Similar to How to describe a time you received advice that was helpful in IELTS Speaking, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you often ask for advice?
- Who do you usually go to for advice?
- What kind of advice do people usually ask you for?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I tend to seek guidance from various people depending on the situation. For professional matters, I usually turn to my mentors who have extensive experience in my field. They provide invaluable insights that have helped shape my career path.”
A young professional seeking advice from experienced mentor in office setting
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time you received helpful advice. You should say:
- Who gave you the advice
- What the situation was
- What the advice was
- And explain why you found it helpful
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about receiving crucial advice from my university professor during my final year. I was struggling with career decisions and feeling overwhelmed by the various options available.
My professor noticed my uncertainty and arranged a meeting. She shared her insights about the importance of focusing on personal growth rather than just job titles. She advised me to prioritize learning opportunities over initial salary packages.
This advice proved invaluable as it helped me shift my perspective. Instead of chasing prestigious job titles, I started looking for roles that would provide substantial learning experiences. This paradigm shift has significantly influenced my career trajectory.”
University professor providing career guidance to final year student
Just as describe a time when you had to give advice, the way you structure your response is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do people sometimes hesitate to take advice?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“People often resist taking advice due to various psychological factors. They might have an inherent fear of appearing incompetent or may be overly confident in their own judgment. Additionally, some individuals struggle with accepting different perspectives, especially when it challenges their existing beliefs.”
Q: How has the role of professional advice-giving changed with technology?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized the way we seek and receive advice. While traditional face-to-face counseling remains valuable, online platforms have made expertise more accessible. However, this has also led to an overwhelming abundance of information, making it crucial to discern credible sources from unreliable ones.”
Similar to describe a piece of advice that you received and found helpful, successful responses demonstrate depth of analysis and sophisticated language use.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- To seek guidance/advice (phrase) /siːk ˈɡaɪdəns/ – to ask for help or advice
- Paradigm shift (n) /ˈpærəداɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or assumptions
- To turn to someone (phrase) /tɜːn tuː/ – to go to someone for help or advice
- Invaluable (adj) /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ – extremely useful
- To take something on board (phrase) /teɪk ɒn bɔːd/ – to accept and act on advice
Key vocabulary and phrases for describing receiving advice
Remember that describe a situation where you felt very emotional can often overlap with describing receiving helpful advice, so practicing both topics together can be beneficial.
