Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Guided You Through a Challenging Period

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic is describing someone who has helped you during a difficult time. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking Test

Understanding the Topic

The topic “Describe A Person Who Has Guided You Through A Challenging Period” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to:

1. Describe people and relationships
2. Talk about personal experiences
3. Express emotions and gratitude
4. Use a range of vocabulary related to personality traits and support

This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS tests and is likely to continue being a common theme in future examinations.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have helped you or challenging times you’ve faced. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you often seek advice from others when you face difficulties?”

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, it depends on the situation. For minor issues, I usually try to handle them on my own first. However, when I’m facing more significant challenges, I definitely value the input of others. I find that getting a fresh perspective can be incredibly helpful, especially from people who have more experience or expertise in the area I’m struggling with. It’s not just about getting advice, though; sometimes, simply talking through a problem with someone can help me see things more clearly.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a person who has guided you through a challenging period
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What the challenging period was
• How this person helped you
• And explain why their guidance was important to you

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson, who played a pivotal role in helping me through a challenging period during my final year of high school.

The challenging period I faced was when I was struggling to grasp complex physics concepts, which was jeopardizing my chances of getting into my desired university program. I felt overwhelmed and discouraged, as physics had always been my favorite subject, but suddenly it seemed insurmountable.

Mr. Johnson went above and beyond his regular teaching duties to help me. He offered extra tutoring sessions after school, where he would break down difficult concepts into more manageable pieces. He also introduced me to new learning techniques, such as visual mapping and practical experiments, which helped me understand the theoretical aspects better.

What made his guidance so important was not just the academic support, but also his unwavering belief in my abilities. He constantly encouraged me to persevere, reminding me of my past achievements and potential. This boost to my confidence was crucial in helping me overcome my self-doubt.

Thanks to Mr. Johnson’s guidance, I not only improved my understanding of physics but also developed better study habits and problem-solving skills. His support was instrumental in helping me achieve the grades I needed for university admission. More importantly, he taught me the value of resilience and seeking help when faced with challenges, lessons that have served me well beyond my academic life.”

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has this experience changed your approach to facing challenges?
2. Do you think teachers should always provide extra support to struggling students?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience has profoundly impacted my approach to challenges. Now, I’m much more proactive in seeking help when I face difficulties. I’ve learned that asking for assistance isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a smart strategy for growth. I also try to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts, just as Mr. Johnson taught me. Moreover, I’ve become more resilient in the face of setbacks, understanding that challenges are opportunities for learning and personal development.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Do you think the role of mentors in society has changed over the years?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the role of mentors has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, mentorship was often more formal and hierarchical, typically occurring within specific institutions like schools or workplaces. Now, however, we’re seeing a shift towards more diverse and flexible forms of mentorship.

With the advent of technology and social media, mentorship opportunities have expanded exponentially. People can now connect with mentors from around the globe, not just within their immediate community. This has democratized access to guidance and expertise, allowing individuals to find mentors who align closely with their specific needs and aspirations.

Moreover, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of mentorship in various aspects of life, not just in career development. We’re seeing mentorship programs in areas like personal growth, entrepreneurship, and even in addressing social issues. This broadening scope reflects a deeper understanding of how valuable experienced guidance can be in navigating life’s complexities.

Another interesting change is the emergence of reverse mentorship, where younger individuals mentor older colleagues, particularly in areas like technology and current trends. This reflects a more egalitarian view of knowledge sharing and acknowledges that wisdom isn’t always correlated with age.

However, with these changes come new challenges. The abundance of information and potential mentors available online can be overwhelming, and there’s a need for discernment in choosing the right guidance. Additionally, maintaining the depth and quality of mentorship relationships in an increasingly fast-paced, digital world can be challenging.

Overall, while the core essence of mentorship – guidance and support – remains unchanged, its forms and accessibility have evolved to meet the needs of our modern, interconnected society.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Pivotal role (phrase) – /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ – critically important
   Example: Her advice played a pivotal role in my decision to change careers.

2. Jeopardize (verb) – /ˈdʒepərdaɪz/ – to put at risk or in danger
   Example: His reckless behavior jeopardized the entire team’s success.

3. Insurmountable (adjective) – /ˌɪnsərˈmaʊntəbl/ – too great to overcome
   Example: At first, the challenge seemed insurmountable, but we persevered.

4. Go above and beyond (idiom) – to do more than is required or expected
   Example: The customer service representative went above and beyond to resolve my issue.

5. Unwavering belief (phrase) – /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ bɪˈliːf/ – strong and steady confidence
   Example: Her unwavering belief in her team’s abilities inspired them to victory.

6. Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of pursuing an aim
   Example: His support was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.

7. Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties
   Example: Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly admirable.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who guided you through a challenging period:

1. Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to portray the person and their actions vividly.
2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced grammatical structures naturally in your responses.
3. Provide specific examples to illustrate your points and make your answer more engaging.
4. Show reflection on the experience by explaining its impact on you and lessons learned.
5. Practice speaking on this topic beforehand, but avoid memorizing answers. Authenticity is key.
6. Stay calm and confident during the test. Remember, the examiner is interested in your language skills, not judging your personal experiences.

By following these strategies and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to practice mindfulness during the test to maintain your focus and deliver your best performance.