The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, such as describing a time when you helped someone with advice. This topic is frequently encountered in Part 2 of the Speaking exam and may also be explored further in Part 3. To excel in this task, it’s crucial to understand the question’s requirements and prepare a well-structured response. Let’s dive into how you can effectively tackle this topic and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While Part 1 typically focuses on familiar topics, the examiner might ask questions related to giving advice or helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you often give advice to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do give advice to my friends and family sometimes. Usually, it’s about simple things like recommending a good restaurant or suggesting a movie to watch. I try to be helpful when I can.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I find myself in the position of giving advice quite frequently. As someone who values personal growth and learning, I often share insights from my experiences with friends and colleagues. However, I’m always mindful to offer suggestions tactfully, ensuring that my advice is both welcome and constructive.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you helped someone with advice.
You should say:
- Who you gave advice to
- What the advice was about
- Why this person needed advice
- How your advice helped this person
Describe a time when you made a positive change in your life. Similarly, offering advice can be a transformative experience for both the giver and receiver. Here’s how you might approach this cue card:
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger sister with some career advice. She was in her final year of university and was unsure about which job to apply for after graduation. My sister needed advice because she felt overwhelmed by the many options available and didn’t know how to make the best choice for her future.
I advised her to make a list of her strengths and interests, and then research jobs that matched these. I also suggested she talk to professionals in fields she was considering and maybe do some internships to gain experience. My advice helped her because it gave her a clear plan to follow. She ended up doing a summer internship in marketing, which she really enjoyed, and later got a full-time job in that field.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d be delighted to recount an instance where I provided crucial advice to a close colleague of mine, Sarah. Sarah, a talented software developer, was grappling with a significant career decision – whether to pursue a management role or continue honing her technical expertise.
The crux of my advice centered on introspection and long-term vision. I encouraged Sarah to critically evaluate her passions and envisage where she saw herself in five to ten years. We discussed the pros and cons of each path, considering factors such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and potential for growth.
Sarah sought my counsel because she valued my experience in the tech industry and knew I had faced a similar crossroads in my own career. Moreover, she was aware of my objective perspective, which could help her see beyond her immediate concerns.
My advice proved instrumental in Sarah’s decision-making process. By prompting her to align her career choices with her core values and long-term aspirations, I helped her gain clarity. Sarah ultimately decided to remain on the technical track, realizing her true passion lay in solving complex coding challenges rather than managing teams. This decision led to her specializing in AI development, a field she finds immensely fulfilling and where she has since made significant contributions.
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you feel after giving this advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I felt pretty good after giving the advice. It was nice to be able to help my sister, and I was happy to see her figure things out.
Band 8-9 Answer:
After providing this advice, I experienced a profound sense of fulfillment. It was incredibly rewarding to witness Sarah’s journey of self-discovery and decision-making. Moreover, the process reinforced my own leadership skills and reminded me of the value of mentorship in professional growth.
- Do you think it’s always good to give advice to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Not always. Sometimes people don’t want advice, or they might not be ready to hear it. It’s important to be careful when giving advice and to make sure the other person actually wants it.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While offering guidance can be valuable, it’s crucial to exercise discretion when giving advice. The appropriateness of advice-giving depends on various factors, including the recipient’s receptiveness, the nature of the relationship, and the context of the situation. It’s essential to cultivate active listening skills and ensure that advice is offered with empathy and respect for the other person’s autonomy.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: In what situations do you think it’s better for people to seek professional advice rather than relying on friends or family?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people should seek professional advice for serious matters like health issues or legal problems. Professionals have more knowledge and experience in these areas than friends or family members. Also, for financial decisions, it’s often better to talk to an expert who can give unbiased advice.
Band 8-9 Answer:
There are several scenarios where professional advice is preferable to relying solely on friends or family. Firstly, in matters pertaining to mental health, the expertise of trained therapists or psychologists is invaluable. They can provide evidence-based strategies and maintain professional boundaries, which may be challenging for close relatives or friends.
Secondly, for complex financial decisions, such as investments or retirement planning, consulting with certified financial advisors is crucial. They possess in-depth knowledge of market trends and can offer tailored strategies aligned with individual financial goals.
Lastly, in legal matters, seeking counsel from qualified attorneys is essential. The intricacies of the law require specialized knowledge that laypeople, regardless of their good intentions, simply may not possess.
Describe a time when you had to be very patient. Similarly, when giving or receiving advice, patience is often a key virtue, allowing for thorough consideration and thoughtful implementation of suggestions.
Question: How has technology changed the way people seek and give advice?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made it much easier to get advice quickly. People can use the internet to search for information or join online forums to ask questions. Social media also lets people ask for advice from a large group of friends or followers. However, it’s important to be careful about the advice you get online because not all of it is reliable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of advice-seeking and giving in multifaceted ways. Firstly, the proliferation of online platforms and forums has democratized access to information and expertise. Individuals can now tap into a global pool of knowledge, transcending geographical limitations.
Moreover, artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have given rise to sophisticated chatbots and virtual assistants capable of providing instantaneous advice on a wide array of topics. This has particularly transformed fields like customer service and basic healthcare triage.
However, this technological shift also presents challenges. The abundance of information can lead to information overload, making it difficult to discern credible advice from misinformation. Additionally, the depersonalization of advice-giving through digital mediums may sometimes result in a lack of nuance or context-specific guidance.
Nonetheless, technology has undoubtedly enhanced the speed and reach of advice dissemination, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing. The key lies in developing digital literacy to navigate this vast sea of information effectively.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To seek counsel (phrase) /siːk ˈkaʊn.səl/: To ask for advice or guidance.
Example: In times of difficulty, it’s wise to seek counsel from those with more experience. -
Introspection (noun) /ˌɪn.trəˈspek.ʃən/: The examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings.
Example: Through introspection, she realized her true passion lay in environmental conservation. -
To weigh options (phrase) /weɪ ˈɒp.ʃənz/: To carefully consider different possibilities before making a decision.
Example: Before giving advice, I always encourage people to weigh their options carefully. -
Impartial (adjective) /ɪmˈpɑː.ʃəl/: Not biased; treating all rivals or disputants equally.
Example: As a mentor, it’s crucial to remain impartial when offering career advice. -
To cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/: To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: Good advisors cultivate the ability to listen actively and empathize with others.
Describe a technological device you recently purchased. Just as new technology can enhance our lives, good advice can also lead to significant improvements and innovations in various aspects of life.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like giving advice:
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Structure your response: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to organize your answer, especially in Part 2.
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Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of lexical items related to advice-giving, decision-making, and problem-solving.
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Provide specific examples: Instead of general statements, offer concrete instances that illustrate your points.
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Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to analyze situations and reflect on outcomes.
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Practice fluency: Regular speaking practice will help you maintain a natural flow of speech during the test.
Remember, the key to a high score lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a local market that you often visit. Just as you might seek advice about the best products at a local market, being able to give clear, helpful advice is a valuable skill in many aspects of life.