Task 1: Giving Advice Template
What This Task Is¶
You speak to one person who needs help deciding or preparing for something. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Your job is to give 2-3 useful suggestions and support each with a brief reason or example. Keep a warm, respectful tone.
Approach 1: Fixed Template (Memorize Word for Word)¶
Blanks to fill: 3 — everything else is pre-loaded.
"Hey [NAME], I heard that you're [SITUATION].
I completely understand how challenging that must be.
I've given this some thought and here's what I think
you should do.
First, I would strongly recommend that you [ADVICE 1].
The reason I say this is because it will really help
you feel more confident and make a better decision.
I actually had a similar experience before, and this
approach worked really well for me.
On top of that, I would also suggest that you
[ADVICE 2]. This is really important because it can
make a huge difference in the long run. Trust me,
once you do this, you'll feel much better about
the whole situation.
I'm really confident that if you follow this advice,
everything will work out well for you. And hey,
if you ever need any help or just want to talk
about it, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always
here for you."
Your 30-Second Prep¶
Scribble 3 things on your notepad:
1. situation (from the prompt)
2. advice 1 (pick from list)
3. advice 2 (pick from list)
Universal Advice — Pick Any 2¶
| # | Advice | It works when... |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | do some research online first | they need information before deciding |
| 2 | talk to someone with experience | they need guidance or a second opinion |
| 3 | start small and be patient | they're nervous or overwhelmed |
| 4 | don't give up, give it time | they're frustrated or thinking of quitting |
Quick Pairing Guide¶
| Prompt about... | Pick these 2 |
|---|---|
| Starting something new | 1 (research) + 3 (start small) |
| Making a big decision | 1 (research) + 2 (talk to someone) |
| Struggling with something | 2 (talk to someone) + 4 (don't give up) |
| Feeling nervous/overwhelmed | 3 (start small) + 2 (talk to someone) |
Approach 2: CARE Framework (More Flexible)¶
Use this if you want more natural, topic-specific responses.
| Letter | Step | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| C | Connect | Greet them and name the problem in one line |
| A | Advise | Say you'll give two (or three) steps |
| R | Reasons | Step 1 + reason/example, then Step 2 + reason/example |
| E | End result | One-line wrap about the benefit or next step |
Sample Skeleton¶
"Hi [name], I know [situation] is stressful. I suggest two steps.
First, [step 1] because [quick reason/example].
Second, [step 2]; for example, [tiny detail].
In short, these steps will [end result]."
What to Do in Prep Time (30 Seconds)¶
- Write 4 quick cues: Opening / Step 1 + because / Step 2 + example / Wrap
- If you have a third idea, mark it with a star and only use it if time allows
- Pick friendly verbs: try, set, practice, ask, check, book, bring, post, confirm
Tone That Fits Task 1¶
- Use you — speak to the person
- Be supportive, not bossy: could you, try, it helps to
- Add one line of empathy when relevant: "I know this is a lot." "You're not alone."
Phrase Banks (Drop These Anywhere)¶
Openers (Connect)¶
"Hi [name], thanks for asking. I know [topic] feels tough at first."
"Good news — you have options. Let me share two steps that work."
Advice Verbs¶
try, set up, practice, record, ask, check, bring, book, apply, post, confirm, follow up
Reasons & Examples¶
because, so, as a result, this saves time, this reduces stress, for example, in case
Wrap Lines (End Result)¶
"In short, these steps will [benefit]."
"Do these this week, and you'll feel [result] by [day]."
Plug-In Templates (Copy and Fill)¶
Template 1 — General Decision¶
"Hi [name], I know [topic] is a big choice. I suggest two steps.
First, [action], because [benefit]. For example, [tiny detail].
Second, [action]; as a result, [benefit].
In short, this keeps things simple and [positive result]."
Template 2 — Preparing for an Event¶
"Hi [name], the [event] is coming soon. Let's keep it simple.
Step one: [practice/setup], so [result].
Step two: [check/confirm]; for example, [detail].
End result: you feel ready on the day."
Template 3 — Asking for Services¶
"Hi [name], I want to make this easy.
First, [document/info] ready so staff can help fast.
Second, [appointment/online step] and [follow-up].
In short, these steps save time and avoid a second visit."
Examples by Theme¶
A) New Job Presentations¶
C: "Hi Alex, congrats on the new role. Presenting weekly can feel heavy at first." A: "I suggest two steps." R1: "Practice with a timer; aim for 90 seconds per slide, so you finish on time." R2: "Record one rehearsal and note where you rush; for example, slow down on the key slide." E: "In short, this routine builds calm and keeps your message clear."
B) Apartment Noise Complaint¶
C: "Hi Maya, late-night noise is exhausting." A: "Try these two steps." R1: "Keep a simple log (dates/times), so the manager can act." R2: "Email the manager with two specific examples and ask for the plan." E: "This makes it easy for them to follow up and fix it."
C) Exam Nerves¶
C: "Hi Sam, feeling nervous before exams is normal." A: "Here are two quick moves." R1: "Study in 25-minute blocks with a 5-minute break; short bursts keep focus." R2: "Print a one-page formula sheet for the last review; for example, key rules and one sample." E: "You'll stay steady and remember more."
D) Finding a Part-Time Job¶
C: "Hi Jamie, let's make the search simple." A: "I suggest two steps." R1: "Update your resume and ask for one referral from a teacher or supervisor." R2: "Visit the community centre's job board and set one weekly goal (5 applications)." E: "This routine keeps you moving and brings interviews faster."
E) Moving to a New City¶
C: "Hi Noor, moving is a big change, but we can plan it." A: "Try two steps." R1: "Book short-term housing for two weeks, so you can view places in person." R2: "Join the local community group and ask three practical questions (commute, costs, safety)." E: "You'll settle in with fewer surprises."
F) Health & Habits¶
C: "Hi Leo, you want more energy without a complex plan." A: "Two small changes." R1: "Walk 20 minutes after dinner; this lifts mood and sleep." R2: "Pack tomorrow's lunch at night; for example, leftovers + fruit." E: "Small steps add up and are easy to keep."
G) Commuting Delays¶
C: "Hi Priya, the evening commute is stressful." A: "Let's try two moves." R1: "Leave 10 minutes earlier on event days; for example, check the city's event page at lunch." R2: "Use an app with live updates and set an alert for your route." E: "You'll avoid missed transfers."
H) English Practice Plan¶
C: "Hi Omar, your English is improving; let's make it daily." A: "Two simple habits." R1: "Record a 60-second story each day; you'll hear what to fix." R2: "Swap three vague words for precise ones after each recording." E: "This builds clear, natural speech in weeks."
Fixed Template Example: Puppy Problem¶
Prompt: Your friend just got a new puppy but is struggling because the puppy keeps chewing furniture and won't listen to commands. He is thinking about returning the puppy to the shelter. Give him advice.
30-second prep notepad:
1. struggling with new puppy
2. research → dog training tips online
3. don't give up → be patient, puppies take time
Full response:
"Hey Mike, I heard that you're struggling with your new puppy. I completely understand how challenging that must be. I've given this some thought and here's what I think you should do.
First, I would strongly recommend that you do some research online about basic dog training tips. The reason I say this is because it will really help you feel more confident and make a better decision. I actually had a similar experience before, and this approach worked really well for me.
On top of that, I would also suggest that you don't give up and give it some time. This is really important because it can make a huge difference in the long run. Trust me, once you do this, you'll feel much better about the whole situation.
I'm really confident that if you follow this advice, everything will work out well for you. And hey, if you ever need any help or just want to talk about it, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here for you."
Fixed Template Example: Dance Lessons¶
Prompt: Your friend wants to start learning dance as an adult but is nervous about joining a class because she thinks she might be too old to start. Give her advice.
30-second prep notepad:
1. nervous about starting dance lessons
2. start small → try a beginner class for adults
3. talk to someone → ask people who started late too
Full response:
"Hey Sarah, I heard that you're thinking about starting dance lessons but feeling nervous about it. I completely understand how challenging that must be. I've given this some thought and here's what I think you should do.
First, I would strongly recommend that you start small and try a beginner class designed for adults. The reason I say this is because it will really help you feel more confident and make a better decision. I actually had a similar experience before, and this approach worked really well for me.
On top of that, I would also suggest that you talk to people who also started learning dance later in life. This is really important because it can make a huge difference in the long run. Trust me, once you do this, you'll feel much better about the whole situation.
I'm really confident that if you follow this advice, everything will work out well for you. And hey, if you ever need any help or just want to talk about it, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here for you."
"Before → After" Style Upgrades¶
| Problem | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Too casual | "Hey, chill, it's fine." | "Hi [name], this is a lot, but we can make it easier with two steps." |
| No reasons | "Practice more and you'll improve." | "Practice with a timer; for example, 90 seconds per slide. Then record one rehearsal and slow the fastest part." |
| No result | "Update your resume and apply." | "Update your resume and ask for one referral, so your application stands out." |
Timing Map for 90 Seconds¶
| Time | What to say |
|---|---|
| 0-10s | Connect + Advise ("two steps") |
| 10-40s | Step 1 + because + example |
| 40-70s | Step 2 + because + example |
| 70-90s | End result (one line). If time remains, add Step 3 in one sentence. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid¶
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Speaking about the topic, not to the person | Say their name and use "you" |
| Too many ideas | Two strong steps beat four weak ones |
| Vague claims | Add one number, time, or place |
| No wrap | Finish with a benefit or next step |
| Harsh tone | Switch to "could you," "try," "it helps to" |
Delivery Tips — Sound Natural, Not Robotic¶
Memorizing is step 1. How you say it pushes your score from 7-8 to 8-9.
Pause with Purpose¶
Don't rush. A confident pause before a key phrase sounds natural and dramatic.
| Bad pause (nervous) | Good pause (confident) |
|---|---|
| "um... uh... what I think is..." | "I've given this some thought... (pause) ...and here's what I think you should do." |
| "and uh... another thing is..." | "On top of that... (pause) ...I would also suggest..." |
Emphasize Key Words¶
Stress the bold words — it sounds sincere, not flat.
| Line | How to say it |
|---|---|
| "I completely understand how challenging that must be" | Slow down, sound empathetic |
| "it will really help you feel more confident" | Emphasize "really" |
| "this is really important because..." | Sound convinced |
| "everything will work out well for you" | Sound warm, confident |
| "I'm always here for you" | Slow down, sincere tone, smile |
The Secret: Smile While Speaking¶
The examiner can hear a smile in your voice. It makes the whole response sound warmer and more natural — even if you're reading from memory.
One-Minute Drill (Any Prompt)¶
- Write two steps and one because/example for each
- Say the CARE script once
- Record and check: did you connect, advise, give reasons, and end cleanly?
Quick Checklist Before You Speak¶
- Direct address (name + you)
- Two practical steps
- Short reason or example for each
- Warm, supportive tone
- One-line end result
Memorization Checklist (Fixed Template)¶
Practice saying the template out loud until you can do it without looking:
- Opening: "Hey [NAME], I heard that you're... I completely understand how challenging that must be. I've given this some thought and here's what I think you should do."
- Advice 1 bridge: "First, I would strongly recommend that you... The reason I say this is because it will really help you feel more confident and make a better decision. I actually had a similar experience before, and this approach worked really well for me."
- Advice 2 bridge: "On top of that, I would also suggest that you... This is really important because it can make a huge difference in the long run. Trust me, once you do this, you'll feel much better about the whole situation."
- Closing: "I'm really confident that if you follow this advice, everything will work out well for you. And hey, if you ever need any help or just want to talk about it, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here for you."