The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your English speaking ability in a live, interactive setting. It is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). As an IELTS examiner, I evaluate fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Among common topics, “Describe a person who is very good at giving advice” frequently appears. This guide will focus on tackling this particular topic effectively, offering sample answers and tips to achieve high band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask questions about familiar topics such as your home, work, studies, and interests. Here are some typical questions:
- What do you do?
- Where are you from?
- Do you enjoy giving advice to others?
Sample Question and Answer
Question: Do you enjoy giving advice to others?
Answer: “Yes, I do enjoy giving advice, especially when it concerns areas I am knowledgeable about, such as career guidance or academic mentorship. I find it fulfilling to assist someone in making informed decisions that could positively impact their life.”
Analysis: This response is well-rounded, demonstrating the candidate’s comfort in offering advice while highlighting specific areas of expertise, thereby showcasing both lexical range and depth.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Answer
The cue card for the described topic might look like this:
Cue Card: Describe a person who is very 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 this person is good at giving advice
Sample Answer:
_”One person who is exceptionally good at giving advice is my uncle, John. I have known him since childhood and have always admired his wisdom and patience. John has a degree in psychology, which really complements his natural ability to understand and empathize with others.
When I was deciding on which university to attend, he provided invaluable advice, laying out the pros and cons of each option and guiding me toward a choice that suited my career goals. His advice often encompasses diverse areas such as career development, personal relationships, and sometimes even financial management.
What makes him particularly effective is his active listening skills and his ability to tailor advice to the individual’s unique circumstances. Rather than offering generic solutions, he personalizes his guidance, making it both relevant and actionable. This, combined with his wealth of experience, makes his advice truly impactful.”_
Analysis: This response is coherent and detailed, utilizing a range of vocabulary and structures, such as descriptive adjectives (natural ability, invaluable advice) and personal anecdotes, to create a vivid and engaging narrative. Strong lexical phrases, like “invaluable advice” and “active listening skills,” demonstrate advanced language competence.
Follow-up Questions:
Question: How has this individual’s advice impacted your life?
Answer: “John’s guidance has had a profound impact on my life decisions. For instance, his advice led me to select a university that offered excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth. His insightful and empathetic approach has often helped me navigate complex situations with ease.”
Analysis: The use of adjectives like “profound,” “insightful,” and “empathetic” enrich the answer, exemplifying advanced lexical usage while maintaining coherence.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of advice-giving.
Question: What are the qualities of a good advisor?
Answer: “A good advisor must possess excellent communication skills, which enable them to convey their guidance clearly and effectively. In addition, empathy and active listening are crucial as they help the advisor understand the advisee’s context and offer tailored advice. Finally, experience in relevant fields enhances the credibility and utility of the advice provided.”
Analysis: This response uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, such as subordinate clauses and enumerative phrases, portraying a high level of proficiency.
Question: Why do people often seek advice from others before making important decisions?
Answer: “People often seek advice to gain multiple perspectives on a situation, which can help them make more informed decisions. Consulting others can provide reassurance and access to expert knowledge that they might not possess. Furthermore, advice from others can help them avoid potential pitfalls and weigh the pros and cons more effectively.”
Analysis: The response integrates key phrases like “multiple perspectives” and “expert knowledge,” demonstrating the candidate’s ability to discuss complex ideas clearly and coherently.
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
- Invaluable (adj.) – /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – Extremely useful; indispensable. Example: “His advice has been invaluable in shaping my career.”
- Empathy (noun) – /ˈɛmpəθi/ – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Example: “Her empathy makes her a great advisor.”
- Tailor (verb) – /ˈteɪlər/ – Make or adapt for a particular purpose or person. Example: “He tailors his advice to the needs of each individual.”
- Credibility (noun) – /ˌkrɛdəˈbɪlɪti/ – The quality of being trusted and believed in. Example: “His extensive experience adds to his credibility as an advisor.”
Employing such vocabulary not only enhances the depth and variety of your language but also boosts your comprehension score.
Examiner Tips for Practice and Preparation
- Practice Common Questions: Regularly practice speaking about common topics to build fluency.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Regularly integrate advanced vocabulary into your practice to enrich your lexical resource.
- Record Yourself: Record your responses and critically evaluate your fluency, coherence, and pronunciation.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.
Incorporating these strategies will help refine your speaking abilities, ensuring you perform at your best.
Person Giving Advice
Linking this guide to related topics, such as describe a person who is very good at motivating others or describe a time when you helped someone with a problem, can offer a broader scope for preparation and improve the chances of a high score in the IELTS Speaking exam.