Discussing advice and its impact is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This guide will help you deliver impressive responses across all parts of the speaking test, similar to how candidates approach describe a time when you received advice that changed your perspective.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- 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 tend to seek guidance from various people depending on the situation. For professional matters, I consult with my mentors who have extensive experience in my field. When it comes to personal issues, I confide in my close friends or family members as they know me inside out and can offer unbiased perspectives.”
Professional seeking advice from mentor
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic
Describe a piece of advice that you received and found helpful
You should say:
- Who gave you the advice
- What the advice was
- When you received it
- And explain why you found it helpful
Just as with describe a situation where you felt very emotional, your response should be structured and detailed.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about invaluable advice I received from my university professor during my final year. She emphasized the importance of gaining practical experience alongside academic knowledge.
The advice was to take on internships and real-world projects even if they seemed challenging. She pointed out that theoretical knowledge alone wouldn’t be sufficient in today’s competitive job market.
This guidance proved to be transformative as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. By following her advice, I managed to secure valuable internships that later opened doors to excellent career opportunities.
What made this advice particularly helpful was its long-lasting impact on my professional development. It fundamentally changed my approach to learning and career planning, teaching me to be more proactive and practical-minded.”
Professor giving career advice to student
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to discussions about describe an item that you treasure, these questions explore deeper aspects of advice and guidance.
Q: How has the way people seek advice changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There has been a dramatic shift in how people seek advice, largely due to technological advancement. While traditional face-to-face counseling remains valuable, many people now turn to online platforms and professional networking sites for guidance. This has broadened the scope of available perspectives but also raises concerns about the credibility and authenticity of online advice sources.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- To heed advice – to follow or pay attention to advice
- To take something on board – to accept and act on advice
- A game-changer – something that significantly changes a situation
- To think things through – to consider something carefully
- Words of wisdom – valuable and insightful advice
Examiner’s Tips
- Use a mix of simple and complex structures
- Incorporate relevant personal experiences
- Demonstrate critical thinking through balanced responses
- Practice speaking for extended periods without hesitation
- Focus on clear pronunciation and natural intonation
Remember, when describing advice, like in describe a piece of technology you find helpful, always provide concrete examples and explain the impact clearly.
