How to Describe a Time When You Gave Someone Advice in IELTS Speaking Exam

The IELTS Speaking Exam is designed to assess a diverse range of skills: fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. In this article, we will explore how to describe a time when you gave someone advice. This is a common topic and understanding how to address it efficiently can significantly boost your score.

By the end of this guide, you will have a model answer and an array of useful expressions to ensure you are well-prepared.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions Examiners May Ask:

1. Do you often give advice to people?
2. What kind of advice do you usually give?

Sample Question for Practice:
Q: Do you often give advice to people?

Sample Answer:
“Yes, I frequently find myself giving advice to friends and family. Whether it’s about career choices or personal matters, I enjoy providing my perspective because I believe it can be quite helpful. For example, I recently advised my cousin on choosing the right university for her further studies.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you gave someone advice. You should say:

• Who you gave the advice to
• What the advice was
• Why you gave that advice
• And explain how it affected the person

Model Answer:

“One particular instance that comes to mind is when I gave advice to my younger brother about managing his time more effectively. He was struggling with balancing his studies and part-time job, and it was starting to impact his grades. I suggested that he create a timetable to allocate specific hours for studying and working.

Firstly, I advised him to prioritize his most challenging subjects early in the day when he is most alert. Additionally, I recommended setting small, achievable goals to stay motivated. Finally, I emphasized the importance of taking short breaks to refresh his mind.

As a result, he followed the advice and noticed a significant improvement in his time management. His grades began to improve, and he was able to maintain a healthier work-study balance. Overall, it was a highly rewarding experience knowing that my advice made a positive impact on his life.“

Follow-Up Questions:

Q: How do you usually come up with advice?

Sample Answer:
“I often rely on my own experiences and the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. Reading extensively and observing others also provide valuable insights that I use when advising someone.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Discussion Questions:

1. Do people generally listen to advice?
2. Why do some people refuse to take advice?
3. How important is it for children to learn from their parents’ advice?

Sample Discussion:

Q: Do people generally listen to advice?

A:
“It really depends on the person and the situation. Some people are more open to advice and actively seek it out, especially if they respect the person giving advice. However, others may be more stubborn or independent and prefer to learn from their own experiences rather than following instructions from others.”

Q: Why do some people refuse to take advice?

A:
“There are several reasons. For some, it might be a matter of pride or wanting to maintain control over their own decisions. Others might not trust the advice or might have had negative experiences in the past. It can also depend on the relationship between the advisor and the person receiving advice.”

Vocabulary and Structures to Impress Examiners

1. Timetable – A structured schedule for managing tasks.

   • “He created a detailed timetable to balance his activities.”

2. Prioritize (verb) – Determine the order for dealing with tasks according to their importance.

   • “It’s crucial to prioritize your assignments to ensure you meet deadlines.”

3. Achievable Goals – Realistic and attainable objectives.

   • “Setting small, achievable goals can help boost confidence and productivity.”

4. Perspective (noun) – A point of view.

   • “My perspective on this matter is based on my experiences.”

5. Significant Improvement – Noticeable progress or enhancement.

   • “There was a significant improvement in his performance after adopting my suggestions.”

Tips for High Scores in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps to improve fluency and confidence.
2. Record Yourself: Listening to your own recording can help identify areas for improvement.
3. Use Advanced Vocabulary: Incorporate a range of vocabulary to demonstrate lexical resource.
4. Work on Pronunciation: Clear and correct pronunciation can greatly influence your score.
5. Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to better understand your strengths and weaknesses.

Continue refining these skills for a higher band score.

A Person Giving Advice

For related topics, you might want to read:

• Describe a time when you felt lonely
• Describe a person who has been a good influence on you
• Use of Hypothetical Language “If I Were You”
• How to Talk for 2 Minutes

By following these guidelines and developing your answers based on the frameworks provided, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this part of the IELTS Speaking Exam with confidence.