In the IELTS Speaking test, topics related to people and social relationships require candidates to demonstrate natural, expressive, and well-connected descriptions. The cue card Describe a person who other people often ask for advice is designed to assess your storytelling ability as well as your use of vocabulary to describe personality, roles, and the influence of an individual. In this article, IDP will guide you on how to develop ideas and structure your answer to aim for a high score.
1. Topic Analysis – Describe a person who other people often ask for advice (IELTS Speaking Part 2)
The topic Describe a person who other people often ask for advice belongs to the group of “Describe a person” topics in IELTS Speaking Part 2. This is a great opportunity for you to showcase rich vocabulary related to personal qualities and your ability to narrate in a logical and engaging way.
Since the question does not require you to choose a famous person, you can freely talk about anyone who has had a positive influence on you — a family member, teacher, close friend, colleague, or someone who inspires you. The most important thing is to explain clearly why many people often seek this person’s advice. This is the key point examiners expect you to develop.
Cue card: Describe a person who other people often ask for advice
You should say:
Who this person is
Why you asked for the advice
What the advice was
How you felt about the advice
And explain why other people often ask for his/her advice
You can expand your answer by highlighting the real-life impact the person’s advice has on others, what you have learned from them, or whether you want to become someone like them in the future. These perspectives make your answer deeper and more impressive.
2. Suggested Outline – Describe a person who other people often ask for advice
To produce a coherent and engaging answer, you can follow the outline below. This outline helps you visualize key points and build your story naturally according to the cue card.
Who this person is
My older sister, Linh, who is well-known in my family and among her friends for giving thoughtful and practical advice.
She is currently a project manager, which means she is used to solving problems and guiding people.
What the advice usually is
Most people come to her for advice about career choices, study plans, or dealing with conflicts at work or in relationships.
She gives clear, step-by-step suggestions and helps people see the bigger picture before making decisions.
She often shares her own mistakes so others can learn from them, making her advice relatable and realistic.
How you felt about the advice
I highly appreciate her guidance, which has helped me through stressful moments, especially when choosing my university major.
Her advice is always sincere, reassuring, and gives me a sense of direction whenever I feel lost. She inspires me to become someone who can support others the way she does.
Why other people often ask for her advice
She has a calm and composed personality, making others feel comfortable opening up. She is an excellent listener—never judgmental, always patient.
People trust her because she has experienced many challenges and tends to make decisions based on logic rather than emotion.
3. Sample Answer – Describe a person who other people often ask for advice (Part 2)
Sample Answer:
I’d like to describe my older sister, Linh, who is undoubtedly one of the most trustworthy and insightful individuals I know. She currently works as a project manager, a role that requires strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics — qualities that naturally make her someone people gravitate toward for guidance.
One of the biggest reasons people often come to her for advice is her calm and composed personality. No matter how stressful the situation is, she always stays collected and listens attentively without judging anyone. She possesses a strong sense of emotional intelligence, enabling her to perceive situations from multiple perspectives, which makes others feel deeply understood. Moreover, her insights are always astute and experience-driven, as she has weathered numerous academic and professional adversities.
People usually seek her guidance on things like career decisions, study plans, relationship issues, or even conflicts at work. Rather than offering superficial suggestions, she provides methodical, actionable advice that helps people make informed decisions. I still remember when I was grappling with the decision of choosing a university major — she encouraged me to evaluate my aptitudes, align my aspirations with long-term prospects, and consider labor market demands. She even shares her own missteps candidly, making her advice both authentic and relatable.
Personally, I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life. Her advice has helped me through some of the most confusing and stressful moments I’ve experienced. She gives me a sense of direction whenever I feel lost, and she encourages me to think more logically rather than being driven by emotions. More than anything, she serves as a profound source of inspiration, motivating me to become someone capable of empowering and mentoring others in a similarly meaningful way.
4. Sample Part 3 Answers
Why do some people like to ask others for advice on almost everything?
Some people tend to ask for advice on almost everything because they struggle with decision-making anxiety and rely on others for psychological reassurance. They often trust the expertise and life experience of those around them, believing that external opinions offer more objective and well-informed perspectives. For some, seeking advice is also a form of social validation, especially when they lack self-efficacy and feel more confident when their choices are endorsed by others.
Do people often ask for advice from professional people, like a lawyer?
Yes, many people do seek advice from professional individuals such as lawyers, especially when an issue requires specialized knowledge or legal expertise. Professional advice offers a level of credibility and accuracy that ordinary people cannot always provide. In situations involving contracts, disputes, or financial matters, consulting a lawyer helps individuals avoid legal complications and make more informed decisions. Overall, people tend to rely on professionals when the stakes are high and the consequences of making the wrong choice could be significant.
Do you think the advice parents give their children is always good?
I don’t think parental advice is always good, even though it usually comes from a place of genuine care. Parents often rely on their own life experience, which can be helpful, but sometimes their views are shaped by outdated beliefs or may not align with modern realities. While many parents offer valuable guidance, others may unintentionally give advice that limits a child’s independence or personal growth. So, I believe children should listen respectfully but also develop the ability to make autonomous decisions based on their own circumstances.
5. Vocabulary List for the Topic “Describe a person who other people often ask for advice”
Common Vocabulary
Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
Approachable | easy to talk to; friendly | She’s approachable, so people are not afraid to share with her. |
A role model | someone who is admired and imitated | Athletes are often seen as role models, especially by young people. |
Conscientious | responsible, careful, and diligent | He is a conscientious mentor who never gives rushed advice. |
Dependable | reliable, trustworthy | He is dependable whenever someone needs help. |
Generational differences | differences between people of different ages | Generational differences often influence how people view technology and social media. |
Incredibly knowledgeable | extremely well-informed | My history teacher is incredibly knowledgeable about ancient civilizations. |
Perceptive | able to notice or understand things quickly | He is perceptive enough to notice things others often miss. |
Valuable insights | useful and important understanding | Attending that seminar gave me valuable insights into modern teaching methods. |
Common Collocations for the Topic
Collocation | Meaning |
Balance different aspects | to manage various elements effectively |
Current trends or experiences | modern tendencies or personal experiences |
Gain clarity and confidence | become more certain and self-assured |
Give moral support | provide emotional encouragement |
Guide someone through difficulties | help someone overcome challenges |
Honest and empathetic | truthful and understanding of others’ feelings |
Major life choices | important decisions in life |
Offer practical solutions | provide realistic or workable advice |
One-size-fits-all advice | general advice that may not suit everyone |
Provide a fresh perspective | give a new or different viewpoint |
Push one’s own opinions | impose personal views on others |
Step out of your comfort zone | try something new or challenging |
Straightforward answer | clear and direct response |
Take someone’s advice | follow or act on someone’s suggestion |
Useful Idioms for This Topic
Idiom | Meaning |
A shoulder to cry on | someone who listens and offers comfort |
Be a good judge of character | be skilled at evaluating people’s personalities |
Best interests at heart | always wanting what is best for someone |
Clear the air | remove misunderstanding or tension |
Give someone food for thought | provide something that makes others think seriously |
Hit the nail on the head | say something that is exactly right |
Read between the lines | understand the hidden meaning |
Speak from experience | give advice based on personal experience |
Throw light on something | make something clearer or easier to understand |
Walk in someone’s shoes | imagine yourself in another person’s situation |
Practice Advice-Giving Topics with IDP to Boost Your Speaking Band
The topic Describe a person who other people often ask for advice is a great opportunity for you to showcase your storytelling ability, describe personality traits, and express your thoughts naturally in IELTS Speaking. Consistent practice will help you become more confident and significantly improve your Speaking score. You can also practice using IDP’s sample tasks to strengthen your coherence and fluency.
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