A Person to Ask for Advice/ AI IELTS Speaking Bands 6, 7 & 8

For most IELTS Speaking test-takers, knowing what they need to do to get a higher band score is extremely vague. It is almost impossible for them to predict what score they will get, so often, they can only use their last IELTS Speaking test score as a guide.

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An AI has created these sample answers so such students can discover the changes they need to make to their speaking responses to improve their results and reach their target IELTS Speaking score.

This page is for the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question below and its associated Part 3 questions:

Describe a person from whom others like to ask for advice

You should say:
Who this person was
Why you asked for the advice
What the advice was
And explain how you felt about the advice

Pros and Cons of This Method

Pros:

Grammar: You can easily see the differences in the grammar used in each question.
Vocabulary: You can easily see how the words and phrases are to a higher standard as the scores improve.
Fluency and Coherence: As the score improves, you can see the increased use of sequence or discourse markers to assure the listener knows what is happening and when.
Pronunciation: This is worth 20% of your score, so you should pay attention to the differences here. A simple way to improve

Cons:

Grammar: Although there are differences between the answers, there are no mistakes, which is uncommon for these band scores.
Vocabulary: While it is easy to see what is needed, to use better vocabulary, you need to practice seriously to include it fluently in your answers.
Fluency and Coherence: There are very few pauses or hesitations which usually mark an IELTS Speaking test-takers Part 2 response.
Pronunciation: Obviously, without audio or video, it’s impossible to get an example of the differences between the scores.

Author’s Thoughts:

Video. Although it seems to be standard to put a video on YouTube with a teacher’s own answer to these questions, I don’t have the time or the patience to do that.
Why AI?: I can make more sample answers with an AI in a short time. Anyone could do that, but many don’t want to or are too lazy.
Different scores: The idea is to show the differences between the answers, rather than having perfect answers. Some of these answers are too short, or they repeat the question in the first sentence. They are not perfect, but they inform students what they need to do to improve!
Me: I used to make videos of speaking answers, but it’s not about me or how good my course is, or how many likes I get on Instagram or YouTube. It’s about trying to help you pass your speaking test and changing your life.
You: If you have any ideas on how this could be improved, any other pros and cons, or would just like to comment, please use the comment box at the bottom of the page. If you like the content, please share it.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Quiz: It Doesn’t Need to be Hell!

IELTS Speaking Part 2 AI Answers

Describe a person from whom others like to ask for advice
You should say:
Who this person was
Why you asked for the advice
What the advice was
And explain how you felt about the advice

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Describe a Person

IELTS Band 6 Answer:

Setting the Scene: I met my uncle when I was young. We were at a family gathering, and I was playing with my cousins. He was sitting nearby, and we started talking. I remember he was always very friendly.

Describing Character and Behaviour: He is a very calm and patient person. He listens carefully when someone talks to him, and he never gets angry or frustrated. People like to ask him for advice because he is very wise and experienced.

Expressing Achievements and Influence: He gave me advice when I was choosing my university. I wasn’t sure where to go, but he had studied in different places before, so he told me about his experience. He said I should choose a place where I feel comfortable. His advice helped me a lot, and I felt more confident after talking to him.

Discussing Why the Person is Special and Your Feelings: I really admire him because he always knows what to say, and I think he is very smart. His advice made me feel supported, and I was really happy to talk to him.

Concluding Your Monologue: In conclusion, I believe my uncle is a great person to ask for advice, and I’m very lucky to have him in my family.

Explanation:

Grammar: Basic sentence structures with past simple and limited use of past continuous.
Vocabulary: Simple adjectives like “friendly,” “calm,” “smart.”
Fluency: Pauses and some hesitation.
Coherence: The story is straightforward but lacks detail and depth.

IELTS Band 7 Answer:

Setting the Scene: I first met my mentor, Mr. Johnson, during a career seminar at my university. I was in my final year, and he was giving a talk on career planning. After the seminar, I approached him with a few questions about choosing the right career path.

Describing Character and Behaviour: Mr. Johnson is very approachable and thoughtful. He always takes the time to listen to people before giving advice. He has a very calm way of speaking, and he explains things clearly, which makes people feel comfortable asking for his guidance.

Expressing Achievements and Influence: I had asked him for advice about applying for jobs. I was really confused because I had received multiple offers and didn’t know which one to choose. He shared his experience and gave me practical tips on how to evaluate the opportunities. He had faced similar decisions in the past and told me that if he had been more thoughtful back then, he might have chosen differently. His advice helped me choose the right job for my future.

Discussing Why the Person is Special and Your Feelings: I think Mr. Johnson is special because he doesn’t just give advice; he also helps people learn to make their own decisions. I felt really supported after talking to him, and I’m grateful that he gave me such valuable advice.

Concluding Your Monologue: Overall, I feel lucky to have met Mr. Johnson, and his advice has really shaped my career decisions in a positive way.

Explanation:

Grammar: A variety of past tenses (simple, continuous, perfect).
Vocabulary: More descriptive with terms like “approachable,” “thoughtful,” and “valuable advice.”
Fluency: Fewer pauses, more natural flow.
Coherence: Well-organized, with clear transitions and more insight into feelings.

IELTS Band 8 Answer:

Setting the Scene: I first met Sarah, a close family friend, during a Christmas party many years ago. I was sitting alone by the fireplace, feeling a little overwhelmed by all the relatives, and she came over to chat. We immediately hit it off, and over the years, she became someone I trust deeply for advice.

Describing Character and Behaviour: Sarah is a genuinely empathetic person. She has this remarkable ability to understand exactly how others are feeling, and she listens with full attention. Her advice is always thoughtful, and she often uses her own life experiences to guide others. She never rushes into giving advice and takes time to consider every aspect of the situation.

Expressing Achievements and Influence: A couple of years ago, I was at a crossroads in my personal life, unsure whether I should continue my job or pursue further studies. Sarah had gone through something similar earlier in her career, and she shared how her decision to further her studies opened up new opportunities for her. She said that if she hadn’t taken that chance, she might have regretted it later. Her words resonated with me, and after following her advice, I felt a profound sense of direction and purpose. If it weren’t for her advice, I might have chosen differently, and my career could have taken a different path.

Discussing Why the Person is Special and Your Feelings: Sarah is incredibly special to me because she doesn’t just offer surface-level advice. She encourages people to reflect on their choices deeply. I’ve always admired her wisdom, and I often feel a sense of relief and clarity after talking to her. Her advice has had a lasting impact on my decisions, and I value her input greatly.

Concluding Your Monologue: In conclusion, Sarah has been a guiding light in my life, and I feel extremely fortunate to have someone like her to turn to for advice. Her support has shaped many important decisions I’ve made, and I can’t imagine navigating life without her wisdom.

Explanation:

Grammar: Wide range of tenses (past continuous, past perfect, third conditional), more sophisticated sentence structures.
Vocabulary: Rich adjectives such as “empathetic,” “remarkable,” “profound,” and “lasting impact.”
Fluency: Very smooth and well-paced with no hesitations.
Coherence: Strong structure, deep analysis, and clear emotional engagement.

Key Differences:

Band 6: The answer is clear but uses basic grammar and vocabulary, with less detail. Ideas are connected but not well-developed.
Band 7: More complex grammar and varied vocabulary are used, with more developed ideas and better fluency.
Band 8: A sophisticated range of structures and vocabulary is used, with well-organized, detailed ideas and smooth fluency.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Quiz: Do You Know it All?

IELTS Speaking Part 3 AI Answers

Question 1: Who should people ask for advice on big issues, family members or friends?

Band 6 Answer: “I think people should ask family members for advice because they care a lot about you and know you very well. Friends are also important, but I think family members usually have more experience in dealing with big problems and can give better advice.”

Band 7 Answer: “In my opinion, it depends on the issue, but family members are often more reliable when it comes to big decisions. They know you the best and usually have your best interests at heart. However, friends can offer a different perspective, which might be useful, especially if they’ve faced similar situations.”

Band 8 Answer: “People should generally turn to family members for advice on major life decisions, as family often has a deep understanding of one’s background, values, and long-term interests. That said, friends can provide fresh perspectives or emotional support, especially if they’ve gone through similar experiences. Ultimately, the best source of advice depends on the specific issue and the expertise or experience of the people involved.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The answer is clear and focused but basic. It offers a simple opinion with limited vocabulary and structure.
Band 7: The response is more balanced, discussing both family and friends and offering more nuanced reasoning. There’s a range of vocabulary, and sentence structures are varied.
Band 8: The answer is sophisticated, considering multiple perspectives and using advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. It also provides a deeper analysis of the decision-making process.

Question 2: Do you follow the advice of family members?

Band 6 Answer: “Yes, I usually follow my family’s advice because they know me well and want the best for me. Sometimes, I don’t agree with them, but I still think it’s good to listen to what they say.”

Band 7 Answer: “Yes, most of the time I do follow the advice of my family because they know me well and usually give good suggestions. However, there are times when I make my own decisions, especially if I don’t fully agree with their opinions. It depends on the situation.”

Band 8 Answer: “Generally, I do tend to follow the advice of my family members, as they have a deep understanding of my personality and life goals. However, there are situations where I choose to go against their advice, particularly if I feel that my perspective or instincts lead me in a different direction. Ultimately, I weigh their input carefully before making a final decision.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The answer is straightforward and provides a basic response with limited elaboration. Sentence structures are simple.
Band 7: This response is more reflective, considering different situations where the speaker may or may not follow advice. It introduces a wider range of vocabulary and sentence structures.
Band 8: The answer is more sophisticated, offering a deeper analysis of the reasoning behind following or not following advice. The student uses advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures to provide a well-rounded response.

Question 3: Do people often ask advice from professional people, like a lawyer?

Band 6 Answer: “Yes, people often ask professionals like lawyers for advice when they have serious problems, like legal issues. It’s important to get advice from someone who knows the law well because they can help you avoid mistakes.”

Band 7 Answer: “Yes, people frequently consult professionals, especially when they’re facing serious issues like legal matters or financial problems. Professionals like lawyers or accountants have specialized knowledge, which makes their advice more reliable and trustworthy in these situations.”

Band 8 Answer: “People commonly seek advice from professionals, such as lawyers, when dealing with complex or sensitive matters, particularly legal or financial issues. Professional expertise is highly valued in these areas because the consequences of making uninformed decisions can be severe. Whether it’s legal advice, financial planning, or medical consultations, professional input provides a level of certainty and guidance that laypeople may not be able to offer.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The answer is basic and straightforward. The student addresses the question but doesn’t expand much on the idea. Vocabulary and sentence structures are simple.
Band 7: The answer goes into more depth, discussing specific scenarios and using a wider range of vocabulary. The explanation is clearer and more detailed.
Band 8: The response is highly developed, offering a sophisticated analysis of why people seek professional advice. The student uses complex sentence structures and a broad range of vocabulary, providing a nuanced answer.

Question 4: Why do some people like to ask others for advice on almost everything?

Band 6 Answer: “Some people like to ask for advice because they are not confident in making decisions by themselves. They want to hear other people’s opinions before they decide. Maybe they think other people know more than they do.”

Band 7 Answer: “Some people often seek advice because they may feel uncertain about their own decisions and want reassurance from others. They might believe that getting different perspectives will help them make better choices. Additionally, some people just like to involve others in their decision-making process because it makes them feel more supported.”

Band 8 Answer: “There are individuals who frequently seek advice from others because they may lack confidence in their decision-making abilities, or they simply prefer to have multiple perspectives before reaching a conclusion. For some, it’s a way to avoid the responsibility of making decisions on their own. Moreover, certain people are naturally more collaborative and enjoy involving others in their thought process, feeling that it leads to more informed or balanced outcomes.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The answer is clear but basic, using simple vocabulary and grammar structures. The explanation of why people ask for advice is limited to one main reason.
Band 7: The response introduces a wider range of vocabulary and more detailed reasoning. The explanation includes more nuanced ideas, such as reassurance and multiple perspectives.
Band 8: This answer is more sophisticated, with advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. It also discusses multiple reasons in greater depth, offering a broader analysis of why people seek advice.

Question 5: Do you think the advice parents give their children is always good?

Band 6 Answer: “Not always. Sometimes parents give good advice, but other times their advice might be old-fashioned or not useful for today’s world. I think it depends on the situation, and kids should think for themselves, too.”

Band 7 Answer: “I don’t think the advice from parents is always perfect because sometimes it can be based on their own experiences, which may not apply to the modern world. Parents usually want the best for their children, but they might not always understand the challenges young people face today. I believe children should learn to evaluate advice and make their own decisions.”

Band 8 Answer: “While parents generally offer well-intentioned advice, it’s not always applicable to modern circumstances. Often, their suggestions are rooted in their personal experiences or in societal expectations from a different era, which might not align with the challenges and opportunities their children face. It’s important for young people to critically evaluate the advice they receive and make decisions that reflect their own goals and circumstances.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The response is simple and straightforward. It acknowledges that advice may not always be relevant but doesn’t explore the reasons in depth.
Band 7: This response is more reflective, considering the generational gap and how parents’ experiences may not apply to modern life. Vocabulary and sentence structures are more varied.
Band 8: The answer offers a sophisticated explanation, discussing generational differences and the importance of critical thinking. The language is advanced, and the reasoning is detailed, providing a well-rounded analysis.

Question 6: Are professional consultancy services expensive in your country?

Band 6 Answer: “Yes, they are quite expensive. If you go to a lawyer or a doctor, for example, it costs a lot of money. Many people can’t afford these services, so they only go if it’s really necessary.”

Band 7 Answer: “Yes, professional consultancy services tend to be expensive in my country. For instance, hiring a lawyer or financial advisor can be quite costly, which means that only people with higher incomes can access these services regularly. As a result, some people might avoid using professional services unless they absolutely need them.”

Band 8 Answer: “In my country, professional consultancy services such as legal or financial advice are generally quite costly, often putting them out of reach for people with lower incomes. This can be a barrier to accessing necessary expertise, as only those with the financial means can afford to regularly consult professionals. Unfortunately, this creates inequality in terms of who can benefit from high-quality, specialized advice.”

Explanation:

Band 6: The answer is clear but basic, using simple language and sentence structures. The explanation is straightforward and doesn’t explore the broader implications.
Band 7: The response is more detailed, discussing the impact of high costs and the fact that not everyone can afford professional services. There’s a wider range of vocabulary and sentence variety.
Band 8: The answer is more analytical, discussing the broader social implications of expensive professional services. The vocabulary is more advanced, and the reasoning is deeper, offering a well-rounded perspective.

General Explanation of Differences:

Band 6 answers: The responses are basic, using simple vocabulary and grammar. Ideas are presented clearly but without much depth or complexity.
Band 7 answers: The responses are more detailed, with a wider range of vocabulary and more complex sentence structures. The reasoning behind the answers is more thoughtful and balanced.
Band 8 answers: These responses offer sophisticated analysis with advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. The student demonstrates a deeper understanding of the topic and considers multiple perspectives or broader implications.