The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and opinions. One common topic is advice that has had a significant impact on your life. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, focusing on the topic “describe a piece of advice you received that changed your perspective.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about advice and decision-making. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you often ask for advice?
- Who do you usually turn to for advice?
- Do you think it’s important to listen to advice from others?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I seek advice fairly regularly, especially when I’m facing important decisions or unfamiliar situations. I find that getting input from others can provide valuable perspectives that I might not have considered on my own. However, I also try to strike a balance between seeking advice and trusting my own judgment, as I believe it’s important to develop independence in decision-making as well.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of advice you received that changed your perspective
You should say:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you this advice
- When you received this advice
- How this advice changed your perspective
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a piece of advice that profoundly impacted my outlook on life. The advice was essentially to ‘embrace failure as a learning opportunity,’ and it came from my university professor during my final year of studies.
I remember it vividly – it was during a particularly challenging period in my academic life. I had just received a disappointing grade on a project I had poured my heart into, and I was feeling quite demoralized. After class one day, my professor, Dr. Johnson, noticed my despondent demeanor and asked me to stay back for a chat.
That’s when he shared this invaluable piece of wisdom. He explained that failure isn’t the opposite of success, but rather an integral part of the journey towards it. He encouraged me to reframe my perspective and view each setback as a chance to grow and improve.
This advice fundamentally altered my approach to challenges. Instead of feeling defeated by mistakes or shortcomings, I began to see them as stepping stones to improvement. It fostered a growth mindset in me, where I became more willing to take risks and push myself out of my comfort zone.
The impact was far-reaching. Not only did it help me bounce back from that particular academic setback, but it also influenced my approach to my career and personal life. I became more resilient in the face of obstacles and more open to constructive criticism.
Looking back, I can confidently say that this advice was a turning point in my personal development. It equipped me with a powerful tool to navigate the ups and downs of life with greater equanimity and purpose.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did you apply this advice in your life?
- Have you shared this advice with others?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“I’ve actively incorporated this advice into various aspects of my life. For instance, in my professional career, I’ve become more proactive in seeking feedback, even when it might be critical. This has accelerated my learning curve and helped me improve my skills more rapidly. Additionally, I’ve started keeping a ‘failure journal‘ where I reflect on setbacks and extract lessons from them. This practice has been instrumental in transforming negative experiences into valuable learning opportunities.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think young people today are more or less likely to follow advice compared to previous generations?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question to consider. I believe there are several factors at play here. On one hand, young people today have unprecedented access to information through the internet and social media, which might make them less reliant on traditional sources of advice like parents or teachers. This could potentially make them less inclined to follow advice from these sources.
However, on the other hand, the complexity of modern life and the rapidly changing job market might actually make young people more open to seeking and following advice, particularly from experts or mentors in their chosen fields. They might recognize the value of learning from others’ experiences to navigate these challenges.
Ultimately, I think it might depend on the type of advice and the perceived credibility of the source. Young people today might be more discerning about whose advice they follow, but when they do find a trusted source, they might be just as likely, if not more so, to take that advice on board.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your speaking performance, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The advice caused a paradigm shift in my thinking about success and failure.” -
Pivotal (adjective) – /ˈpɪvətl/ – Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
Example: “That piece of advice played a pivotal role in shaping my career choices.” -
Recalibrate (verb) – /riːˈkæləˌbreɪt/ – To change the way you do or think about something.
Example: “The advice helped me recalibrate my approach to problem-solving.” -
Introspection (noun) – /ˌɪntrəˈspekʃn/ – The examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes.
Example: “Following the advice led me to engage in more frequent introspection.” -
Epiphany (noun) – /ɪˈpɪfəni/ – A moment of sudden and great revelation or realization.
Example: “Hearing that advice was like an epiphany; it completely changed my perspective.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, especially when discussing advice that changed your perspective:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state the advice; explain its context, impact, and how you applied it.
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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 coherence: Ensure your response flows logically from one point to the next.
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Provide specific examples: These add authenticity and depth to your answer.
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Practice reflective speaking: Get comfortable discussing personal experiences and their impact on your thoughts and actions.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational tone while showcasing your language skills.
By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced language skills, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss how advice has changed your perspective in the IELTS Speaking test.