qualities make them a good advisor.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your grammatical range and accuracy.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic beforehand to ensure you can talk about it smoothly and confidently during the test.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze by explaining how your friend’s advice has impacted you or helped you grow.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly and focus on expressing your ideas clearly and confidently.
Describe a movie you watched recently that had a twist ending is another topic that can help you practice your descriptive skills for the IELTS Speaking test.