IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a time when you gave advice to someone

Talk about a time when you gave advice to someone.

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Use the bullet points to create a chronological narrative flow for your two-minute talk.
  2. Briefly describe the person's situation to provide context before explaining your specific advice.
  3. Focus on your personal feelings to add emotional depth and naturalise the response.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of months ago, my younger brother, Leo, was in a bit of a pickle regarding his career path. He had just finished his degree in graphic design but was completely paralysed by the prospect of job hunting. He was convinced that he wasn't 'good enough' to compete in such a saturated market, so he was leaning towards taking a dead-end retail job just to avoid the anxiety of rejection. I sat him down over a coffee at our local café, and I advised him to stop focusing on the big, intimidating corporate agencies and instead create a niche portfolio showcasing his passion projects. I told him to reach out to small, independent businesses that lacked a visual identity, offering to do pro-bono work for a few weeks to build his reputation. I gave him this advice because I could see his confidence eroding daily. Having navigated the transition from university to the workplace myself, I knew that waiting for the perfect role was a fool's errand. I wanted to help him regain a sense of agency rather than just drifting aimlessly. Initially, I felt a bit apprehensive about being so blunt, as I didn't want to come across as patronising or dismissive of his fears. However, seeing him take the first steps towards setting up his website felt incredibly rewarding. It was a relief to see him transition from a state of stagnant dread to one of proactive excitement. Ultimately, I felt proud that I had provided a practical framework rather than just offering empty platitudes, which helped him turn a corner.

264 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

in a pickle
being in a difficult or unpleasant situation
paralysed
unable to act or move due to fear
saturated market
a market where supply exceeds the demand
dead-end
a job with no prospects for future advancement
pro-bono
professional work undertaken voluntarily and without payment
fool's errand
a task with no hope of any success
stagnant
showing no activity or current development at all
platitudes
statements that are moralistic, boring, and unoriginal

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Talk about a time when you gave advice to someone."?

Use the bullet points to create a chronological narrative flow for your two-minute talk.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: an experience