In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are thoroughly evaluated on various aspects such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One of the frequent topics is describing a person, and among them, “Describe a person who is good at giving advice” appears often. This guide will walk you through how to tackle this topic, offering a format for each part of the Speaking test (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3), sample responses, and key vocabulary.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners evaluate you based on your ability to communicate effectively, using a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately. The topic “Describe a person who is good at giving advice” is common and can be prepared for with the right resources and practice. Let’s delve into each part of the test.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, examiners ask general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Here are common questions:
- Where do you live?
- Do you like your neighborhood? Why or why not?
- Can you describe a time when you received advice from someone?
Sample Question & Answer
Examiner: Can you describe a time when you received advice from someone?
Candidate: Certainly! I remember when I was in high school struggling with choosing a major for university. My older sister, who is very wise and always gives practical advice, suggested I consider my passions and strengths instead of following trends. She encouraged me to pursue a degree in engineering because I have always been good at math and love problem-solving. Her advice was invaluable and helped me make a decision that aligned with my interests.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you have to speak for 1-2 minutes about a topic provided by the examiner. You will have one minute to prepare.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is good at giving advice. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of advice they give
- And explain why you think they give good advice
Sample Answer
I’m going to talk about my grandmother, who is an extraordinarily wise and insightful person. I have known her my entire life, and we share a very close bond. She is always the first person I turn to whenever I face a challenging situation or important decision.
My grandmother’s advice spans a wide range of topics, from personal relationships to career choices. She always provides advice that is grounded in experience and wisdom. For instance, when I was selecting my university course, she advised me to follow my passion rather than succumbing to peer pressure.
One reason why I believe she gives good advice is that she is an excellent listener. She takes the time to understand the situation fully before offering her thoughts. Moreover, her guidance is balanced and practical, making it easier for me to make well-informed decisions. Her insights have certainly shaped many of my life choices positively.
Grandmother Giving Advice
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner asks more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2.
Examiner’s Questions and Candidate’s Responses
Examiner: Why do you think some people are better at giving advice than others?
Candidate: I believe that some people are better at giving advice because they possess a combination of empathy, experience, and good communication skills. Empathy allows them to put themselves in the advice-seeker’s shoes. Experience gives depth and authenticity to their advice, and good communication skills ensure that their advice is clear and impactful.
Examiner: How important is it for people to accept the advice of others?
Candidate: Accepting advice is crucial as it allows individuals to tap into the collective wisdom of others, often leading to better decision-making. Advice from a well-meaning person can provide new perspectives, uncover potential pitfalls, and offer solutions that one might not have considered. However, it’s equally important to critically evaluate advice and adapt it to one’s unique situation.
III. Vocabulary and Expressions for High Scores
Here are some valuable words and phrases that can help elevate your speaking performance:
Insightful (adjective): insightful /ɪnˈsʌɪtfʊl,ɪnˈsʌɪtf(ə)l/ – having or showing a deep understanding of something.
- Example: “Her advice was always very insightful and helped me a lot.”
Invaluable (adjective): literally means extremely useful or indispensable.
- Example: “Her invaluable advice guided me through many tough decisions.”
Empathy (noun): the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “Her empathy allows her to provide advice that resonates deeply.”
Authenticity (noun): the quality of being genuine or real.
- Example: “The authenticity of her advice stems from her personal experiences.”
Perspective (noun): a particular attitude or way of viewing something.
- Example: “Receiving advice gives you a fresh perspective on your problems.”
IV. Tips from an Examiner
- Practice Consistently: Regular practice helps you become more fluent and think quickly.
- Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary: Show your command of the language by using varied and precise vocabulary.
- Stay Relevant: Ensure all parts of your response are relevant to the question asked.
- Expand Your Answers: Offer detailed explanations to illustrate your points.
- Be Confident: Confidence in speaking can positively impact your fluency and coherence.
In conclusion, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is consistent practice, a good grasp of vocabulary, and effective communication. By preparing for common questions like “Describe a person who is good at giving advice,” and following these guidelines, you can enhance your performance significantly. For more insights, check out related articles like Describe a Time When You Had to Overcome a Challenge and Describe a Recent Social Media Trend. Happy studying!