Similar to describe a time when you had to give advice, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to describe people and their characteristics while showcasing advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often ask for advice?
- Who do you usually go to for advice?
- What kind of advice do people usually ask you for?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I occasionally seek advice, particularly when facing crucial decisions. I typically turn to my mentor at work because she has extensive experience and consistently provides thoughtful, practical guidance. People often come to me for career-related advice since I’ve worked in various industries and can offer diverse perspectives.”
Professional mentor giving career advice to mentee
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a person who has given you good advice
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What the advice was about
- When you received this advice
- And explain why you think it was good advice
Like describe a person you think is wise, this topic requires careful consideration of vocabulary and structure.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who provided me with invaluable guidance during my final year. She advised me to pursue a master’s degree in data science instead of immediately entering the job market. This conversation took place during a one-on-one consultation in her office about three years ago.
What makes her advice particularly noteworthy is that she took a holistic approach to my situation. She didn’t just consider my academic performance but also analyzed market trends and my long-term career aspirations. She pointed out that while immediate job opportunities might seem attractive, investing in further education would open up more promising prospects in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
Looking back, I’m immensely grateful for her foresight. Her advice has proven to be instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. The master’s degree has indeed opened numerous doors that wouldn’t have been accessible otherwise.”
University professor giving academic advice to student
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Just as in describe a friend who has a unique talent, these questions explore broader themes:
Q: What qualities should a good advisor have?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“A good advisor should possess several crucial qualities. Firstly, they need to be exceptionally perceptive and able to analyze situations from multiple angles. They should also have substantial experience in their field while remaining open-minded to new perspectives. Most importantly, they must demonstrate genuine empathy and understand the advisee’s unique circumstances.”
Q: Why do some people prefer not to seek advice from others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are various reasons why individuals might be reluctant to seek advice. Some people may have a strong sense of independence and prefer to rely on their own judgment. Others might fear appearing vulnerable or incompetent. Additionally, past experiences where advice turned out to be counterproductive could make them hesitant to consult others.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To seek guidance/advice (phrase) /siːk ˈgaɪdəns/ – to ask for help or direction
- Invaluable (adj) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – extremely useful
- To take into consideration (phrase) /teɪk ˈɪntu kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/ – to think about something carefully
- Foresight (noun) /ˈfɔːsaɪt/ – ability to predict what will be needed in the future
- Well-thought-out (adj) /wel θɔːt aʊt/ – carefully considered and planned
Similar to describe a time when you gave up something important to help someone, using these expressions effectively can significantly enhance your speaking score.
