Receiving helpful advice is a common experience that can significantly impact our lives. In IELTS Speaking, being able to articulate such an experience clearly and eloquently can demonstrate your English proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score. This topic has been a recurring theme in past IELTS exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about advice and guidance. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often ask for advice?
A: Yes, I do tend to seek advice quite frequently. I believe that gaining insights from others, especially those with more experience, can be incredibly valuable. Whether it’s for personal matters or professional decisions, I find that consulting with trusted friends or mentors often helps me gain new perspectives and make more informed choices.
Q: Who do you usually turn to for advice?
A: It really depends on the nature of the issue at hand. For career-related matters, I often consult my former professors or colleagues who have more experience in the field. When it comes to personal dilemmas, I usually turn to my close friends or family members as they know me well and can offer more personalized advice. I also occasionally seek professional advice, such as from a financial advisor for investment decisions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you received advice that was helpful
You should say:
- What the advice was
- Who gave you the advice
- Why you needed the advice
- And explain how the advice helped you
Person seeking advice
Here’s a sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I received incredibly helpful advice that had a profound impact on my career path. The advice was essentially to ‘focus on developing a diverse skill set rather than specializing too early’.
This invaluable guidance came from my university professor, Dr. Johnson, during my final year of computer science studies. At the time, I was grappling with the decision of which area of technology to specialize in for my career.
I needed this advice because the tech industry is rapidly evolving, and I was feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of choices available. I was torn between focusing solely on software development or exploring other areas like data science or cybersecurity.
Dr. Johnson’s advice helped me immensely. It encouraged me to adopt a more holistic approach to my career development. Instead of narrowing my focus prematurely, I began to explore various aspects of technology. This broader perspective allowed me to discover interests I hadn’t previously considered, such as UX design and project management.
As a result, I’ve been able to cultivate a diverse skill set that has made me more versatile and adaptable in my career. It’s opened up numerous opportunities that I might have missed if I had specialized too early. This advice has truly shaped my professional journey and continues to guide my approach to learning and growth in the tech industry.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
Q: Do you think it’s always beneficial to follow advice from others?
A: While advice can be incredibly valuable, I believe it’s important to approach it critically. Not all advice is universally applicable, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s crucial to consider the source of the advice, their experience, and how it aligns with your own goals and values. Ultimately, I think it’s best to use advice as a tool for informed decision-making rather than following it blindly.
Q: How do you usually decide whether to take someone’s advice or not?
A: I typically follow a process of evaluation when deciding whether to take someone’s advice. First, I consider the credibility and expertise of the person giving the advice. Then, I reflect on how well they understand my specific situation. I also try to anticipate the potential outcomes of following the advice. Finally, I trust my intuition to some extent. If the advice resonates with me and aligns with my values and goals, I’m more likely to follow it. However, I always remind myself that I’m ultimately responsible for my decisions, regardless of the advice I receive.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss the role of advice in society more broadly.
Q: How do you think the internet has changed the way people seek and give advice?
A: The internet has revolutionized the landscape of advice-giving and seeking in several ways. Firstly, it has dramatically increased access to information and expertise. People can now easily find advice on virtually any topic through search engines, forums, and social media platforms. This democratization of knowledge has its benefits, allowing individuals to access diverse perspectives and specialized information that may not have been available to them otherwise.
However, this abundance of information also presents challenges. The quality and reliability of online advice can vary greatly, and it’s often difficult for users to discern between credible sources and misinformation. Additionally, the anonymity of the internet can sometimes lead to irresponsible advice-giving without accountability.
Another significant change is the rise of online communities focused on specific topics or experiences. These platforms allow people to connect with others facing similar challenges, creating supportive networks that extend beyond geographical limitations. This has been particularly valuable for individuals dealing with niche issues or those seeking support for personal struggles.
The internet has also transformed professional advice-giving, with many experts now offering their services online through webinars, e-courses, and virtual consultations. This has made professional advice more accessible to a wider audience, though it has also led to an oversaturated market in some areas.
Overall, while the internet has greatly expanded our ability to seek and share advice, it also requires users to be more discerning and critical in their consumption of information. The challenge now lies in navigating this vast sea of advice to find reliable, relevant guidance that can truly make a positive impact on one’s life.
Q: Do you think there’s a difference in the way younger and older generations give and receive advice?
A: Yes, I believe there are notable differences in how younger and older generations approach advice-giving and receiving, largely influenced by their life experiences and the technological landscape they’ve grown up in.
Older generations often rely more on traditional sources of advice, such as family members, close friends, or established professionals in their field. They tend to value face-to-face interactions and may be more likely to seek advice from those they perceive as having more life experience. Their advice-giving style might be more direct and based on personal experiences.
In contrast, younger generations have grown up with access to a vast array of information at their fingertips. They’re often more comfortable seeking advice from online sources, including social media influencers, podcasts, and online forums. This generation tends to value diverse perspectives and may be more likely to crowd-source advice, gathering opinions from multiple sources before making a decision.
The younger generation’s approach to giving advice often incorporates digital tools and platforms. They might create content like YouTube videos or blog posts to share their experiences and advice with a wider audience. Their style of advice-giving can be more collaborative and open to discussion.
Another key difference is the topics on which advice is sought. Older generations might focus more on traditional life milestones like career advancement or financial planning, while younger generations might seek advice on newer concepts like personal branding, digital entrepreneurship, or navigating social media.
However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and there’s significant overlap and variation within each generation. Many older individuals are tech-savvy and open to new sources of advice, while many younger people still value traditional wisdom.
Ultimately, I believe the ideal approach combines the strengths of both generational perspectives – valuing experience and personal connections while also leveraging the vast resources and diverse viewpoints available through modern technology.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Invaluable guidance /ɪnˈvæljuəbl ˈgaɪdns/ (adj. + n.): Extremely useful or indispensable direction or advice.
Example: Her mentor’s invaluable guidance helped shape her career path. -
Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.): A very significant or deep effect.
Example: The advice had a profound impact on my decision-making process. -
Grapple with /ˈgræpl wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To struggle or contend with a problem or challenge.
Example: I was grappling with the decision of which job offer to accept. -
Adopt a holistic approach /əˈdɒpt ə həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (phrase): To consider something as a whole, rather than as separate parts.
Example: The career counselor advised me to adopt a holistic approach to my professional development. -
Cultivate a diverse skill set /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ə daɪˈvɜːs skɪl set/ (phrase): To develop a wide range of abilities or expertise.
Example: By following the advice, I was able to cultivate a diverse skill set that made me more marketable. -
Democratization of knowledge /dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃn əv ˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (phrase): The process of making information and learning accessible to all people.
Example: The internet has contributed significantly to the democratization of knowledge. -
Navigate this vast sea of advice /ˈnævɪgeɪt ðɪs vɑːst siː əv ædˈvaɪs/ (idiom): To find one’s way through a large amount of information or guidance.
Example: With so many online resources, it can be challenging to navigate this vast sea of advice and find what’s truly relevant.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing advice:
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to advice and decision-making.
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Provide detailed examples: When describing a time you received helpful advice, include specific details about the situation, the advice given, and its impact.
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Show critical thinking: Demonstrate your ability to analyze the pros and cons of following advice and discuss its broader implications.
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Use appropriate tenses: Practice using past tenses when recounting specific instances of receiving advice, and present tenses when discussing general opinions about advice.
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Maintain fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
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Demonstrate range: In Part 3, show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to advice in society, technology, and generational differences.
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Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various aspects of this topic to speak confidently and naturally during the test.
By following these tips and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of receiving helpful advice in your IELTS Speaking test.
