In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about significant experiences or advice that have shaped their lives. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a piece of advice that changed your perspective. This article will guide you through tackling this subject effectively, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about advice and decision-making. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often ask for advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do ask for advice sometimes, especially when I’m facing important decisions. I usually turn to my family or close friends for their opinions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in the value of seeking guidance from others. I frequently consult with my mentors, colleagues, and loved ones, particularly when I’m grappling with complex issues or life-changing decisions. Their diverse perspectives often shed light on aspects I might have overlooked.
Q: Who do you usually go to for advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually go to my parents or my best friend for advice. They know me well and I trust their opinions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
It really depends on the nature of the advice I’m seeking. For career-related matters, I often turn to my professional mentors or more experienced colleagues. When it comes to personal issues, I rely on the wisdom of my parents or close friends who have weathered similar situations. I find that having a diverse network of advisors allows me to gain well-rounded insights.
Describe an interesting story you read that taught you valuable life lessons, as it can be another way to discuss how your perspective changed.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of advice that changed your perspective
You should say:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you this advice
- When you received this advice
- And explain how this advice changed your perspective
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The advice that changed my perspective was “Don’t be afraid to fail.” My high school teacher gave me this advice when I was struggling with my grades and feeling discouraged. It was during my final year of high school, just before our important exams.
This advice changed my perspective because it made me realize that failure is not the end, but a part of learning. I started to see my mistakes as opportunities to improve, rather than reasons to give up. It helped me to be more confident and take more risks in my studies and other areas of life.
After receiving this advice, I worked harder in my studies and even tried new activities that I was scared of before. I learned that even if I didn’t succeed at first, I could always learn from the experience and do better next time. This new perspective has helped me a lot in my life, both in my education and personal growth.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The piece of advice that profoundly altered my perspective was, “Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth.” This sage counsel was imparted to me by my university professor, Dr. Johnson, during a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It was in my second year of university when I was grappling with the challenges of a particularly demanding research project.
Dr. Johnson’s advice was a paradigm shift for me. It revolutionized my approach to challenges and personal development. Instead of viewing discomfort as something to be avoided, I began to see it as an indicator that I was pushing my boundaries and expanding my capabilities. This newfound perspective transformed my attitude towards difficult situations, both in academia and in life.
The impact of this advice was far-reaching and multifaceted. Academically, I started tackling more complex topics and volunteering for challenging projects, which significantly enhanced my learning experience. Personally, I became more adept at stepping out of my comfort zone, whether it was public speaking or learning new skills. This shift in mindset fostered resilience and a growth-oriented approach that has been instrumental in my personal and professional development.
Reflecting on this advice, I realize its profound wisdom. It has not only changed how I perceive challenges but has also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to continuous improvement. This perspective has been a cornerstone of my success in various endeavors and continues to guide me in embracing new opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this advice influenced your decision-making process?
- Have you shared this advice with others? If so, what was their reaction?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This advice has made me more confident in making decisions. I’m not as afraid of making mistakes now. Yes, I’ve shared this advice with my friends, and they found it helpful too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This advice has fundamentally reshaped my decision-making process. I now approach choices with a more balanced perspective, weighing potential growth opportunities against perceived risks. It’s cultivated a sense of calculated risk-taking in my approach to both personal and professional decisions.
Indeed, I’ve actively propagated this wisdom within my social and professional circles. The reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how this shift in perspective has empowered them to overcome their own limiting beliefs. It’s been gratifying to see how a simple piece of advice can catalyze positive change in others’ lives as well.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think the role of advice has changed in the digital age?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the role of advice has changed a lot in the digital age. Now, we can easily find advice online from many different sources. This is good because we have more information, but it can also be confusing sometimes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The digital age has fundamentally transformed the landscape of advice-giving and receiving. On one hand, it has democratized access to information and expertise, allowing individuals to seek guidance from a vast array of sources beyond their immediate circle. This has broadened our perspectives and exposed us to diverse viewpoints.
However, this abundance of information also presents challenges. The sheer volume of advice available can be overwhelming, and the quality varies significantly. It requires a more discerning approach to filter through the noise and identify credible sources. Additionally, the personalization algorithms of digital platforms can create echo chambers, potentially limiting exposure to diverse opinions.
Moreover, the digital age has accelerated the pace at which advice is disseminated and consumed. While this can be beneficial in rapidly changing situations, it may also lead to a superficial engagement with complex issues that require deeper reflection.
In essence, while the digital age has exponentially increased our access to advice, it has also heightened the importance of critical thinking and information literacy skills to effectively navigate this new landscape.
Describe a person who is very talented in art and how their perspective on creativity might have influenced others.
Q: Do you think people rely too much on advice from others instead of making their own decisions?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think some people do rely too much on others’ advice. It’s important to listen to advice, but we should also trust our own judgment and make our own decisions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that defies a simple yes or no answer. While seeking advice is generally a prudent approach, there’s a fine line between gathering insights and becoming overly dependent on others’ opinions.
On one hand, consulting others can provide valuable perspectives and help us avoid potential pitfalls. It’s a form of leveraging collective wisdom that can lead to more informed decisions. This is particularly beneficial in areas where we lack expertise or experience.
However, there’s a growing tendency in our interconnected world to outsource our decision-making. This can stem from a lack of confidence, fear of responsibility, or simply the convenience of deferring to others. Such over-reliance can stifle personal growth and the development of critical thinking skills.
The key lies in striking a balance. We should view advice as a tool for expanding our understanding, not as a substitute for our own judgment. Cultivating the ability to synthesize various inputs, including our own instincts and experiences, with external advice is crucial. This approach fosters personal accountability and helps develop robust decision-making skills.
Ultimately, the goal should be to use advice as a catalyst for our own reasoning, rather than a crutch. This balanced approach allows us to benefit from others’ wisdom while still maintaining our autonomy and developing our own decision-making capabilities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: The advice led to a paradigm shift in how I viewed challenges. -
Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important event to happen
Example: The professor’s advice acted as a catalyst for my personal growth. -
Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
Example: The advice had a profound impact on my life choices. -
Perspective (noun) /pərˈspektɪv/ – a particular way of considering something
Example: This advice gave me a new perspective on failure. -
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: Embracing challenges has built my resilience over time.
Describe an art exhibition you visited that changed your perspective on a particular subject, as it can provide another example of how external influences can alter our viewpoints.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing advice that changed your perspective:
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Elaborate on your answers: Provide specific examples and explain the impact of the advice in detail.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of advice and personal growth.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without unnecessary pauses.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the advice and its effects on your life.
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Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2, to cover all aspects of the cue card.
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Be authentic: While using sophisticated language is important, ensure your responses sound natural and personal.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.
Describe a museum you would like to visit and how you think it might change your perspective on a particular subject or period in history.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss advice that changed your perspective in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your English language skills while sharing your personal experiences and insights.
Describe a book that made a strong impression on you, as it can be another excellent way to discuss how your perspective was changed by external influences.