Describe A Piece Of Good Advice That You Gave To Someone: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Describe a Piece Of Good Advice That You Gave To Someone: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:50

Overview

In this IELTS speaking practice test, we will discover the topic ‘Describe A Piece of Good Advice That You Gave to Someone’. We will also understand how to frame a comprehensive response to this question with detailed explanations and practical examples.

This topic is among the most frequently asked in the ‘Part 2: Individual long turn’ section of the IELTS speaking test. In this segment, the examiner assesses your ability to express your thoughts coherently, furnish detailed explanations, and utilise a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

The IELTS speaking test comprises three primary sections that gauge your speaking skills: the introduction, individual long turn, and two-way discussion.

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Piece Of Good Advice That You Gave To Someone

You should say

Who did you advice?
What was the advice?
Why did you give the advice?
How was it helpful, and how did he/she feel about it?

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction

I had a heartfelt conversation with my neighbour Rajesh, who was feeling down due to his financial struggles.
I sensed his distress and felt the need to offer him some guidance.

Who did you advise?

My neighbour Rajesh received my advice. Although we weren't very close before, our recent interactions made me aware of his challenges.
I felt the urge to lend him a helping hand.

What was the advice?

To help Rajesh improve his financial situation, I advised him to create a budget and track his expenses carefully.
I also recommended prioritising his needs, cutting expenses, and exploring ways to increase his income.
By doing so, he could achieve financial stability and reduce his stress.

Why did you give the advice?

Having experienced my own financial struggles, I could empathise with Rajesh's situation.
I knew how frustrating and overwhelming financial uncertainty could be.
Drawing from my own experiences, I wanted to offer him practical advice to help him regain control of his finances and overcome his challenges.

How was it helpful, and how did he/she feel about it?

Rajesh found my advice helpful. He felt more confident as he implemented my suggested budgeting and expense-tracking techniques.
Gradually, he saw improvements in his financial situation and felt relieved.

Conclusion

Guiding Rajesh through his financial struggles was fulfilling.
Witnessing his progress and seeing him regain control of his finances reinforced the importance of supporting those in need. I'm confident that Rajesh will overcome his challenges and achieve his goals.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

I recently engaged in a deep discussion with my cousin, Priya.
She had been grappling with some personal challenges and was seeking advice.
Sensing her need for support, I knew I had to offer her some guidance.

Who did you advise?

My cousin Priya received my advice.
Even though we live in different cities, we share a close bond, and I wanted to support her during this challenging time in her life.

What was the advice?

I advised Priya to prioritise self-care by setting boundaries between work and personal life, making time for relaxation, and delegating tasks.
By doing so, she could improve her well-being and productivity.

Why did you give the advice?

Having experienced burnout myself, I empathised with Priya's situation.
Drawing from my experiences, I offered her practical advice to help her balance work and personal life more effectively.

How was it helpful, and how did he/she feel about it?

Priya found my advice helpful.
She implemented self-care practices and set boundaries at work, which helped her feel more in control of her life.
She noticed a significant improvement in her mood and energy levels and could approach her work with renewed enthusiasm and focus.

Conclusion

Guiding Priya through her struggle with work-life balance was fulfilling.
Witnessing her prioritise her well-being reinforced the importance of supporting those we care about.
I'm confident that Priya will find success and happiness in her personal and professional life.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction

The other day, I had a meaningful chat with my friend Ananya.
She was feeling discouraged and disappointed after experiencing a series of job rejections.
As I felt her frustration, I knew I had to offer her encouragement and support.

Who did you advise?

My friend Ananya received my advice.
We've been friends since college, and I have always admired her for her grit and determination.
It was only natural for me to be there for her, listen to her, and offer some words of wisdom to help her through this difficult time.

What was the advice?

During our conversation, I emphasised the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude.
I advised Ananya to focus on her strengths and accomplishments, which would help her stay motivated and confident in her abilities.

Why did you give the advice?

Having faced my share of setbacks and rejections, I could relate to Ananya's situation and empathised with her.
I understood how demoralising it can be to receive repeated rejections in a job search and how it can affect one's self-esteem and confidence.

How was it helpful, and how did he/she feel about it?

The advice was helpful for Ananya. It motivated her to focus on her strengths and remain optimistic.
She felt more determined and energized to continue her job search with the support of a caring friend.

Conclusion

Supporting Ananya during her job search was humbling and fulfilling.
Witnessing her resilience reminded me of the importance of being there for our loved ones during tough times.
I'm confident that she will emerge even stronger from this experience.

The examiner will give you a cue card in Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test. This cue card contains a topic and a few points you should cover in your response.

For instance, let's take an example of the cue card for the topic 'Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone'.

We will now explore how to prepare for the 'Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone ' practice test.

Introduction

Start with a concise introduction of your friend's situation or problem and the significance of offering advice.
Keep the introduction brief yet engaging to capture the listener's attention.

“Meet my friend Abhinabh who, after completing high school, found himself at a critical point in his life. He was unsure about which career path to take, and it was a crucial moment that called for careful guidance to help him make the right decision.”

Who did you advise:

Identify the person who received the advice.
Provide context about your relationship with the person.

“One of my childhood friends, Abhinabh, felt uncertain about his career path after graduation. Given our longstanding friendship, I wanted to support him during this crucial decision-making process.”

What was the advice:

Clearly state the advice given.
Provide details or reasons behind the advice.
Highlight the importance or relevance of the advice.

“I advised Abhinabh to explore career options that align with his values and passions. This will lead to long-term fulfilment and success in his chosen career.”

Why did you give the advice:

Explain the motivation or reason behind giving the advice.
Share any personal experiences or insights that influenced the advice.
Connect the advice to the person's needs or circumstances.

“I advised Abhinabh based on my own experience. I emphasised the importance of following passions during pivotal moments. I aimed to help him find clarity and confidence in decision-making.”

How was it helpful, and how did he/she feel about it:

Describe the outcome or results of the advice.
Share the person's reaction or response to the advice.
Reflect on the overall impact and effectiveness of the advice.

“Abhinabh received advice that helped him explore career options, clarify his interests, and make an informed decision about his future path.”

Conclusion:

Summarise the key points of the advice and its impact.
Reflect on any lessons learned or broader implications.
End on a positive note, emphasising the value of giving good advice.

“Guiding Abhinabh during a tough decision-making phase resulted in positive outcomes and growth. This reinforced the importance of supporting friends during challenging times and helping them make decisions that align with their values and goals.”

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Practice Test With Sample Answers

Follow-Up Questions

We have covered three samples for ‘Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone.’ We can now examine some sample questions the examiner may ask you regarding the topic.

This part is the third section of the IELTS speaking test, a two-way discussion that usually lasts 4-5 minutes.

Q1. Do you think parents should give their children advice?

Answer 1: Parents play an essential role in guiding their children. Their life experiences and advice help children learn to make good decisions and prepare for adulthood.

Answer 2: Certainly, parental guidance serves as a roadmap for their children, helping them to make thoughtful decisions and navigate life's challenges. This guidance also promotes open communication, trust, and safety within the family circle.

Q2. Should teachers give students advice?

Answer 1: Teachers not only teach but also help and make them learn by example. Their advice goes beyond school subjects, teaching students how to think, solve problems, and get along with others. These skills are essential for doing well in both school and life.

Answer 2: Teachers provide more than just classroom instruction. They offer valuable advice and encouragement to students as they face academic obstacles and personal development. This guidance builds confidence, strength, and a lasting passion for learning.

Q3. Do you think we must listen to friends’ advice?

Answer 1: Friends' advice can give us new ideas and help us understand different situations. Friends usually want what's best for us and can give us good support, motivation, and guidance when needed.

Answer 2: Friends who trust and understand each other can offer valuable insights and alternative viewpoints through their advice. Their perspectives, shaped by shared experiences and empathy, can assist us in making informed decisions and more effectively navigating life's ups and downs.

Q4. How do people give young people and old people advice?

Answer 1: Old people often advise the younger generation by mentoring, giving guidance, and sharing their life stories to help them tackle life's hurdles. Advising elders is usually done with respect, acknowledging their wisdom and life lessons, which helps build mutual respect and understanding.

Answer 2: When advising young folks, it's often done through mentorship, support, and sharing stories to help them make intelligent decisions. Advising older people is usually done with respect and honouring their wisdom and life journey, which helps create a bond of understanding and appreciation between both parties.

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FAQs

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test typically lasts for about 11 to 14 minutes. This section is divided into three parts: the introduction, the long turn, and the discussion. During the test, you will converse with the examiner, answer questions about familiar topics, discuss a particular theme, and express your opinions.

Q. How can I improve my performance in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, practice speaking English with friends or family regularly. Record yourself to identify areas like pronunciation and fluency for improvement. Expand your vocabulary and use idiomatic expressions. Familiarise yourself with the test format and questions. Stay calm and confident, and aim for clear and coherent expression during the test.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. Unfortunately, you cannot change the topic in the IELTS speaking test. The examiner assigns the topic and evaluates your English fluency based on it. However, you can still perform well by focusing on vocabulary and grammar and expressing yourself clearly, even on an unfamiliar topic.

Q. How should I manage my time during the Cue Card task?

Ans. To maximize your 1-minute prep time, brainstorm ideas quickly and organize your answer into an introduction, points, and conclusion. Jot down keywords for easy reference. Speak steadily during your 2-minute speaking slot and don't get stuck if you forget something. Finally, briefly review your main points at the end.

Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

Ans. The cue card task doesn't require an overly formal tone. Aim for a conversational style rather than a formal lecture. Avoid slang and excessive contractions like ‘gonna,’ but using ‘I'd’ is acceptable. Focus on impressing the examiner with clear communication and demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary.

Q. How do you make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. During your 1-minute prep, brainstorm key points. Quickly jot down keywords for each section:

Introduction: Briefly mention the topic.
Main Points: Aim for 2-3 strong points.
Conclusion: Summarize your main ideas.

Think of examples to support your points while jotting down keywords. This helps structure your answer and jogs your memory during the speaking part.

Q. What can I do if I don’t understand the cue card topic?

Ans. You can consider these options if you are unable to understand the cue card topic:

Polite Clarification: Ask "Excuse me, could you clarify...?" It shows initiative without directly stating confusion.
Rephrase the Topic: Briefly restate the topic in your own words to demonstrate understanding and focus on what you grasp.
Elaborate with Details: Expand on what you understand about the topic, using relevant details and examples to showcase your English skills.

Q. Do IELTS cue cards repeat?

Ans. No, the IELTS cue cards vary for each test. They update the pool of cue cards regularly, ensuring you receive a fresh topic. However, practising with a variety of topics beforehand helps develop flexibility and a strong speaking style that adapts to new situations.

Q. Is there a specific structure I should follow when responding to speaking test topics?

Ans. Yes, this is the structure you can follow to organize your thoughts during the speaking test:

Introduction: Briefly introduce the cue card topic and set the stage for your response.
Main Points: Delve into 2-3 key points related to the topic. Provide explanations or relevant examples to showcase your understanding.
Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your response. If appropriate, add a final thought or opinion.

Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

Ans. Avoid exceeding the time limits in the speaking test. If you go over, the examiner will gently interrupt to maintain the test schedule. Aim to finish speaking a few seconds before the allotted time. This demonstrates good time management and allows the examiner to ask follow-up questions if needed.

Q. How do I frame my answer in 1 minute?

Ans. Here's how to frame your answer in 1 minute:

Brainstorm & Prioritize: Quickly jot down key ideas related to the topic.
Focus on Strength: Prioritize strong points and relevant examples you can elaborate on.
Keywords, Not Sentences: Avoid writing full sentences. Use keywords or short phrases to jog your memory during the speaking part.

Q. Can we clear IELTS on the first attempt?

Ans. Cracking the IELTS on your first try is possible with focused preparation.

Here's how you can do it:

Practice tests to understand the format and find your strengths and weaknesses.
Learn new words to express yourself better in speaking and writing.
Follow a clear structure for speaking responses to organize your thoughts.
With practice, vocabulary building, and clear structure, you can improve your chances of a strong IELTS score on your first attempt.

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