Anyone who wishes to study or work abroad must have heard about IELTS as an English proficiency test to realize their dreams. Well, it's true! The IELTS is an internationally recognized English proficiency test, accepted by 3,400+ universities in the USA. Universities in other English-speaking countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia also accept IELTS. This blog discusses the IELTS speaking part 2's structure. It requires candidates to speak on a prompt specified in a cue card. While speaking, forming the response clearly and transitioning smoothly between ideas is critical. Read till the end to understand how to answer one of the most popular cue cards - "Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received".
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- 1. Why Are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
- 2. Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 1
- 3. Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 2
- 4. Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 3
- 5. Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 4
- 6. Sample Follow Up Questions
- 7. Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
- 8. Conclusion
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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS cue cards encourage students to speak coherently by highlighting the most important aspects of a topic. Here is why they are one of the most important sections on the IELTS!
Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 1
What was the situation?
After completing 12th grade, I was at a crossroads, uncertain whether to pursue a medical field or explore non-medical subjects. This dilemma arose when I explored my future education path and career prospects.
Who gave you the advice?
My father is my role model and my support system guided me. He has consistently been a trusted confidant throughout your life.
Why do you think this person is very open?
My father is exceptionally open because he has fostered a friendship-like relationship with me. This dynamic has made it easier for me to approach him with any troubles or concerns, knowing that he will be there to provide support and motivation.
What the advice was and explain how useful you think the advice was?
My father advised me to choose a subject area that genuinely aligns with my interests and passions, rather than selecting a field based solely on external factors or societal pressures. He encouraged me to pursue a discipline, where I could cultivate expertise and achieve success through my curiosity and inclinations. His advice was helpful. It empowered me to make an informed decision that resonated with my authentic aspirations.
Too often, parents force their children to enter fields like medicine or engineering without considering their children's passions, ultimately hindering their professional growth and satisfaction. I am glad to have the best father. He always respects and supports my decisions and gives me the best advice.Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 2
What was the situation?
I have struggled with weight management since childhood and developed a fondness for calorie-dense, unhealthy foods, making it challenging to maintain a balanced diet and avoid junk food. Despite receiving frequent advice from elders to lose weight and prevent obesity, I initially disregarded these recommendations.
Who gave you the advice?
My grandfather gave me the advice. He has maintained a fit lifestyle throughout his years. While my parents may have been hesitant to directly address my weight concerns out of fear of hurting my feelings, my grandfather took a more direct approach.
Why do you think this person is very open?
My grandfather has a straightforward and adaptable nature. Unlike my parents, he did not shy away from candidly discussing my weight issues. His openness stems from his ability to embrace change and address matters directly, without hesitation or fear of offending.
What the advice was and explain how useful you think the advice was?
After a particularly distressing incident of being bullied by my friends due to my weight, I approached my grandfather seeking guidance on adopting a healthier lifestyle. His advice centered around moderation and balance in my diet, encouraging me to consume various foods while limiting my sugar and salt intake. Additionally, he recommended incorporating yoga into my routine, emphasizing its benefits for both physical and mental well-being. I found this advice incredibly useful, as practicing yoga has brought about incredible positive changes in my life, fostering a healthier mindset and promoting self-acceptance.
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Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 3
What was the situation?
I recently completed my first month of an internship and received my paycheck. As a first-time earner, I was unsure of how to allocate these funds. My initial thought was to purchase gifts for my family members as a gesture of appreciation.
Who gave you the advice?
My brother advised me not to do so. He is a wise and principled person. He always encourages others to make virtuous choices.
Why do you think this person is very open?
I perceive my brother as exceptionally open-minded because his actions are motivated not solely by self-interest but by a genuine desire to benefit others. This approach sets him apart and enables him to guide without reservations, always steering people in the right direction.
What the advice was and explain how useful you think the advice was?
When I sought my brother's opinion on potential gift ideas, he offered a simple yet profound suggestion: instead of spending on presents, consider investing a portion of my earnings into mutual funds, debt, and equity. This advice opened my eyes to the importance of financial planning and securing my future. By heeding his counsel and allocating funds towards investments, I have not only achieved financial stability but have also gained the ability to support my necessities without relying on my parents.
Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received: Sample Answer 4
What was the situation?
After recovering from COVID-19, I was overwhelmed with the daunting task of catching up on a significant backlog of coursework, including homework assignments, journal entries, practical exercises, and preparation for final exams. This convergence of responsibilities posed a formidable challenge as I struggled to regain my academic footing.
Who gave you the advice?
Initially, my father offered guidance on time management strategies and techniques to tackle the mounting workload effectively. Additionally, I sought assistance from friends, which relieved some of the burden. However, the most profound advice came from Aruna Joshi, my department head and a teacher who had known me since my first year of studies.
Why do you think this person is very open?
Aruna Joshi is exceptionally open because of her deep understanding of my potential, cultivated over years of observing my academic journey. This familiarity allowed her to offer advice that resonated profoundly, bolstering my confidence and imbuing me with a renewed, positive outlook toward my remaining studies.
What the advice was and explain how useful you think the advice was?
Aruna Joshi's advice was simple yet powerful: "Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one." These words had a transformative impact, instantly shifting my perspective and instilling a sense of motivation and resilience. Rather than seeking an easy path, I was encouraged to embrace challenges head-on and summon the fortitude to persevere through adversity. Armed with this mindset, I found the strength to wake up early each day, diligently complete my journal entries, and study relentlessly, ultimately achieving first-class academic results.
Sample Follow Up Questions
After completing the cue card task candidates must answer follow-up questions about the discussed topic. Potential questions for "Describe A Piece Of Advice You Recently Received" include:
Q1. Where do you go to get good advice?
Ans: I always seek advice from my sister as I am very open to her and she always has new and best advice which always turns out to be great for me.
Q2. Whose advice do you value more: your parents' or your friends'?
Ans: I always prefer to seek parents’ advice rather than friends' because parents know their children well and can help them through difficult times while providing the best solutions. For example, when I was in 12th standard, I refused to take the NEET entrance exam for medicine owing to a lack of studies. However, my father persuaded me that I should take the exam and that there would be no pressure from them if I did not pass. Later, when the results arrived, I was eligible for dentistry and other paramedical courses. His influence and advice surged my confidence to take exams.
Q3. What types of advice do parents provide their children?
Ans: Parents teach their children to behave wisely in front of elders. They want them to eat less junk and follow a well-balanced diet to stay healthy. Finally, they tell their children to wake up early and do yoga for peace of mind.
Q4. What kind of advice do friends offer each other?
Ans: Peers are the best. I have a lot of friends, and the nicest thing about them is that they are always there for you, no matter what. Furthermore, they advise you not to spend too much on the wrong things. Friends tell me to study on time and earn good grades, resulting in fewer pending assignments.
Suggested: Universities Accepting IELTS Score 6.5 to 7
Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card
Answering an IELTS cue card may seem difficult, but you can ace it with practice. Give enough time to the preparation, and follow the following tips to present your ideas:
Conclusion
The IELTS cue card is considered one of the hardest sections on the IELTS. You can ace IELTS speaking part 2 by planning and practicing carefully. Your speech content will give the examiners an assessment of your communication, language proficiency, and cultural knowledge. You can use the above four sample answers as a reference to answer the cue card - describe a piece of advice you recently received. Remember to practice beforehand, as it will familiarise you with the cue card topics, and boost your confidence.
Preparing for the IELTS is not easy. You must be familiar with the format, sections, and the test duration. Moreover, you must remember that the accepted IELTS scores vary university-wise. If you are overwhelmed with all these responsibilities, we understand and are here to assist you too. Get in touch with our Yocket experts to gain comprehensive support from start to end. From university admissions to scholarship and visa applications, we will guide you!
