Describe a piece of advice you recently received.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When did this happen & from whom?
What was it?
How do you feel about it?

34 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you plan to implement this advice in your daily life?

I plan to implement this advice by creating a structured routine that includes regular exercise, meditation, and setting achievable goals. This will help me build resilience and focus on my personal growth, allowing me to endure challenges and stay motivated.

Can you share a specific challenge you faced recently?

Recently, I faced a challenge when I didn't perform well in an important exam. It was disheartening, but I remembered the advice about enduring pain. I used it as motivation to study harder and improve my skills for the next opportunity.

What other sources of inspiration do you find helpful?

Besides Keanu Reeves' podcasts, I find inspiration in books about personal development and biographies of successful people. They often share their struggles and how they overcame obstacles, which encourages me to persevere in my own journey.

Band 6-7

00:00

Two weeks earlier before I applied, I started planning for my abroad. I actually was planning to go to Germany for my masters but due to my credit constraint, the consultancy advised me not to take off to Germany because it might lead to rejection in my application. So during that time I felt very depressed and very upset because it was a plan I have been making since 3-4 years which is because of the failing of the plan, my two years plan has been wasted. I was very down during the next two days. My father then advised me to bounce back and be resilient because life is all about ups and downs and uncertainties and he advised me not to feel down about it and try to think of another plan so that I wouldn't waste the next upcoming days. He also suggested me to feel motivated and encouraged because at least we have got to know about the process at the right time. After his advice, I felt grateful and encouraged to start my applications to the UK universities and I actually felt grateful of having him as my dad and it's important to be resilient when you're in the lowest point in your life because it is the time when God is testing how much you are able to face challenges and difficulties. This shows that you are strong and independent enough to work towards achieving your dream.

Follow up questions

How did your father's advice impact your decision-making process?

My father's advice helped me regain my focus and motivation. Instead of dwelling on my disappointment, I started exploring other options for my studies, specifically in the UK. His encouragement reminded me that setbacks are part of life, and I needed to adapt and move forward.

What other plans did you consider after receiving the advice?

After my father's advice, I began researching universities in the UK that offered programs aligned with my interests. I also looked into scholarship opportunities and connected with current students to gather insights about their experiences, which helped me feel more prepared.

Why do you think resilience is important in achieving your goals?

Resilience is crucial because it allows us to navigate challenges and setbacks without losing sight of our goals. It teaches us to adapt and find alternative paths when things don't go as planned, ultimately making us stronger and more determined to succeed in the long run.

Band 6-7

00:00

The piece of advice I recently received was study hard no matter what the result is. It is given by my family because I am being prepared for IELTS exam which is going to be held after a month. I am very much stressed towards the IELTS exam so my family advised me study hard no matter what the result is also but you need to be focused not stressed for a while then you can write your exams very well without any stress. I feel really bad when I am in the worst situation but after the advice they have given I feel very much comfortable towards reading, listening, speaking and writing as well. We have to use complex sentences but it is not there in my mind. I am very fond of vocabulary idioms but it gives me so much stress to remember so I am very over intensed with that. In addition my grandma who loves me very much she given me advice that you need to study but not in a stressed way which is to be in a good mood.

Follow up questions

How do you usually cope with stress during exam preparation?

I try to manage my stress by taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, and engaging in physical activities. I also make sure to maintain a balanced study schedule, which helps me stay focused and reduces anxiety.

What other advice have you received that has helped you in your studies?

I've received advice to create a study plan and set specific goals for each study session. This helps me stay organized and motivated. Additionally, my teachers have encouraged me to practice past exam papers, which has been beneficial.

How important do you think family support is during challenging times?

Family support is incredibly important during challenging times. Their encouragement and understanding help me feel more confident and less isolated. Knowing that they believe in me motivates me to push through difficulties and stay focused on my goals.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Well, the recent advice I received is from one of my friends, my close friend, and the advice I received was how to tackle the tricky questions asked in data structure and algorithms. So he gave me some clues and hints about how I could approach the problem in a more simpler way. He told me how I can break the problem in smaller tasks and parts and to approach all those parts individually and after that make the decision in a sequential manner so that I can arrive at a solution which I am confident of. This advice helped me tremendously because it helped, it allowed me to improve my performance and helped me solve my problems in the parts I was getting stuck in. I attempted few of the mock tests and my scores gradually improved after following his advice. I was able to understand the things more clearly and precisely so. It was one of the best advices I would say that I have ever received till date because it boosted my confidence and made me feel very clear in my mind about how to approach a particular problem.

Follow up questions

How do you usually handle difficult problems in your studies?

I typically break down difficult problems into smaller, manageable parts. This helps me focus on one aspect at a time, making it less overwhelming. I also seek help from friends or online resources if I'm really stuck.

Have you ever given advice to someone else? What was it about?

Yes, I once advised a classmate on how to prepare for exams. I suggested creating a study schedule and using practice tests to gauge their understanding. It felt rewarding to help someone else improve their study habits.

Why do you think advice from friends is valuable?

Advice from friends is valuable because they understand your strengths and weaknesses. They can offer personalized insights based on their experiences, which can be more relatable and practical than generic advice.

Band 6-7

00:00

So, I have received a lot of advices since my childhood, but I would really like to mention one which I received recently, a few days back, by my father. So, when I was a child, my father used to advise me and help me to differentiate between the right and the wrong things, but as I am growing up, a few days back, he called me and advised me about my career and I think this is the most valuable one. So, I am about to graduate and now I am very confused and not able to decide what to do in my life. So, my father called me and advised me how to carry on my studies and how to do better in my future. And so he wants and as I have to leave for my studies and I have to leave my home, so he advised me how to stay focused and help me to choose the correct path. Since my childhood, I used to do whatever he says, but now it happened once in a blue moon. So, he advised me about what options should I choose and what kind of people I should be with. Nowadays, it is very difficult to choose correct people and correct society which will help you to grow in your life. So, since childhood, his advice has been very generous and really helpful for me and I believe that till now and till our very older age, his advice will help me and keep me motivated to keep on working in my life. Thank you.

Follow up questions

How has your father's advice influenced your career choices?

My father's advice has been crucial in shaping my career decisions. He encouraged me to explore my interests and consider fields that align with my strengths. His guidance has helped me feel more confident in making choices that will benefit my future.

Can you share a specific example of advice that helped you focus?

One specific piece of advice was to create a study schedule and prioritize my tasks. This helped me manage my time better and stay focused on my studies, especially during this crucial period before graduation.

What qualities do you think are important in the people you choose to associate with?

I believe it's important to surround myself with supportive and motivated individuals. They should inspire me to grow, challenge me to improve, and share similar values. This kind of environment fosters personal and professional development.

Show all 34 answers

Cue 1:When did this happen & from whom?

Begin by mentioning the specific time frame when you received the advice, such as recently or during a particular event.
Identify the person who gave you the advice, explaining your relationship with them to add context.

Example

Recently, I received some valuable advice from my elder sister during a family gathering. We were discussing our career paths, and she shared her insights with me.

Cue 2:What was it?

Clearly state the advice you received, making sure to paraphrase it in your own words.
Explain the context in which the advice was given, highlighting any relevant details that make it more impactful.

Example

She advised me to focus on building my professional network rather than just concentrating on my technical skills. She emphasized that connections often open up more opportunities in the job market.

Cue 3:How do you feel about it?

Share your initial reaction to the advice and whether you found it surprising or helpful.
Discuss how you plan to implement this advice in your life and any changes you anticipate as a result.

Example

At first, I was a bit skeptical because I always believed that skills were the most important. However, after reflecting on her words, I realized the importance of networking. I feel motivated to attend more industry events and connect with professionals in my field.

Conclusion

Summarize the key takeaway from the advice and its significance in your life.
Reflect on how this advice might influence your future decisions or actions.

Example

In conclusion, the advice from my sister has made me rethink my approach to career development. I now understand that building relationships is just as crucial as honing my skills, and I am excited to explore this new avenue.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Responses

Providing vague or unclear answers can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your point. Specific details help convey your message more effectively.

Tip

Use specific examples and details when describing the advice, such as the context and the person who gave it.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address all the cue prompts can lead to an incomplete answer. This may result in lower scores for coherence and task response.

Tip

Make sure to answer all the cues: when it happened, what the advice was, and how you feel about it.

Overly Complex Language

Using overly complex vocabulary or sentence structures can confuse the listener. Clarity is more important than impressiveness in your language.

Tip

Stick to simple and clear language to express your thoughts, ensuring your ideas are easily understood.

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