For many IELTS candidates, discussing advice and its impact can be challenging. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when describing describe a piece of advice you received that helped you.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you often give advice to others?
- What kind of advice do people usually ask you for?
- Do you think it’s better to give advice or make decisions independently?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I occasionally offer advice when asked, particularly regarding academic matters. I believe in being thoughtful and considering the implications before sharing suggestions, as advice can significantly impact someone’s decisions.”
Part 2: Cue Card
You should describe:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you this advice
- When you received it
- How this advice helped you
Similar to describe a piece of advice you received from a friend, here’s a model answer:
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’d like to share some invaluable advice I received from my university professor regarding time management. She emphasized the importance of breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. This advice proved transformative as it helped me tackle complex projects more effectively. The approach fundamentally changed my study habits and contributed significantly to my academic success.”
Band 6-7 Response:
“I want to talk about advice my teacher gave me about studying. She told me to divide big assignments into smaller parts. This helped me complete my work better and get good grades. I still use this method today when I have big projects.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people hesitate to take advice from others?
Similar to discussions about describe a time when you received valuable advice, responses can vary:
Band 8-9 Response:
“People might be reluctant to accept advice due to various psychological factors. They may perceive it as a threat to their autonomy or harbor concerns about the advisor’s credibility. Additionally, some individuals prefer to rely on their own judgment based on past experiences.”
Band 6-7 Response:
“Some people don’t like taking advice because they want to make their own decisions. They might think others don’t understand their situation well enough, or they’re worried about making mistakes.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Invaluable insight /ɪnˈvæljuəbl ˈɪnsaɪt/ (adj. + n.): extremely useful knowledge
- Life-changing perspective /laɪf-ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ pəˈspektɪv/ (adj. + n.): view that transforms one’s life
- Take into consideration /teɪk ˈɪntu kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/ (phrase): to think about something carefully
Professional vocabulary usage in IELTS Speaking
Examiner’s Tips
- Structure your response with clear introduction, development, and conclusion
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary naturally
- Maintain proper pace and fluency
- Show emotional engagement when discussing personal experiences
For those interested in describe a situation where you felt very emotional, similar principles apply in terms of personal expression and detailed description.
