Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a situation when you received some useful advice - Cue Card # 453
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 27 August 2025 23:38
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 131617
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a situation when you received some useful advice.
You should say:
- what the situation was
- who gave you the advice
- what the advice was
and explain how this advice was useful to you.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
As a junior college student, I had to go through several situations when I was offered some advice, even though I wasn’t really too fond of such “unwarranted” advice. Today, I'd like to talk about one such situation, which I thought was really useful.
Anyway, when I was attending junior college, I wasn’t only young but also perhaps a bit restless and adventurous for my own good. So, all of my family members, especially my father and the eldest cousin, were a bit concerned about my safety when I was riding their motorbikes since I already had a few accidents. However, that adventurous and restless “me” also had a positive side – a positive side which encouraged me to save up some money little by little from my daily tiffin allowance.
I continued to do this saving thing for almost two years, although I never told anybody about my reason. But when I noticed that I had just about enough money to buy a cheap motorbike, I broke the news to everybody in my family. Naturally, all of them became very proud and excited after learning the news of my saved-up money, but they, especially my father and the eldest cousin, also sounded equally unyielding at the same time in their decision to prevent me from buying a motorbike. Instead, they advised me to put the money in a trust fund because they thought that an “adventurous” me with a motorbike would probably be too risky for me.
Anyway, the advice offered by my father and cousin proved to be one of the most useful pieces of advice in my life because it helped me earn a substantial amount of money (substantial for a 20-year-old that is) within the next couple of years. Besides, the advice also helped me utilise my time more wisely, which otherwise would be wasted riding a motorbike or taking care of it.
Sample Answer 2:
I was a bit confused while thinking about the exact situation for this topic, and finally, I decided to talk about some advice that I received from my father when I was in my early teenage years. Thank you so much for allowing me to talk about it here.
There was no particular situation or reason when my father advised me about it. One evening, I was sitting near him and watching TV. I was then 14 years old and was very fond of quiz shows. Both of us were enjoying the programme, and a few minutes later, my father asked me about my school. That was a bit embarrassing to talk about since my recent exam result was disappointing. He then told me some fascinating stories from his childhood and how he felt about school, study and other aspects of life. My father has a natural talent for telling compelling stories, or maybe I love his stories because I like him very much.
At one point, I was amazed to learn that he was very much like me, and had more passion for playing outside, hanging out with friends and less so for studying. He then explained to me the importance of studying very attentively and how my academic performance will determine my future. If it did not come from my father, I might have taken it very lightly. But when he told me how he had changed himself and achieved excellence in his academic results and how that had helped him achieve a career he had always dreamt about, I took it very seriously.
The best part about this conversation was that I did not feel I was being lectured or advised about anything at all. I was really captivated by the idea that my academic excellence can someday make me the person I want to be. I was really enthralled about what I want to be in the future, and my father’s advice made it clear to me that I will have to study hard to achieve this in my life.
I won’t say I have achieved an excellent academic record, but this advice helped me become interested in learning and studying more attentively. Things could have been quite different for me if I had not received the advice at all. This is the reason I consider it the best advice I have ever received from anyone.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you for this interesting topic. Here, I’d like to talk about a really useful piece of advice I once received from a close friend, which actually saved me from making a costly mistake.
Back when I was in college, I was struggling a little with my expenses. To support myself, I thought of starting a small coffee shop near campus. The idea came to me while I was sitting in one of the nearby cafés, and I felt it could be a great way to earn some extra money. I even found a partner who was willing to invest with me. At that time, it seemed like a perfect plan.
Before finalising anything, I decided to discuss it with my childhood friend Jovial. He has always been a very practical, level-headed person, so I really value his perspective. When I told him about my plan, instead of encouraging me, he strongly advised against it. He pointed out that the area around my college was already saturated with cafés, and competition was extremely high. On top of that, he wasn’t convinced that my partner was trustworthy. Jovial suggested I focus on my studies instead of rushing into business.
At first, I’ll admit I was disappointed. I even suspected he might be jealous of my ambition. But after thinking it through, his points made sense. And I’m glad I listened, because a few months later, the very same partner opened a café with someone else, and within months, it failed due to poor management and stiff competition. That could easily have been me losing both money and peace of mind.
Looking back, that advice was invaluable. It taught me the importance of evaluating risks carefully before making big decisions. More importantly, it reminded me of the value of having honest friends who are willing to tell you what you need to hear, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
Model Answer 4:
Introduction:
I believe that, in life, there are moments when a few well-chosen words can completely change our perspective. I can clearly recall one such occasion when I received a piece of advice that not only helped me at that moment but has also stayed with me ever since. For this topic, today, I will talk about it.
What the situation was:
This happened during my final year at university, when I was completely stressed about my upcoming thesis presentation. I had spent months preparing the content, but I felt overwhelmed by the idea of presenting in front of professors and classmates. I was so nervous that I even considered postponing it, which could have delayed my graduation.
Who gave you the advice:
The advice came from one of my senior classmates, who had gone through the same process a year earlier. He was someone I respected because he had handled academic challenges gracefully and had a very calm personality.
What the advice was:
He told me something very simple yet powerful: “Don’t aim to impress everyone, just aim to communicate your ideas clearly.” He explained that presentations are not about showing off, but about sharing knowledge. He also advised me to practice in front of a small group of friends first, so that I could focus on clarity and confidence rather than perfection.
And explain how this advice was useful to you:
That advice turned out to be incredibly useful. I shifted my focus from trying to sound perfect to simply expressing my ideas in a natural and confident way. I practised with a couple of friends, which helped me relax and improve my delivery. On the actual day, instead of feeling crushed by pressure, I felt more like I was having a conversation. The presentation went really well, and I even received positive feedback from the professors. More importantly, I have carried this approach into other areas of my life - whether it’s in professional meetings, interviews, or even casual conversations. It taught me that effective communication is about connection, not performance.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:
This topic requires you to talk about a situation when you received some useful advice from someone. Therefore, you need to mention what the situation was, who gave you the advice, what the advice was, and how it turned out to be useful for you. To guide you, here are a few ideas you could adapt:
Idea 1: Career decision:
I was confused about whether to pursue higher studies or accept a full-time job after graduation. My elder brother advised me to continue my studies first, explaining that education would open more opportunities in the long run. His advice was valuable, and I still feel grateful because it helped me secure a better career path.
Idea 2: Preparing for exams
Before my university final exams, I felt extremely stressed. A professor suggested that I create a study timetable and focus on one subject at a time. Following this advice reduced my anxiety and allowed me to perform much better in the exams.
Idea 3: Public speaking
I had to give a presentation in front of a large audience, and I was very nervous. A close friend advised me to practice in front of a mirror and record myself. This strategy gave me more confidence, and the presentation went smoothly.
Idea 4: Financial management
When I started earning, I tended to spend without thinking. My father advised me to set aside at least 20% of my income as savings. This advice has been extremely useful as it helped me build financial stability over time.
Idea 5: Healthy lifestyle
I used to eat a lot of junk food, and as a result, I often felt tired. A cousin suggested that I include more fruits and vegetables in my diet. I followed this advice, and it improved my energy levels and overall health.
Idea 6: Time management
During my internship, I struggled to meet deadlines. My supervisor advised me to break large tasks into smaller ones and prioritise them. This method made my work much more manageable and improved my efficiency.
Idea 7: Overcoming failure
I once failed a competitive exam and felt very discouraged. A teacher told me that failure is not the end but an opportunity to learn. That advice motivated me to try again, and eventually, I succeeded.
Idea 8: Choosing friends
In school, I was influenced by some classmates who wasted time. My mother advised me to be selective about friendships and surround myself with positive people. This advice helped me stay focused and avoid distractions.
Idea 9: Job interview
Before attending my first job interview, I was very nervous. A mentor advised me to research the company thoroughly and prepare some common answers. This advice boosted my confidence and helped me perform well.
Idea 10: Travelling abroad
Before my first trip abroad, I felt overwhelmed about cultural differences. A friend who had travelled earlier advised me to be open-minded and respectful towards new customs. That advice made my journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a time you received useful advice, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the context of the situation, the person who helped you, the advice itself, and its positive impact on your life. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the sense of clarity, gratitude, and the shift in perspective that the advice brought, making your response both insightful and personal. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Advice: – Guidance or recommendations offered with regard to a prudent future action.
Example: The advice my mentor gave me was exactly what I needed at that time.
Dilemma: – A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Example: I was facing a serious dilemma and was unsure of what to do next.
Perspective: – A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example: His advice gave me a new perspective on the problem.
Insight: – The capacity to gain an accurate and deep understanding of a person or thing.
Example: The advice was full of wisdom and gave me great insight into my own behaviour.
Mentor: – An experienced and trusted adviser.
Example: I turned to a senior colleague who has been a mentor to me.
Counsel: – Advice, especially that given formally.
Example: I sought counsel from my professor before making a final decision.
Prudent: – Acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Example: Following his advice was a prudent choice that saved me from making a big mistake.
Foresight: – The ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future.
Example: The advice showed great foresight and helped me avoid potential problems.
Reassuring: – Restoring confidence to; making someone feel less anxious.
Example: Their words were very reassuring and gave me the courage to move forward.
Enlightening: – Giving someone greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.
Example: The conversation was truly enlightening and changed my entire outlook.
Transformative: – Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: It was a transformative piece of advice that changed my career path entirely.
Pivotal moment: – A crucial moment in a situation.
Example: That advice marked a pivotal moment in my life.
Grateful: – Feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness; thankful.
Example: I am incredibly grateful for the wisdom that was shared with me.
Invaluable: – Extremely useful; indispensable.
Example: The advice was invaluable and has helped me on many occasions since then.
Lesson learned: – Gained knowledge or experience from a difficult or unpleasant situation.
Example: It was a lesson learned that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Sound judgment: – The ability to make sensible decisions.
Example: The advice was based on sound judgment and a lot of experience.
If you prepare for this cue card topic, you should be able to answer the following questions as well:
1) Describe an important conversation you had with someone.
2) Describe a piece of useful advice you received from someone.
3) Describe a time or event that changed your life.
4) Describe someone who had a great influence on you.
5) Describe a time when someone helped you.
6) Describe a piece of advice you gave to someone.
Report