How to Excel in IELTS Speaking: Describe a Person Who Has Helped You

IELTS Speaking is designed to assess a wide range of skills. In the Speaking test, you engage in a conversation with the examiner, who will evaluate your ability to communicate in English effectively. The test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion).

Among the frequently asked questions, “Describe A Person Who Has Helped You” is popular. This allows examiners to assess how well you can describe events and people, narrate experiences, and use various linguistic features. Let’s delve into the specifics of what examiners look for and prepare a comprehensive guide to excel in this task.

Part 1: Common Questions and Model Answer

Frequently Asked Questions in Part 1

The first part of the Speaking test generally involves introductory questions about yourself. Examiners may ask:

• What is your full name?
• Can you tell me where you are from?
• Do you enjoy studying or working?

It’s crucial to answer these questions confidently and coherently. Examiners will evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation.

Model Answer:

Question: Do you enjoy studying or working?

Answer: “I genuinely enjoy working more than studying. Primarily because work offers practical experiences that learning from textbooks can’t provide. It allows me to apply my skills in real-life situations, making my job quite rewarding and fulfilling.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a person who has helped you. You should say:

1. Who this person is
2. How you know this person
3. What kind of help they have provided
4. Explain how this person’s help has affected your life

Model Answer

“One person who has been incredibly helpful to me is my former high school teacher, Mr. Brown. I first met Mr. Brown when I joined his English Literature class during my junior year.

Mr. Brown always went above and beyond his duties as a teacher. One specific instance where he significantly helped me was when I was struggling with writing essays. He noticed my difficulty and offered to tutor me after school. Not only did he provide insightful feedback, but he also helped me develop strategies to organize my thoughts more effectively.

His assistance was pivotal during my high school years. Thanks to his guidance, my essay writing improved dramatically. This, in turn, boosted my confidence and academic performance. Moreover, the skills I learned from Mr. Brown have continued to be valuable throughout my university education and professional life.

Overall, Mr. Brown’s help has had a profound impact on my life, fostering a love for the English language and equipping me with essential academic skills.”

Bullet Points:

• Who this person is: Mr. Brown, high school teacher
• How you know this person: Met in high school, English Literature class
• What kind of help they provided: Tutoring in essay writing, insightful feedback
• How the help has affected your life: Improved academic performance, lasting skill development

Follow-Up Questions:

1. How important is it to help each other?

   • Helping others is quintessential in building a supportive community. It fosters mutual respect and cooperation, which are essential for societal development.

2. Can charity work have positive effects on local communities?

   • Absolutely. Charity work often addresses immediate needs, enhances social cohesion, and can inspire positive change. It bridges gaps and builds stronger, more resilient communities.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Discussion Questions and Suggested Responses

Question: What are the benefits of giving and receiving help?

Answer: “The act of giving help fosters a sense of community and trust, making individuals feel valued and supported. Receiving help, on the other hand, alleviates burdens and enhances well-being. This exchange can lead to stronger interpersonal relationships and a more harmonious society.”

Question: Do you think people today are more or less willing to help others compared to the past?

Answer: “I believe that while modern society has become more individualistic, there are also greater platforms and opportunities for people to help others. Social media and crowdfunding, for instance, have made it easier to raise awareness and mobilize assistance for those in need. Hence, while the dynamics may have changed, the willingness to help persists in different forms.”

A person helping another

Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

Essential Vocabulary

1. Insightful (adj.) /ɪnˈsaɪtfəl/

   • Showing a deep understanding.
   • Example: Mr. Brown provided insightful feedback that greatly improved my essays.

2. Foster (v.) /ˈfɒstər/

   • Encourage the development of something.
   • Example: The support I received from my mentor fostered a love for learning.

3. Profound (adj.) /prəˈfaʊnd/

   • Very great or intense.
   • Example: His advice had a profound impact on my life choices.

4. Mutual respect (n. phrase)

   • Reciprocal regard for others.
   • Example: Helping each other builds mutual respect within the community.

5. Cohesion (n.) /kəʊˈhiːʒən/

   • The action or fact of forming a united whole.
   • Example: Charity work enhances social cohesion and community spirit.

Expert Tips for IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Regular practice helps to boost confidence and improve fluency. Engage in mock tests and record yourself.
2. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Try to utilize a variety of words and phrases to demonstrate your lexical resource.
3. Stay on Topic: Ensure your responses are relevant to the question asked. Coherence and relevance are crucial.
4. Fluency Over Perfection: It’s more important to speak fluently and cohesively rather than focusing excessively on perfect grammar.
5. Seek Feedback: Continuous feedback from proficient English speakers or teachers can provide valuable insights into your speaking skills.

By incorporating these strategies and rich vocabulary into your preparation, you can enhance your response quality and aim for higher scores in the IELTS Speaking test.

Remember to practice consistently and seek continuous improvement. Good luck!