Describing a time when you helped someone in a challenging situation is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
Before we dive into specific examples, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when asking about helping someone in a challenging situation. They want to hear about:
- Your ability to recall and describe a specific incident
- Your empathy and problem-solving skills
- Your use of appropriate vocabulary and grammar
- Your ability to structure a coherent narrative
This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its relevance to everyday life and its ability to showcase various language skills.
Helping hand in challenging situation
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to helping others. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you often help others?
Answer: Yes, I’d say I make a conscious effort to help people whenever I can. I believe in the importance of lending a hand to those in need, whether it’s assisting a colleague with a work project or volunteering at local community events. I find it incredibly rewarding to know that my actions can make a positive difference in someone else’s life.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a time when you helped someone in a challenging situation.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What the challenging situation was
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about helping this person
Here’s a sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, during a severe snowstorm last winter. The situation was particularly challenging because Mrs. Johnson is elderly and lives alone.
The snowstorm had knocked out the power in our neighborhood, and temperatures were plummeting rapidly. I was concerned about Mrs. Johnson’s well-being, knowing she might struggle to stay warm or prepare food without electricity.
To help her, I first checked on her safety by visiting her house. I brought over some warm blankets and a battery-powered heater from my emergency kit. I also prepared some hot soup on my gas stove and brought it to her in a thermos.
Throughout the power outage, which lasted about two days, I made regular visits to ensure she was comfortable and had everything she needed. I helped her contact her family using my fully-charged mobile phone and even shoveled her driveway once the storm subsided.
Helping Mrs. Johnson made me feel incredibly fulfilled. It was heartwarming to see the relief and gratitude on her face. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of community spirit and looking out for one another, especially during difficult times. It also made me realize how even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life when they’re facing challenges.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- Did helping in this situation change you in any way?
- Would you act differently if a similar situation occurred again?
Suggested answers:
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Yes, this experience definitely had an impact on me. It made me more aware of the vulnerabilities of elderly people living alone in our community. Since then, I’ve become more proactive in checking on my neighbors, especially during extreme weather conditions.
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If a similar situation occurred again, I think I’d be even better prepared. I’ve since created a more comprehensive emergency kit with items that could be useful not just for myself but for others too. I’d also try to coordinate with other neighbors to ensure we could provide more comprehensive support to those in need.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example dialogue:
Examiner: Do you think people nowadays are less willing to help others compared to in the past?
Candidate: That’s an interesting question. I don’t necessarily think people are less willing to help, but the nature of assistance has changed. In today’s fast-paced world, people might seem more self-absorbed, but I believe this is often due to the demands of modern life rather than a lack of willingness to help.
In fact, we see numerous examples of people rallying together during crises, whether it’s natural disasters or global pandemics. Social media and technology have actually made it easier for people to organize aid efforts and contribute to causes they care about.
However, I do think that in some ways, community bonds might not be as strong as they were in the past, particularly in urban areas. This could lead to fewer opportunities for day-to-day acts of kindness between neighbors, for instance.
Overall, I believe the spirit of helping others is still very much alive, but it often manifests in different ways compared to previous generations.
Examiner: What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to help others effectively?
Candidate: There are several qualities that I believe are crucial for effective helpers. Firstly, empathy is essential. Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes allows you to understand their needs and provide appropriate support.
Patience is another key quality. Often, when people are in challenging situations, they may not be at their best. A patient helper can remain calm and supportive, even in difficult circumstances.
Resourcefulness is also important. Sometimes, helping others requires thinking outside the box or finding creative solutions to problems. Being able to adapt to different situations and use available resources effectively can make a huge difference.
Lastly, I’d say reliability is crucial. When someone is in a challenging situation, knowing they can count on your support provides a sense of security and comfort.
These qualities combined can make someone a truly effective helper, capable of making a significant positive impact on others’ lives.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s important to use a range of vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases related to helping others in challenging situations:
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Lend a hand /lend ə hænd/ (phrasal verb) – to help or assist
Example: “I always try to lend a hand to my colleagues when they’re struggling with a project.” -
Go above and beyond /ɡoʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/ (idiom) – to do more than is expected
Example: “The volunteer went above and beyond by working extra hours to ensure everyone was taken care of.” -
Make a difference /meɪk ə ˈdɪfrəns/ (phrase) – to have a positive impact
Example: “Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.” -
Step up to the plate /step ʌp tə ðə pleɪt/ (idiom) – to take responsibility or accept a challenge
Example: “When no one else volunteered, Sarah stepped up to the plate and organized the charity event.” -
Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ (noun) – the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others
Example: “His altruism was evident in the way he always put others’ needs before his own.” -
Empathetic /ˌempəˈθetɪk/ (adjective) – showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: “A truly empathetic person can sense when others are struggling and offer support.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a time you helped someone in a challenging situation, focus on the following:
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Be specific: Provide details about the situation, the person you helped, and your actions. This adds authenticity to your story.
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Use a range of tenses: Since you’re describing a past event, use past tenses appropriately, but also incorporate present and future tenses when discussing the impact or lessons learned.
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Show, don’t just tell: Instead of simply stating emotions, describe them. For example, instead of saying “I felt good,” say “I felt a warm sense of fulfillment.”
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Practice storytelling: Work on structuring your narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps maintain the examiner’s interest and showcases your language skills.
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Reflect on the experience: Don’t just describe what happened; explain how it affected you and what you learned from it. This demonstrates critical thinking skills.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic and others in your IELTS Speaking test.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our guide on how to describe a person who is very good at solving problems in IELTS Speaking. This can provide additional insights into discussing problem-solving and challenging situations effectively.
