Cue Card

Describe a piece of good advice that you gave to someone

You should say:

• who you gave the advice to
• what the advice was
• why you gave this advice; and,
• explain whether they followed your advice.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think parents should give their children advice?
2. Should teachers give students advice?
3. Do you think it’s always necessary to listen to someone’s advice?
4. Do you think it is always necessary to give the same advice to young people and old people?
5. What kind of people are more willing to listen to advice?
6. Have you ever received advice from a professional person, such as a doctor, lawyer, or teacher?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recall a conversation with my younger cousin, who was stressing about not getting into her dream college. She was convinced that her life was over, that she'd never amount to anything without that specific degree from that specific school. I listened patiently, nodding along, and then I shared a piece of advice that my grandma once gave me: 'The only way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.'

I told her that sometimes, we get so caught up in what we think we want that we forget what we're truly capable of. We overthink, overanalyze, and overplan, and before we know it, we've talked ourselves out of taking the first step. I reminded her that she's not defined by one rejection letter, that there are countless paths to success, and that the only way to guarantee failure is to give up.

I encouraged her to take a step back, breathe, and focus on what she could control – her own actions, her own attitude, and her own resilience. I reminded her that every 'no' brings her closer to the 'yes' she's looking for, and that the only way to find her true potential is to keep moving forward, no matter how scary it gets.

Fast forward a few months, and she landed an amazing internship at a top company in her field. She realized that the college she didn't get into wasn't the only way to achieve her dreams. She learned that sometimes, the best things in life come from taking a different route, and that the only way to truly fail is to stop trying.

That conversation taught me that good advice isn't about giving someone a magic solution; it's about helping them see their own strength, their own resilience, and their own potential. It's about reminding them that they're capable of more than they think, and that the only way to truly succeed is to start taking action – no matter how daunting it may seem.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

quit talking and begin doing

to stop thinking or planning and start taking action

Instead of just talking about starting a business, she quit her job and began doing it.

He quit talking about learning a new language and began doing it by enrolling in a class.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think parents should give their children advice? I think parents should definitely give their children advice, but it's essential to do so in a way that's not overly controlling or dictatorial. When I was growing up, my parents gave me advice on everything from how to handle bullies at school to how to manage my finances. But what I appreciated most was that they didn't just tell me what to do; they explained the reasoning behind their advice and encouraged me to think critically about the situation. This approach helped me develop problem-solving skills and learn from my mistakes. By giving advice in a supportive and non-judgmental way, parents can help their children navigate life's challenges and make informed decisions.

Should teachers give students advice? Teachers play a significant role in shaping their students' minds, and giving advice can be a valuable part of that. However, it's crucial for teachers to be mindful of their students' individual needs and boundaries. I remember my favorite teacher, Mrs. Johnson, who took the time to offer guidance on everything from academic choices to personal struggles. What made her advice so impactful was that she listened attentively to our concerns and tailored her suggestions to our unique situations. Teachers like Mrs. Johnson demonstrate that giving advice can be a powerful way to build trust and foster growth, as long as it's done with empathy and understanding.

Do you think it’s always necessary to listen to someone’s advice? While it's essential to be open to others' perspectives, I don't think it's always necessary to listen to someone's advice. In fact, blindly following advice can sometimes lead to more harm than good. I recall a situation where a friend was considering a major career change and sought advice from a well-meaning but inexperienced mentor. The mentor's advice, although well-intentioned, was misguided and ultimately led my friend down a path that wasn't right for them. This experience taught me that it's crucial to consider the source of the advice, evaluate the motivations behind it, and trust my own instincts before making a decision.

Do you think it is always necessary to give the same advice to young people and old people? I think it's essential to tailor advice to the individual's life stage, experiences, and circumstances. What works for a young person may not be relevant or effective for someone older, and vice versa. For instance, advice on career development might be more relevant to a young adult just starting out, while advice on retirement planning might be more suitable for someone nearing the end of their career. By considering the person's life stage and priorities, we can offer more targeted and useful advice that takes into account their unique challenges and opportunities.

What kind of people are more willing to listen to advice? In my experience, people who are more willing to listen to advice tend to be those who are humble, open-minded, and willing to learn. They recognize that they don't have all the answers and are eager to gain new insights and perspectives. I've noticed that these individuals often ask thoughtful questions, actively listen to others, and are not afraid to admit when they're unsure or wrong. By being receptive to advice, they demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to self-improvement, which ultimately leads to greater personal and professional growth.

Have you ever received advice from a professional person, such as a doctor, lawyer, or teacher? One piece of advice that stands out in my mind came from a career counselor I met during my college years. I was struggling to choose between two job offers, and she helped me weigh the pros and cons of each option. What struck me was her ability to ask insightful questions that forced me to think critically about my goals and priorities. Her advice wasn't about telling me what to do, but rather about empowering me to make an informed decision that aligned with my values and aspirations. Her guidance not only helped me make a better choice but also taught me the importance of self-reflection and intentional decision-making.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

give advice

to offer suggestions or guidance to someone

My parents gave me advice on how to handle bullies at school.

think critically

to carefully consider and evaluate information in order to form a judgment or opinion

My parents encouraged me to think critically about the situation.

make informed decisions

to make decisions based on careful consideration and evaluation of information

By giving advice in a supportive and non-judgmental way, parents can help their children make informed decisions.

tailor advice

to adapt or adjust advice to suit the individual's needs or circumstances

Teachers like Mrs. Johnson demonstrate that giving advice can be a powerful way to build trust and foster growth, as long as it's done with empathy and understanding, and tailored to the individual's unique situation.

evaluate the motivations

to consider the reasons or intentions behind someone's advice or actions

This experience taught me that it's crucial to evaluate the motivations behind the advice, and trust my own instincts before making a decision.

growth mindset

a way of thinking that emphasizes the ability to learn and grow through effort and experience

By being receptive to advice, they demonstrate a growth mindset and a commitment to self-improvement.

weigh the pros and cons

to consider the advantages and disadvantages of a particular option or decision

The career counselor helped me weigh the pros and cons of each job offer.