Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Helping Someone in a Difficult Situation

IELTS Speaking examiners frequently ask candidates to describe experiences where they’ve helped others. The topic “Describe A Time When You Helped Someone In A Difficult Situation” is particularly common and likely to appear in future tests. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and discuss interpersonal relationships.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you often help other people?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to help people when I can. I think it’s important to be kind and supportive to others. For example, I sometimes help my classmates with their homework or lend a hand to my neighbors when they need it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in the power of altruism and its positive impact on both the giver and receiver. I make a conscious effort to offer assistance whenever possible, whether it’s volunteering at local charities, mentoring younger students, or simply being there for friends during challenging times. I find that helping others not only contributes to their well-being but also enhances my own sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a time when you helped someone in a difficult situation
You should say:

• Who you helped
• What the difficult situation was
• How you helped them
• And explain how you felt about helping them

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my friend Sarah with an important decision. She was struggling to choose between two job offers after graduation.

The difficult situation was that both jobs had their pros and cons. One job offered a higher salary but was in a different city, while the other was in our hometown but paid less. Sarah was really stressed about making the right choice.

To help her, I sat down with her and we made a list of the advantages and disadvantages of each job. We talked about her long-term career goals and what was most important to her at this stage of her life. I also encouraged her to reach out to people working in both companies to get more information.

I felt really good about helping Sarah. It was nice to be there for a friend and to use my problem-solving skills to assist her. In the end, she made a decision she was happy with, and I was glad I could support her through the process.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to recount an instance where I assisted my colleague, Alex, through a particularly challenging professional dilemma. Alex had been grappling with the decision to either accept a promotion within our company or pursue a startup opportunity that aligned more closely with his passion.

The crux of the difficulty lay in the significant risks and potential rewards associated with each option. The promotion offered financial stability and a clear career trajectory, while the startup presented the allure of entrepreneurship and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a field he was deeply passionate about. Alex was overwhelmed by the weight of this life-altering decision.

To help Alex navigate this complex situation, I employed a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I facilitated a series of in-depth discussions where we thoroughly analyzed the pros and cons of each option, considering both short-term implications and long-term consequences. I also encouraged Alex to engage in some introspective exercises, such as visualizing his ideal future five and ten years down the line, to gain clarity on his true aspirations.

Moreover, I leveraged my network to connect Alex with mentors who had faced similar crossroads in their careers. These conversations provided invaluable insights and perspectives that helped broaden Alex’s understanding of each path.

Assisting Alex through this pivotal moment was immensely gratifying. It allowed me to utilize my analytical skills and emotional intelligence in a meaningful way. I felt a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that I had contributed to a friend’s personal and professional growth. The experience also reinforced my belief in the power of supportive relationships in navigating life’s challenges.

Ultimately, Alex made a decision that resonated with his core values and long-term vision. Witnessing his subsequent journey and growth has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s strengthened our bond as colleagues and friends.

IELTS Speaking: Helping a friend make an important decision

Follow-up questions:

1. How did you feel after helping your friend/colleague?
2. Do you think it’s important to help others in difficult situations? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
After helping my friend, I felt really good. It was nice to know that I could make a difference in someone’s life. I think it’s important to help others because it builds stronger relationships and creates a more supportive community.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The experience left me with a profound sense of fulfillment and reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and support in fostering personal growth. I felt a deep sense of connection with my colleague, knowing that I had played a role in such a pivotal moment in their life.

I firmly believe that offering assistance in challenging situations is not just important, but essential for the fabric of society. It cultivates a culture of compassion and mutual support, which is crucial for collective progress and individual well-being. Moreover, the act of helping others often provides unexpected learning opportunities and personal growth for the helper, creating a virtuous cycle of positive impact.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Question: Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to in the past?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m not sure if people are less willing to help others nowadays. I think it depends on the situation. In some ways, technology has made it easier for people to help each other, like through online fundraising or social media. But maybe people are busier now and have less time to help in person.

Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that merits careful consideration. While it might appear that people are less inclined to help others in our fast-paced, individualistic society, I believe the reality is more complex.

On one hand, the rise of social media and digital platforms has facilitated new forms of assistance and support, enabling people to contribute to causes and individuals across the globe with unprecedented ease. We’ve seen remarkable examples of collective altruism through crowdfunding campaigns and online volunteering initiatives.

Conversely, the increasingly busy and competitive nature of modern life may indeed reduce opportunities for spontaneous, face-to-face acts of kindness. There’s also an argument that the overexposure to global issues through constant media coverage might lead to compassion fatigue, potentially diminishing people’s willingness to help.

However, I believe that the fundamental human instinct to help others remains strong. What we’re seeing is perhaps not a decrease in willingness, but a shift in how and where people choose to offer assistance. The key lies in finding ways to harness technology and modern communication tools to facilitate meaningful connections and support systems, while also preserving the value of personal, direct interactions in our communities.

Question: What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to help others effectively?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think empathy is really important for helping others. You need to be able to understand how they feel. Patience is also crucial because sometimes it takes time to help someone. Being a good listener is another key quality, as people often need someone to talk to when they’re facing difficulties.

Band 8-9 Answer:
To be an effective helper, I believe a constellation of qualities is essential. Empathy stands at the forefront – the ability to truly understand and share the feelings of others is crucial for providing meaningful support. This should be coupled with emotional intelligence, which allows one to navigate complex interpersonal situations with sensitivity and insight.

Active listening skills are paramount, as they enable the helper to fully comprehend the nuances of the situation and the person’s needs. This goes hand in hand with patience and non-judgmental attitude, creating a safe space for the person being helped to express themselves freely.

Resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities are also vital. An effective helper should be able to think creatively and draw from various resources to address challenges. Additionally, resilience is key, as helping others can sometimes be emotionally taxing, and one needs to maintain their own well-being to continue supporting others.

Lastly, I believe cultural competence and adaptability are increasingly important in our diverse, globalized world. The ability to understand and respect different cultural perspectives can greatly enhance one’s capacity to offer relevant and respectful assistance across various contexts.

Essential qualities for effective helpers

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Altruism /ˈæl.tru.ɪ.zəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
   Example: “Her altruism was evident in her tireless volunteer work at the local shelter.”

2. To lend a hand (idiom): To help or assist someone.
   Example: “When my neighbor was moving, I offered to lend a hand with carrying the heavy furniture.”

3. To 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.”

4. Empathetic /ˌem.pəˈθet.ɪk/ (adjective): Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
   Example: “Her empathetic response made me feel truly understood and supported.”

5. To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
   Example: “Volunteering at the animal shelter has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of abandoned pets.”

6. Compassion fatigue (noun): The physical and mental exhaustion and emotional withdrawal experienced by those who care for sick or traumatized people over an extended period.
   Example: “Healthcare workers often experience compassion fatigue due to the demanding nature of their jobs.”

7. To be there for someone (phrase): To be available to provide support or comfort to someone.
   Example: “During my difficult divorce, my best friend was always there for me, offering emotional support and practical help.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing helping others:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
3. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts and offer nuanced perspectives, especially in Part 3.
4. Practice speaking on various topics related to helping others, social issues, and personal experiences.
5. Work on your fluency by regularly engaging in English conversations and discussions.
6. Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
7. Be prepared to expand on your answers and provide thoughtful responses to follow-up questions.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express complex ideas in a coherent manner will significantly boost your performance.