As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I understand the importance of providing valuable advice to friends and how this topic can be a common subject in IELTS Speaking tests. In this article, we’ll explore strategies to excel in describing a time when you gave advice to a friend, a topic that has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about advice and friendship. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often give advice to your friends?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do give advice to my friends sometimes. When they’re facing problems, I try to help them by sharing my thoughts.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I frequently find myself in situations where friends seek my opinion on various matters. I believe in offering constructive advice when asked, as it’s an essential aspect of maintaining strong friendships.
Q: What kind of advice do people usually ask you for?
Band 6-7 Answer:
People often ask me for advice about their studies or personal relationships. I try my best to help them with their problems.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m often approached for guidance on a range of topics, from academic pursuits to career decisions. Additionally, friends tend to value my perspective on interpersonal relationships and personal development. I strive to provide well-rounded advice that considers multiple angles of their situation.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s focus on a cue card related to giving advice to a friend:
Describe A Time When You Gave Advice To A Friend
You should say:
- Who you gave advice to
- What the advice was about
- Why you gave this advice
- And explain whether your friend followed your advice
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I remember giving advice to my friend Sarah last year. She was struggling with her university studies and was thinking about dropping out. I advised her to talk to her professors and consider getting a tutor before making such a big decision.
I gave her this advice because I knew how important education was to her future. I didn’t want her to regret leaving university without trying all her options first.
Sarah followed my advice and talked to her professors. They helped her create a study plan, and she also got a tutor for her difficult subjects. In the end, she decided to continue her studies and is doing much better now.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount an instance when I offered counsel to my close friend, Emma, who was grappling with a significant career decision. Emma, a talented software engineer, was torn between accepting a lucrative job offer from a well-established corporation and pursuing her entrepreneurial aspirations by launching her own tech startup.
The advice I imparted centered around conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis of both options. I encouraged her to consider not only the financial aspects but also the long-term career growth, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment each path might offer. Moreover, I suggested she seek mentorship from experienced professionals in both corporate and startup environments to gain deeper insights.
I felt compelled to offer this guidance because I recognized the gravity of the decision and its potential to shape her professional trajectory. As her friend, I wanted to ensure she approached this crossroads with a comprehensive understanding of the implications of each choice.
To my gratification, Emma took my advice to heart. She diligently researched both options, networked extensively, and even participated in a startup incubator program to test her business idea. Ultimately, she decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, feeling more confident and prepared thanks to the informed decision-making process we had discussed.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How important is it for friends to give each other advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it’s very important for friends to give each other advice. It helps them solve problems and make better decisions. Good friends should be there for each other and offer support when needed.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The exchange of advice between friends is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a sense of trust and openness in the relationship, allowing individuals to vulnerably share their challenges and concerns. Secondly, friends often possess unique perspectives that can shed light on blind spots or offer alternative solutions we might not have considered. However, it’s equally important to strike a balance between offering advice and respecting one’s autonomy in decision-making. The key lies in providing supportive guidance rather than imposing one’s views, thus strengthening the bonds of friendship through mutual respect and understanding.
Q: Do you think people always follow the advice given by their friends? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
No, I don’t think people always follow advice from friends. Sometimes they might disagree with the advice or have their own ideas. It also depends on how much they trust their friend’s opinion.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The adherence to advice from friends is far from universal and depends on a myriad of factors. Primarily, the perceived credibility and expertise of the friend offering advice play a significant role. Additionally, the alignment of the advice with the individual’s own values, goals, and circumstances greatly influences its acceptance.
People are more likely to follow advice when it resonates with their intuition or when they’re facing unfamiliar territory where a friend’s experience seems valuable. Conversely, advice may be disregarded if it conflicts with deeply held beliefs or if the individual feels it doesn’t adequately address the nuances of their situation.
Moreover, the manner in which advice is presented – whether it’s offered empathetically or comes across as judgmental – can impact its reception. Ultimately, while friends’ advice can be invaluable, the decision to follow it rests on a complex interplay of trust, relevance, and personal agency.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Impart advice (phrasal verb) – /ɪmˈpɑːrt ədˈvaɪs/ – to give or communicate advice
Example: “I felt it was my duty to impart advice based on my own experiences.” -
Grapple with (phrasal verb) – /ˈɡræp.əl wɪð/ – to struggle or deal with a difficult problem
Example: “She was grappling with the decision of whether to change careers.” -
Constructive criticism (noun phrase) – /kənˈstrʌk.tɪv ˈkrɪt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/ – feedback that provides specific suggestions for positive change
Example: “I offered constructive criticism to help improve his presentation skills.” -
Weigh the pros and cons (idiom) – /weɪ ðə prəʊz ænd kɒnz/ – to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Example: “Before making a decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.” -
Perspective (noun) – /pəˈspek.tɪv/ – a particular way of considering something
Example: “His unique perspective on the issue helped me see it in a new light.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing giving advice to friends:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary related to advice and decision-making. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs naturally.
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Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts by relating the topic to broader themes like trust, friendship, and personal growth.
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Provide specific examples to support your points, showing your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
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Practice fluency by speaking on this topic regularly, focusing on maintaining a natural pace and intonation.
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Develop your ideas fully, showing depth of thought and the ability to analyze situations from multiple angles.
Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about giving the right answers, but about demonstrating your command of the English language and your ability to communicate effectively on a range of topics.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a person who inspires you to stay positive or how to describe a time when you had to deal with a personal challenge. These topics can provide additional context and vocabulary that could be useful when discussing advice and personal experiences.
