Talk about a time when you gave advice to someone: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • Who you gave advice to?
  • What the advice was?
  • Why you gave the advice?
  • And how you felt about the advice?

Band 7

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I would like to talk about a time when I gave advice to my younger cousin Maya, who was feeling stressed about her exams. She was worried that she would not perform well and her anxiety was affecting her focus. I advised her to make a study schedule, break her topics into smaller parts, and take short breaks while studying to avoid burnout. I also suggested some relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help clear her mind. I explained everything patiently and encouraged her to stay confident. Maya listened carefully and followed my advice. Over time, she becomes more organized and relaxed, and she did very well in her exam. I felt happy and proud because my advice had helped her, and it also strengthened our bond.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when Maya followed your advice?
I felt a sense of relief and happiness when I saw Maya implementing my advice. It was rewarding to witness her transformation from being anxious to more organized and confident. Knowing that I played a part in her success made me feel proud and strengthened our relationship.

What other advice would you give to someone facing exam stress?
I would suggest maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including regular exercise and proper nutrition. Additionally, I would recommend practicing mindfulness or meditation to help manage stress. It's also important to have a support system, so talking to friends or family can be beneficial.

Have you ever received advice that helped you in a similar situation?
Yes, I once received advice from a teacher who encouraged me to stay organized and manage my time effectively during exam preparation. Following her suggestions helped me improve my study habits and reduce my stress levels, which ultimately led to better performance.

Band 6-7

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00:00

If I have to talk about the one advice that I gave to someone was to one of my friend who was about to get into the same situation which took me about an year to get out of it. The advice was not to love someone blindly. Now why I gave this advice was I saw her getting into this without knowing what were the consequences that she would have to face later on in her life. I had gone through the same thing such as I loved somebody so blindly I never saw their flaws. Love is supposed to be blind but it's not so blind that you cannot see the mistakes that they are doing repeatedly and the same thing I just saw reflecting in my friend and I didn't wanted her to get into the same situation the way I was stuck in the situation. So I made sure that I make her understand that do not blindly believe someone, do not unsee the mistakes that is done repeatedly. If the mistakes are not corrected you get to notice the pattern that the person doesn't want to correct it. That means you have to step back and let that person go. When I told this advice to her the only thing that strike to my mind was I wish there was somebody who could give me the same advice so that I wouldn't have been in that situation, I wouldn't be suffering in that situation because only the person knows how it feels to suffer for a year to get out of somebody who actually didn't give a shit about it. So I feel the best thing that can happen

Follow up questions


What other advice would you give to someone in a similar situation?
I would advise them to take their time and not rush into relationships. It's important to understand oneself and what they truly want in a partner. Additionally, I would suggest seeking support from friends and family to gain different perspectives.

How do you think people can recognize unhealthy relationships?
People can recognize unhealthy relationships by being aware of patterns of behavior that cause discomfort or pain. If they notice repeated mistakes or a lack of respect, it's crucial to reflect on whether the relationship is worth continuing.

Have you ever received advice that helped you in a difficult situation?
Yes, I once received advice from a mentor who told me to prioritize my well-being and not to compromise my values for anyone. This helped me make better decisions in my relationships and focus on what truly matters in my life.

Band 6

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00:00

I would like to talk about the times I have given some meaningful advice to someone. When I was working as a nurse, one of my sisters, who is two years younger than me, had asked me regarding a college, and she wanted to have some advice regarding the selection of the college and the necessary information which is related to that. At that time, she was in her twelfth grade and almost about to graduate from high school, so I told her that whatever college you are going to select, make sure that you won't regret it in the middle of your college semester. So I told her, first you just note down all the things you want to have in the college you want to study, such as the facilities, or the budget, or the future prospects, which is connected to that college. So after I analyzed all those things, she selected one college, and she really appreciated me for helping her, and I feel glad that I was able to do some things which is within my reach and help the other people to make decisions easier for them. So through those times, I get to know that asking for help is not a weakness, it never gets in the way.

Follow up questions


What qualities do you think are important for giving good advice?
I believe that empathy, understanding, and good communication skills are essential for giving effective advice. It's important to put yourself in the other person's shoes and understand their situation fully before offering guidance.

Have you ever received advice that significantly impacted your life?
Yes, I once received advice from a mentor about pursuing my passion rather than just a stable job. This encouraged me to follow my interests in nursing, which has been incredibly fulfilling and has shaped my career path positively.

How do you feel when someone follows your advice?
I feel a sense of satisfaction and pride when someone follows my advice. It reassures me that I was able to help them make a positive decision, and it strengthens our relationship as they trust my judgment.

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Band 6

00:00

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00:00

A few months back, I was in college in my UOG and we've been going through the placements class and every other my friends are getting placed and my one close friend, his name is Hari Gopin, he didn't get placed and he was so depressed at that time because he had a lot of responsibilities in his family and he was so scared about, he was thinking like what I will not get placed into the company or how will I do and he was so depressed in that time, he was feeling so, basically he was in a very low level and I've gone to him and I've said just put your hard work and definitely your hard work will pay off and you will get a job, so don't worry about it and he didn't feel, even after that advice he didn't feel like, he didn't have any hope but I just keep on saying that just attend all the placements, don't lose your hope, just try to do your hard work, definitely your hard work will pay off and you will definitely make your job in your path, so don't worry about it and finally after that 1 or 2 weeks he got placed into a new company and I was feeling like, I'm so proud of him, he gets his dream salary with his package but a few months back he was very depressed but after getting into that, not only me, our entire friend circle was very happy and that was the time I gave advice to someone and he won in that placements.

Follow up questions


How did you feel when your friend was struggling with his job placement?
I felt really concerned for him because I knew how much pressure he was under. It was tough to see him so depressed, especially knowing he had family responsibilities. I wanted to support him and help him regain his confidence.

What other advice would you give to someone facing similar challenges?
I would tell them to stay positive and focus on their strengths. It's important to network and seek help from mentors or peers. Additionally, practicing interview skills and preparing well can boost their chances of success.

How important do you think it is to support friends in difficult times?
It's extremely important. Having a support system can make a huge difference in someone's life. Encouragement and understanding can help them overcome challenges and feel less isolated during tough times.
Show all 4 answers

Cue 1:Who you gave advice to?

  • Begin by introducing the person you gave advice to, mentioning your relationship with them.
  • Provide some context about why they came to you for advice.

Example

I gave advice to my younger brother, who is currently in his final year of college. He was feeling overwhelmed with his studies and was unsure about his future career path.


Cue 2:What the advice was?

  • Clearly state the advice you provided, ensuring it is specific and actionable.
  • Explain any steps or strategies you suggested to help them.

Example

I advised him to create a study schedule to manage his time better and to explore internships in his field of interest. I suggested that he should also talk to his professors for guidance on career options.


Cue 3:Why you gave the advice?

  • Share your motivation for giving the advice, highlighting your concern for their well-being.
  • Mention any personal experiences that influenced your advice.

Example

I gave this advice because I remember feeling lost during my own college years. I wanted to help him avoid the stress I experienced and to make informed decisions about his future.


Cue 4:And how you felt about the advice?

  • Reflect on your feelings after giving the advice, emphasizing any positive outcomes.
  • Discuss how it felt to support someone you care about.

Example

After giving him the advice, I felt a sense of relief and satisfaction. It was rewarding to know that I could help him navigate a challenging time in his life, and I was proud of him for taking my suggestions seriously.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, giving advice to my brother was a meaningful experience. It not only strengthened our bond but also reminded me of the importance of supporting loved ones during difficult times. I hope my advice helped him find clarity and confidence in his future.


    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: Being Vague in Your Response

    Avoid giving unclear or general answers. Being vague can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your experience and the advice you provided.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Provide specific details about the person you advised and the exact advice you gave to make your response more engaging.


    2: Neglecting Emotional Impact

    Failing to express how you felt about giving the advice can make your answer less personal and relatable. Emotions add depth to your response.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Share your feelings about the situation and the outcome of your advice to create a more compelling narrative.


    Ignoring the Reason for Advice

    Not explaining why you gave the advice can leave your answer feeling incomplete. The reason adds context and significance to your experience.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Clearly articulate the circumstances that led you to give the advice, enhancing the overall understanding of your story.


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    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 7

    I would like to talk about a time when I gave advice to my younger cousin Maya, who was feeling stressed about her exams. She was worried that she would not perform well and her anxiety was affecting her focus. I advised her to make a study schedule, break her topics into smaller parts, and take short breaks while studying to avoid burnout. I also suggested some relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help clear her mind. I explained everything patiently and encouraged her to stay confident. Maya listened carefully and followed my advice. Over time, she becomes more organized and relaxed, and she did very well in her exam. I felt happy and proud because my advice had helped her, and it also strengthened our bond.

    Band 6-7

    If I have to talk about the one advice that I gave to someone was to one of my friend who was about to get into the same situation which took me about an year to get out of it. The advice was not to love someone blindly. Now why I gave this advice was I saw her getting into this without knowing what were the consequences that she would have to face later on in her life. I had gone through the same thing such as I loved somebody so blindly I never saw their flaws. Love is supposed to be blind but it's not so blind that you cannot see the mistakes that they are doing repeatedly and the same thing I just saw reflecting in my friend and I didn't wanted her to get into the same situation the way I was stuck in the situation. So I made sure that I make her understand that do not blindly believe someone, do not unsee the mistakes that is done repeatedly. If the mistakes are not corrected you get to notice the pattern that the person doesn't want to correct it. That means you have to step back and let that person go. When I told this advice to her the only thing that strike to my mind was I wish there was somebody who could give me the same advice so that I wouldn't have been in that situation, I wouldn't be suffering in that situation because only the person knows how it feels to suffer for a year to get out of somebody who actually didn't give a shit about it. So I feel the best thing that can happen

    Band 6

    A few months back, I was in college in my UOG and we've been going through the placements class and every other my friends are getting placed and my one close friend, his name is Hari Gopin, he didn't get placed and he was so depressed at that time because he had a lot of responsibilities in his family and he was so scared about, he was thinking like what I will not get placed into the company or how will I do and he was so depressed in that time, he was feeling so, basically he was in a very low level and I've gone to him and I've said just put your hard work and definitely your hard work will pay off and you will get a job, so don't worry about it and he didn't feel, even after that advice he didn't feel like, he didn't have any hope but I just keep on saying that just attend all the placements, don't lose your hope, just try to do your hard work, definitely your hard work will pay off and you will definitely make your job in your path, so don't worry about it and finally after that 1 or 2 weeks he got placed into a new company and I was feeling like, I'm so proud of him, he gets his dream salary with his package but a few months back he was very depressed but after getting into that, not only me, our entire friend circle was very happy and that was the time I gave advice to someone and he won in that placements.

    Band 6

    I would like to talk about the times I have given some meaningful advice to someone. When I was working as a nurse, one of my sisters, who is two years younger than me, had asked me regarding a college, and she wanted to have some advice regarding the selection of the college and the necessary information which is related to that. At that time, she was in her twelfth grade and almost about to graduate from high school, so I told her that whatever college you are going to select, make sure that you won't regret it in the middle of your college semester. So I told her, first you just note down all the things you want to have in the college you want to study, such as the facilities, or the budget, or the future prospects, which is connected to that college. So after I analyzed all those things, she selected one college, and she really appreciated me for helping her, and I feel glad that I was able to do some things which is within my reach and help the other people to make decisions easier for them. So through those times, I get to know that asking for help is not a weakness, it never gets in the way.
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