The cue card
Describe a piece of good advice that someone gave you.
You should say:
- who gave you the advice
- when you received it
- what the advice was
and explain how this advice helped you.
You have one minute to make notes, then speak for one to two minutes.
Band 8–9 sample answer
Written by Abroadway as a model of natural, high-band speaking (not an official IELTS sample).
The best piece of advice I've ever been given came from my grandfather, who was the headmaster of a village school near Sylhet for most of his working life. He's a gentle, unhurried sort of person, and he rarely gives advice unless you ask for it, which is probably why it carries so much weight when he does.
I received it when I was about fourteen. I'd joined the school debating team, and in my very first inter-school competition I froze completely; I forgot half my speech, and our team lost largely because of me. A boy on the opposing team was brilliant, confident and funny, and I came home convinced that I'd never be as good as him and that I should quit. We happened to be visiting my grandparents' village that weekend, and I ended up telling my grandfather the whole story while we were sitting on the veranda during a power cut.
He listened without interrupting, and then he said, 'Compare yourself with who you were last year, not with the person standing next to you.' He explained that there would always be someone cleverer or more talented somewhere, so measuring myself against others was a game I could never win, whereas my own progress was something I could actually control.
That advice helped me in a very practical way. I stayed on the debating team, and I started keeping a small notebook where I wrote down one thing I'd improved after each competition, like speaking more slowly or handling difficult questions. Within two years I was captain of the team. More importantly, it has shaped how I deal with pressure in general. During my university admission tests, when everyone around me seemed to be comparing scores, I found it much easier to stay calm. Even now, whenever I catch myself feeling envious of someone, I think of that evening on the veranda.
Useful phrases from this answer
- carries so much weight
- is taken very seriously and has a strong influence
- froze completely
- suddenly became unable to speak or act because of nerves
- a game I could never win
- a situation where success is impossible
- catch myself
- suddenly notice that I am doing or feeling something
- have your best interests at heart
- want what is good for you
- open up
- talk honestly about your private feelings
- when the stakes are high
- when a lot could be won or lost
- a conflict of interest
- a situation where someone's personal gain may affect their honesty
Part 3 follow-up questions and answers
Who do young people usually go to when they need advice?
In my experience, it depends a lot on the type of problem. For personal or emotional issues, most young people turn to their friends first, because they feel friends understand their situation and won't judge them. For major decisions about education or careers, though, parents and older relatives still play a central role, particularly in Bangladesh, where families are closely involved in such choices. Teachers and older cousins are also common sources of guidance, since they're more approachable than parents but more experienced than friends. Increasingly, of course, many young people search online first, often watching videos or reading forums before talking to anyone at all.
Is it a good idea to ask friends for advice about important matters?
It can be, but I'd be cautious about relying on friends alone. The advantage is that friends know you well and usually have your best interests at heart, so they can offer honest, personal perspectives. They're also easy to talk to, which makes it simpler to open up. However, friends are often around the same age, so they may lack the experience needed for serious matters like finances or legal problems. Some friends also tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear, simply to avoid conflict. So for important matters, I'd say it's wise to combine their views with more experienced or expert opinions.
Why do some people prefer to look for advice online rather than ask people they know?
I think anonymity is the biggest factor. If the problem is embarrassing or sensitive, such as a health worry, debt or a relationship issue, people may feel far more comfortable typing it into a search engine than admitting it to someone they'll see again. The internet is also available instantly, at any hour, and it offers a huge range of perspectives, including from people who've been through exactly the same situation. However, the quality of online advice varies enormously. Much of it comes from people with no real expertise, and some of it is actually harmful, so I'd say it's useful as a starting point but shouldn't replace qualified guidance.
Is it worth paying for professional advice, for example from a financial adviser?
In many cases, yes, particularly when the stakes are high. If you're making a major investment, buying property or dealing with a legal dispute, a mistake could cost far more than the adviser's fee, so paying for expertise is essentially a form of insurance. Professionals also bring objectivity; they aren't emotionally involved, so they can point out risks you might be ignoring. That said, it depends on the adviser's honesty. Some financial advisers earn commission on the products they recommend, which can create a conflict of interest. So I'd argue it's worth paying for advice, but people should still check credentials and ask questions rather than trusting blindly.
Are older people always the best source of advice?
Not always, although they often have valuable insight. Older people have usually faced a wide range of problems, such as illness, loss or financial hardship, so their advice about relationships, resilience and life choices can be remarkably wise. My own grandfather is a good example of that. However, in areas that have changed rapidly, like technology, the job market or social media, their experience may be out of date. A twenty-five-year-old who has just been through university applications or started a career in tech may give more relevant advice than someone who did it forty years ago. So I'd say the best adviser really depends on the question.
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