IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time when you gave advice to others

Describe a time when you gave advice to others

You should say:

• When it was

• To whom you gave the advice

• What the advice was

And explain why you gave the advice

Ideas for the IELTS Speaking Question:

1. Career Advice: Advising a friend or colleague on career-related decisions.
2. Relationship Advice: Offering guidance to a friend going through a relationship challenge.
3. Academic Advice: Helping a classmate with study techniques or exam preparation.
4. Health and Wellness Advice: Providing advice on fitness, nutrition, or well-being.
5. Personal Development Advice: Sharing insights on personal growth and self-improvement.
6. Travel Advice: Assisting someone in planning a trip or navigating a new place.

Useful Expressions:

1. Introducing the Situation:
   • “I’d like to talk about a time when I found myself offering advice to someone.”
   • “The situation I have in mind occurred…”
   • “It was a moment when someone I knew needed guidance, and I stepped in to provide advice.”
2. When It Was:
   • “This happened a few months ago…”
   • “It took place during…”
   • “It was a specific incident that occurred on…”
3. To Whom You Gave the Advice:
   • “I gave advice to a friend/colleague/classmate who…”
   • “The person seeking advice was…”
   • “It was someone I have known for quite some time…”
4. What the Advice Was:
   • “The advice I offered centered around…”
   • “I suggested that they consider…”
   • “The main point of my advice was to…”
5. Why You Gave the Advice:
   • “I felt compelled to give advice because…”
   • “Seeing their struggle, I thought it would be helpful to…”
   • “I wanted to offer support and guidance during a challenging time.”

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a time when I found myself offering advice to a friend who was going through a challenging period in her relationship. This happened about six months ago when my friend, Rachel, was dealing with communication issues with her partner.

Rachel and I have been friends since college, and we often turn to each other for support. She approached me one evening, visibly upset about the ongoing misunderstandings and lack of communication with her partner. I could sense her frustration and knew that she needed someone to listen and provide guidance.

The advice I gave her was centered around effective communication and active listening. I suggested that she initiate an open and honest conversation with her partner, expressing her feelings and concerns calmly. Additionally, I recommended that she actively listen to her partner’s perspective and try to understand their point of view.

I felt compelled to give advice because I genuinely care about Rachel’s well-being, and I could see how much the relationship meant to her. Having experienced similar situations in the past, I believed that offering guidance on communication strategies could potentially help improve the situation.

In the end, Rachel found the advice helpful, and it contributed to a more open dialogue between her and her partner. It’s moments like these where I feel grateful to be a supportive friend, and it reinforces the importance of being there for others during challenging times.”