The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and advice. One common topic is describing a piece of advice that had a significant impact on your life. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Describe a piece of advice you received that helped you by following these strategies and sample answers. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about advice and life-changing experiences. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you often ask for advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do ask for advice quite often. I believe it’s important to get different perspectives, especially when making big decisions. I usually turn to my family or close friends for their input.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in seeking advice regularly. I find that consulting with others not only provides valuable insights but also challenges my own assumptions. Whether it’s for personal or professional matters, I make a point of soliciting diverse opinions to ensure I’m making well-informed decisions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a piece of advice you received that was life-changing
You should say:
- Who gave you this advice
- What the advice was
- When you received this advice
- How this advice affected your life
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The advice I’d like to talk about was given to me by my high school teacher when I was about to graduate. She told me, “Always be open to learning new things.” I received this advice during our last class together.
This advice has had a big impact on my life. It made me more curious and willing to try new experiences. For example, I started taking online courses in different subjects, which helped me discover new interests. It also made me more adaptable at work, as I’m always ready to learn new skills.
The advice changed how I approach challenges. Instead of being afraid of new situations, I now see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This has helped me in my personal life and career.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to share a piece of advice that profoundly impacted my life, given to me by my grandfather just before I embarked on my university journey. His words, “Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth,” have since become a guiding principle in my life.
This sage counsel was imparted during a heartfelt conversation we had in his study, surrounded by books that testified to his own lifelong commitment to learning. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as I stood on the threshold of a new chapter in my life, filled with both excitement and trepidation.
The advice has been truly transformative. It has fundamentally altered my approach to challenges and new experiences. Rather than shying away from difficult situations, I’ve learned to view them as opportunities for personal development. This mindset shift has led me to take on projects outside my comfort zone, travel to unfamiliar places, and engage with diverse groups of people.
In my academic pursuits, this advice propelled me to tackle complex subjects and participate in challenging research projects. Professionally, it has emboldened me to seek out leadership roles and innovative solutions to problems. Perhaps most importantly, it has enriched my personal growth, encouraging me to confront my fears and limitations head-on.
My grandfather’s words have become a personal mantra, reminding me that true growth often lies just beyond the boundaries of comfort. This advice has not just changed my life; it has redefined my understanding of success and personal fulfillment.
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you think the impact of advice changes as we grow older?
- In what ways can giving advice to others benefit the person giving it?
Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
I think as we get older, we might value advice differently. When we’re young, we might be more open to advice because we have less experience. As we grow older, we might rely more on our own experiences, but good advice can still be very helpful.
Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
The impact of advice undoubtedly evolves as we age and accumulate life experiences. In our youth, we tend to be more receptive to guidance, often lacking the context to critically evaluate it. As we mature, our own experiences shape our perspective, potentially making us more discerning about the advice we receive. However, I believe that wisdom lies in maintaining a balance – retaining the openness of youth while leveraging our acquired knowledge. The most impactful advice at any age is that which resonates with our current circumstances yet challenges our existing paradigms, promoting continuous growth and self-reflection.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to advice and its impact on society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How has the way people seek advice changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In recent years, people have started using the internet more to get advice. There are many online forums and social media platforms where people can ask questions and get answers quickly. This is different from the past when people mainly asked family or friends for advice.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The landscape of advice-seeking has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements. We’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from relying solely on personal networks to leveraging global, digital platforms. Online forums, social media, and specialized advice apps have democratized access to information and opinions, allowing individuals to tap into a vast pool of knowledge and experiences.
This digital revolution has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it provides unprecedented access to diverse perspectives and specialized expertise that might not be available within one’s immediate circle. On the other hand, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, and the credibility of sources is often questionable.
Interestingly, this shift has also led to the emergence of new forms of personalized advice, such as AI-powered chatbots and virtual counseling services. These innovations are reshaping our understanding of what constitutes reliable advice and how it can be delivered effectively in the digital age.
Question: Do you think there’s a difference between the advice given by older and younger generations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think there can be differences. Older generations might give advice based on their long life experience, which can be very valuable. Younger generations might give advice that’s more up-to-date, especially about technology or current trends. Both can be useful in different situations.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The disparity between advice offered by older and younger generations is indeed a complex and nuanced issue. While it’s important to avoid overgeneralization, certain distinct patterns emerge when comparing intergenerational advice.
Older generations tend to draw upon a wealth of life experiences, offering advice that often emphasizes long-term perspectives, traditional values, and time-tested wisdom. Their counsel frequently revolves around perseverance, financial prudence, and the importance of stability. This advice can be invaluable, particularly in navigating life’s major milestones and challenges.
Conversely, younger generations are more likely to provide advice that reflects the rapidly changing landscape of our modern world. Their guidance often incorporates contemporary social values, technological literacy, and adaptability in the face of global changes. They might emphasize the importance of work-life balance, personal fulfillment, and social responsibility in ways that differ from previous generations.
The key lies in recognizing the complementary nature of these different perspectives. The ideal approach is to synthesize the timeless wisdom of older generations with the fresh, innovative thinking of younger ones. This intergenerational exchange of ideas can lead to more holistic, well-rounded advice that is both grounded in experience and relevant to current realities.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced words and phrases:
-
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The advice caused a paradigm shift in my thinking about career choices. -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen.
Example: Her advice acted as a catalyst for my personal growth. -
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): A very significant or deep effect.
Example: The advice had a profound impact on my decision-making process. -
Sage counsel /seɪdʒ ˈkaʊnsəl/ (phrase): Wise advice.
Example: I always turn to my grandmother for her sage counsel. -
Transformative /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a major change to something or someone.
Example: The advice I received was truly transformative, altering my entire outlook on life.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing advice:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the impact of the advice you’re describing.
- Show depth in your answers by discussing not just what happened, but also how it affected you emotionally and practically.
- Practice speaking about different types of advice and their impacts to improve your fluency on this topic.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a piece of advice you received that helped you by applying these strategies and using the sample answers as inspiration. With practice and preparation, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test.