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Describe a time that you gave advice to someone else

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Cue Card

Describe a time that you gave advice to someone else

You should say:

  • Who you gave the advice to
  • What the advice was
  • Why you gave that advice
  • And how you felt about the advice.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What kinds of advice do parents give their children?
  2. How do experts give advice to others? (e.g. doctors)
  3. What advice do parents give to teenagers about making friends?
  4. Whose advice is more helpful: parents’ or friends’?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was at a coffee shop, and I saw my friend, Rachel, sitting across from me, sipping on a latte. She looked like she'd lost her last marble. I asked her what was wrong, and she told me she was struggling to decide whether to quit her job or not. She'd been feeling unfulfilled and restless, but was scared to take the leap. I listened attentively, and then I told her something that my grandmother once told me: 'The biggest risk is not taking any risk.' I shared with her how I'd taken a risk and changed careers a few years ago, and how it was the best decision I ever made.

Rachel looked skeptical at first, but as I shared my story, I could see the gears turning in her head. I told her that sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and trust that everything will work out. I shared with her the phrase 'the universe has your back,' and how it's helped me in times of uncertainty. I told her that she had the power to create the life she wanted, and that sometimes, it's necessary to take a risk to get what you want.

As we parted ways, Rachel looked more determined. She told me she was going to take my advice and start exploring new opportunities. A few weeks later, she messaged me to say she'd quit her job and was starting her own business. I was thrilled for her. Giving advice to Rachel reminded me that sometimes, all someone needs is a nudge in the right direction. It also made me realize that the best advice often comes from our own experiences and the wisdom we've gained along the way.

Looking back, I realize that giving advice to Rachel was a turning point for me too. It made me reflect on my own life and the risks I've taken. It reminded me that we all have the power to create the life we want, and that sometimes, it's necessary to take a leap of faith to get there. Giving advice to Rachel was a reminder that we're all in this together, and that our experiences and wisdom can be a powerful tool to help others.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

The biggest risk is not taking any risk
A phrase that means that not taking any risks can be the biggest risk of all, as it can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities.
I took a risk and changed careers, and it was the best decision I ever made.
Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith and trust that everything will work out.
The universe has your back
A phrase that means that everything will work out for the best, and that the universe is supporting you.
I told her that the universe has her back, and that she had the power to create the life she wanted.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of advice do parents give their children? One of the most common types of advice that parents give their children is related to decision-making and problem-solving. Parents often encourage their kids to think critically and weigh the pros and cons of different options. For example, when my younger brother was deciding which college to attend, my parents sat down with him and helped him make a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each school. They encouraged him to consider factors like the quality of the program he was interested in, the cost of tuition, and the location of the school. By guiding him through this process, my parents helped my brother develop the skills he needed to make an informed decision that was right for him. This type of advice is especially important for kids, because it helps them develop the critical thinking skills they need to navigate the world on their own.

How do experts give advice to others? (e.g. doctors) Experts like doctors give advice in a very different way than parents or friends might. When a doctor gives advice, they're drawing on their extensive training and experience to provide guidance that's tailored to the individual's specific needs. For instance, when my grandmother was diagnosed with diabetes, her doctor sat down with her and explained the different treatment options available. The doctor took the time to answer all of my grandmother's questions and concerns, and provided her with personalized recommendations for managing her condition. What struck me was how the doctor was able to break down complex medical information into clear, easy-to-understand language, and how she made sure my grandmother felt empowered to take control of her own health. This kind of expert advice is invaluable, because it's based on a deep understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to helping the individual achieve the best possible outcome.

What advice do parents give to teenagers about making friends? When it comes to making friends, parents often advise their teenagers to be themselves and not try to change who they are to fit in with a particular group. My mom always told me that it's better to have a few close friends who truly appreciate me for who I am, rather than trying to be part of a big crowd where I might feel like I don't belong. She also encouraged me to join clubs or teams that aligned with my interests, so I could meet people who shared my passions. What I appreciate about this advice is that it acknowledges that making friends can be tough, especially during adolescence, but it also emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself. By being authentic and pursuing my interests, I was able to form meaningful connections with others that have lasted a lifetime.

Whose advice is more helpful: parents’ or friends’? I think both parents and friends can offer valuable advice, but in different ways. Parents often have a broader perspective and more life experience, which can be really helpful when it comes to making big decisions or navigating challenging situations. On the other hand, friends can offer a more immediate and relatable perspective, since they're often going through similar experiences. For me, I've found that my parents' advice is more helpful when it comes to long-term goals and planning, while my friends' advice is more helpful when it comes to navigating social situations or dealing with everyday stress. Ultimately, I think the most helpful advice is the kind that's specific to the situation and comes from someone who truly understands me and my values.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

weigh the pros and cons
to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something
Before making a decision, let's weigh the pros and cons of each option.
She weighed the pros and cons of quitting her job before deciding what to do.

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