The IELTS Speaking test often explores personal experiences that have shaped our perspectives. One recurring topic is describing advice that significantly impacted your life. This theme not only tests your English proficiency but also your ability to reflect on transformative moments. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task, focusing on the cue card “Describe a time when you received advice that changed your perspective.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to advice and decision-making. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you often ask for advice?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I strike a balance between seeking advice and making my own decisions. When faced with complex situations or unfamiliar territory, I do tend to consult with people I trust, like my parents or close friends. Their insights often provide a fresh perspective that I might have overlooked. However, I also believe in trusting my instincts and developing my decision-making skills, so I try not to rely too heavily on others’ opinions for every little thing.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you received advice that changed your perspective
You should say:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you the advice
- Why you needed the advice
- And explain how it changed your perspective
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about some advice I received from my university professor that really changed how I view my career path. During my final year of college, I was feeling quite uncertain about my future and what direction to take after graduation.
My professor, Dr. Johnson, noticed my hesitation during a career counseling session and advised me to ‘focus on developing transferable skills rather than fixating on a specific job title.’ She explained that in today’s rapidly changing job market, being adaptable is more valuable than specializing too narrowly.
I needed this advice because I was struggling to choose between different career options and felt pressured to have my entire future mapped out. Dr. Johnson’s words helped me realize that I was thinking too rigidly about my career path.
This advice significantly shifted my perspective. Instead of stressing about finding the perfect job right away, I started to see my career as a journey of continuous learning and growth. I began to pay more attention to developing skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving that could be applied in various fields. This new outlook made me feel more confident and excited about my future, rather than anxious and uncertain.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to share a pivotal moment in my life when I received advice that profoundly altered my perspective on personal growth and success. This enlightening guidance came from my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned psychologist and leadership coach.
During a particularly turbulent period in my early career, I was grappling with imposter syndrome and a fear of failure that was stifling my progress. Dr. Chen, noticing my inner turmoil, offered this sage advice: ‘Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth. Your comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.’
This advice was precisely what I needed at that juncture. I had been unconsciously sabotaging my own potential by avoiding challenges and sticking to tasks I knew I could excel in without much effort. Dr. Chen’s words struck a chord because they encapsulated the very essence of what was holding me back – my aversion to discomfort and fear of failure.
Her advice triggered a paradigm shift in my thinking. I began to view challenges not as threats, but as opportunities for growth and learning. This new perspective empowered me to take on projects that I previously would have shied away from. I started to actively seek out situations that pushed me out of my comfort zone, whether it was public speaking engagements or leading high-stakes projects.
The ripple effect of this change in mindset was remarkable. Not only did I experience accelerated professional growth, but I also noticed a significant boost in my self-confidence and resilience. I learned to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success rather than a reflection of my worth.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s advice transformed my approach to personal and professional development. It taught me that true growth lies not in avoiding discomfort, but in leaning into it with curiosity and courage. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and continues to influence my decisions to this day.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “How do you think people’s attitudes towards seeking advice have changed over time?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there’s been a noticeable shift in how people approach seeking advice. In the past, there was perhaps more reliance on traditional sources like family elders or community leaders. Now, with the advent of technology and social media, people have access to a much wider range of perspectives. This has both pros and cons. On one hand, it’s great to have diverse viewpoints and expert opinions at our fingertips. On the other, it can be overwhelming and sometimes difficult to discern credible advice from less reliable sources. I think there’s also been a growing trend towards professional counseling and life coaching, which shows a more open attitude towards seeking specialized advice for personal and professional growth.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of attitudes towards seeking advice is a fascinating reflection of broader societal changes. Historically, advice-seeking was often constrained by hierarchical structures and cultural norms, with wisdom typically flowing from elders to the young or from established institutions to individuals. However, the digital revolution has democratized information and advice-sharing to an unprecedented degree.
This shift has catalyzed a more egalitarian approach to advice-seeking. We’re now seeing a blend of traditional and modern methods. While many still value the sage wisdom of experienced mentors, there’s also a growing trend of peer-to-peer advice through online forums and social media platforms. This has fostered a culture of collaborative problem-solving and diverse perspective-sharing that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Moreover, there’s been a marked destigmatization of seeking professional advice, particularly in mental health and personal development spheres. This reflects a growing recognition of the complexity of modern life and the value of specialized expertise in navigating its challenges.
However, this abundance of advice sources has also necessitated the development of critical thinking skills to discern quality information. People are becoming more adept at cross-referencing advice and seeking evidence-based guidance, which I believe is a positive development in our collective approach to decision-making and personal growth.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How can we determine if advice is good or bad?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Determining the quality of advice can be quite challenging, but there are several factors we can consider. Firstly, it’s important to look at the source of the advice – is it coming from someone with relevant experience or expertise? Secondly, we should consider whether the advice aligns with our own values and goals. Good advice should resonate with us on some level, even if it challenges our current thinking.
Another crucial aspect is to evaluate the potential consequences of following the advice. If the advice seems risky or could lead to negative outcomes, it’s worth being cautious. It’s also helpful to seek multiple perspectives on important decisions, rather than relying on a single piece of advice.
Ultimately, I believe that good advice often encourages growth and pushes us out of our comfort zone in a positive way. It should empower us to make our own informed decisions rather than telling us exactly what to do.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Discerning the quality of advice is a nuanced process that requires a blend of critical thinking and self-awareness. The first step is to scrutinize the credibility of the advice giver. This goes beyond just their qualifications or experience; it also involves assessing their motivations and whether they have a vested interest in the outcome of their advice.
Equally important is the contextual relevance of the advice. What works in one situation may be counterproductive in another, so it’s crucial to evaluate how well the advice aligns with our specific circumstances, cultural background, and long-term objectives.
Good advice often has a certain timelessness to it. It should be adaptable to changing circumstances rather than being a quick fix for a temporary problem. It’s also worth noting that valuable advice might initially feel uncomfortable as it challenges our preconceptions and pushes us towards growth.
Another key indicator is the methodology behind the advice. Is it based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, or merely anecdotal experiences? The most robust advice often combines theoretical knowledge with practical wisdom.
Lastly, I believe that truly beneficial advice empowers the recipient. It should provide a framework for making decisions rather than dictating actions. Good advice illuminates options we might not have seen before and equips us with tools to navigate similar situations in the future.
In essence, evaluating advice is an exercise in critical analysis and self-reflection. It requires us to balance open-mindedness with healthy skepticism, always keeping in mind our own values, goals, and unique life context.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The advice led to a paradigm shift in how I viewed my career.” -
Sage advice (noun phrase) – /seɪdʒ ædˈvaɪs/ – Wise and prudent counsel.
Example: “My grandmother often offers sage advice based on her life experiences.” -
To resonate with (phrasal verb) – /ˈrezəˌneɪt wɪð/ – To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “The mentor’s words really resonated with me and inspired me to take action.” -
To embrace discomfort (phrase) – /ɪmˈbreɪs dɪsˈkʌmfərt/ – To willingly accept or welcome challenging situations for personal growth.
Example: “Learning to embrace discomfort has been key to my personal development.” -
Transferable skills (noun phrase) – /trænsˈfɜːrəbl skɪlz/ – Abilities that are relevant and helpful across different areas of life and work contexts.
Example: “Focusing on developing transferable skills has made me more adaptable in my career.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing advice that changed your perspective:
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Elaborate with specific examples: Provide detailed anecdotes that illustrate how the advice impacted you.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic of advice and personal growth.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Show that you can analyze the advice and its implications, not just describe it.
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Express ideas coherently: Organize your thoughts logically and use appropriate linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
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Show genuine engagement: Speak with enthusiasm and conviction about how the advice affected you personally.
Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Regularly engage in conversations about personal experiences and reflections to build your confidence and fluency.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss life-changing advice in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!