Similar to describe a time when you had to give someone advice, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to articulate personal experiences clearly while showcasing advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often give advice to others?
- What kind of advice do people usually ask you for?
- How do you feel when giving advice?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I occasionally give advice when asked, particularly regarding academic matters or career decisions. People often seek my input because I tend to take a systematic approach to problem-solving. When giving advice, I feel it’s crucial to be thoughtful and considerate of others’ circumstances.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you had to give advice to someone
You should say:
- Who you gave advice to
- What the advice was about
- Why this person needed advice
- And explain if the advice was helpful
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about describe a piece of advice you received that helped you make a decision. Last year, I provided guidance to my younger cousin who was grappling with career choices. She was torn between pursuing medicine, following family tradition, or exploring her passion for environmental science.
The advice I gave was to conduct thorough research into both fields, including job prospects, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment. I encouraged her to arrange informational interviews with professionals in both sectors and suggested she participate in relevant internships.
She needed this advice because she was feeling overwhelmed by family expectations while trying to honor her own interests. The situation was causing her significant stress and affecting her academic performance.
My advice proved instrumental in helping her make an informed decision. She ultimately chose environmental science and is now thriving in her studies. The experience taught me that good advice should empower people to make their own choices rather than telling them what to do.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Question: “How has the way people seek advice changed with technology?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital age has revolutionized how people seek and receive advice. While traditional face-to-face counseling remains valuable, online platforms have made advice more accessible and immediate. However, this convenience comes with potential drawbacks, such as the reliability of sources and the lack of personal connection that often makes advice more meaningful.
Similar to describe a recent memorable family meal, there’s something uniquely valuable about personal interaction when giving or receiving advice that technology cannot fully replicate.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To weigh options: to carefully consider different possibilities
- To deliberate: to think about or discuss something very carefully
- To advocate for: to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
- Pragmatic approach: practical way of dealing with problems
- Sound judgment: good sense in making decisions
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary through synonyms
- Maintain good eye contact and natural gestures
- Structure responses clearly with appropriate linking words
- Show awareness of complex issues when discussing advice-giving
IELTS speaking test interaction
Remember that like describe a food market you visited in a different city, providing detailed, well-structured responses with personal examples will help you achieve a higher band score.
