Moving can be a stressful and challenging experience, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your helpfulness and friendship. In IELTS Speaking exams, topics related to assisting friends are quite common, as they allow examiners to assess your ability to describe personal experiences and express emotions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about helping a friend move, with sample responses for different band scores.
Describe a time when you stood up for someone else can be a related topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for various scenarios will help you perform better overall.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about moving and helping friends. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you often help your friends with tasks or favors?
A: (Band 7-8) Absolutely, I believe in being there for my friends whenever they need support. Whether it’s helping with studying, offering advice, or lending a hand with practical tasks, I try my best to assist them. It’s not only about being helpful but also about strengthening our bonds through shared experiences.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you helped a friend move.
You should say:
- Who the friend was
- Where they were moving to
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about helping them
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the time I helped my college roommate, Sarah, move to her new apartment. She was relocating to a different part of the city for a new job opportunity.
I assisted her in various ways. Firstly, I helped her pack her belongings, which took several days. We carefully wrapped fragile items and labeled all the boxes to make unpacking easier. On moving day, I drove my car to transport some of her smaller items and furniture pieces.
At her new place, I helped carry boxes and arrange furniture. We worked together to set up her bedroom and living room, making sure everything was in its proper place.
Helping Sarah move was both exhausting and rewarding. While it was physically demanding, I felt a sense of accomplishment seeing her settled in her new home. It strengthened our friendship, and I was glad I could support her during this significant change in her life.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of assisting my dear friend, Emma, with her relocation. Emma, a long-standing colleague and confidante, was embarking on a new chapter in her life by moving to a charming suburban house on the outskirts of our city.
My assistance was multifaceted and spanned several weeks. Initially, I aided in the meticulous planning of her move, helping her create a comprehensive inventory and timeline. As the moving day approached, I devoted numerous evenings to assist with packing, ensuring that her belongings were not only securely wrapped but also strategically organized for efficient unpacking.
On the day of the move, I coordinated with the moving company, oversaw the loading process, and personally transported her most valuable and sentimental items in my vehicle. Upon arrival at her new home, I took charge of directing the movers and methodically unpacking essential items. We worked tirelessly to transform the empty house into a warm and inviting space, paying particular attention to setting up her home office and kitchen.
The experience was incredibly fulfilling on multiple levels. Physically, it was undoubtedly demanding, but the sense of accomplishment far outweighed the fatigue. Emotionally, it was a profound bonding experience that deepened our friendship. Seeing Emma’s joy and relief as her new house began to feel like home was immensely rewarding. Moreover, it reinforced my belief in the importance of community and mutual support. This experience not only strengthened our individual bond but also served as a reminder of the positive impact we can have on others’ lives through simple acts of kindness and assistance.”
Friends helping move boxes into new home
Follow-up questions:
- What challenges did you face while helping your friend move?
- How did this experience affect your friendship?
Sample answers:
Challenges (Band 7-8):
“The main challenges we encountered were time management and physical exhaustion. Coordinating our schedules to find enough time for packing and moving was tricky. Additionally, lifting heavy furniture and carrying numerous boxes up several flights of stairs was physically demanding. We also faced some unexpected issues, like a piece of furniture not fitting through a doorway, which required quick problem-solving.”Effect on friendship (Band 8-9):
“This experience had a profoundly positive impact on our friendship. It fostered a deeper sense of trust and reliability between us. Weathering the stress and challenges together created a shared experience that strengthened our bond. Moreover, it gave us an opportunity to see each other’s problem-solving skills and patience in action, which increased our mutual respect. The gratitude Emma expressed and the satisfaction I felt from helping her created a warm, lasting memory that continues to enrich our friendship.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:
Q: Why do you think people often ask friends for help when moving instead of hiring professionals?
A: (Band 7-8) There are several reasons why people might prefer asking friends for help when moving. Firstly, it’s usually more cost-effective, as professional moving services can be quite expensive. Secondly, friends are often more careful with personal belongings, especially items of sentimental value. Additionally, moving with friends can make the process more enjoyable and less stressful, as it becomes a social activity rather than just a task to be completed.
A: (Band 8-9) The preference for enlisting friends’ help during a move is a multifaceted decision influenced by various factors. On a practical level, the financial aspect is undoubtedly significant. Professional moving services can be considerably expensive, and in today’s economic climate, many people are looking for ways to reduce costs. However, I believe the reasons go beyond mere financial considerations.
There’s a profound emotional and psychological component to this choice. Friends often have an intimate understanding of one’s life and possessions, making them more attuned to the emotional value of certain items. This personal touch can provide a sense of comfort and security during what is often a stressful transition.
Moreover, involving friends in the moving process can transform it from a potentially daunting task into a meaningful shared experience. It fosters a sense of community and strengthens social bonds. The act of helping a friend move becomes a testament to the strength of the relationship and can create lasting memories.
That being said, it’s important to strike a balance. While friend-assisted moves have their advantages, there are situations where professional services might be more appropriate, especially for long-distance moves or when dealing with particularly valuable or fragile items.
Friends celebrating successful move in new home
Q: In what ways has technology changed the process of moving homes?
A: (Band 7-8) Technology has significantly streamlined the moving process in several ways. Online platforms and apps now allow people to easily find and compare moving companies, making it simpler to get quotes and book services. Digital inventories and checklists help in organizing and tracking belongings during the move. GPS and navigation apps assist in planning the most efficient routes for transportation. Additionally, video calls enable virtual house tours, which is particularly useful for long-distance moves.
A: (Band 8-9) The integration of technology into the moving process has been nothing short of revolutionary, transforming what was once a predominantly manual and often chaotic experience into a more streamlined and efficient endeavor.
At the forefront of this transformation are sophisticated moving apps and online platforms. These tools not only facilitate the discovery and comparison of moving services but also offer features like virtual surveys for more accurate quotes, eliminating the need for in-person assessments. This digital approach saves time and provides greater flexibility for those planning a move.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms are now being employed to optimize packing and loading processes, ensuring maximum space utilization and minimal risk of damage to belongings. Smart inventory management systems, often integrated with barcode or RFID technology, allow for real-time tracking of items throughout the moving journey, significantly reducing the risk of loss or misplacement.
The advent of virtual and augmented reality technologies has introduced a new dimension to the pre-move experience. Potential movers can now take immersive virtual tours of properties and even experiment with furniture placement in their new spaces before physically moving in. This capability is particularly valuable for long-distance or international moves.
However, it’s crucial to note that while technology has greatly enhanced the moving process, it hasn’t completely replaced the human element. The emotional aspects of moving and the need for physical labor still require a personal touch. The ideal moving experience now combines technological efficiency with human empathy and skill.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing helping a friend move, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Logistical nightmare /ləˈdʒɪstɪkəl ˈnaɪtmeə/ (noun phrase): A very complicated situation or problem that is difficult to solve.
Example: “Moving can be a logistical nightmare, but with proper planning, it becomes manageable.”To lend a hand (idiom): To help or assist someone.
Example: “When I heard about Sarah’s move, I immediately offered to lend a hand.”Herculean task /ˌhɜːkjʊˈliːən tɑːsk/ (noun phrase): An extremely difficult task requiring great effort.
Example: “Packing up an entire house seemed like a Herculean task at first.”To orchestrate /ˈɔːkɪstreɪt/ (verb): To organize or arrange something carefully, especially a complicated event or series of actions.
Example: “I helped orchestrate the entire moving process, from packing to transportation.”Solidarity /ˌsɒlɪˈdærəti/ (noun): Unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest.
Example: “Helping my friend move was an act of solidarity during a challenging time in her life.”
Describe a person who taught you how to handle stress could be another interesting topic to explore, as moving can be quite stressful and requires good stress management skills.
Tips from an Examiner
As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I recommend the following strategies to improve your performance:
Practice describing personal experiences in detail, focusing on your emotions and the impact of the event.
Expand your vocabulary related to moving, friendship, and emotions. Use idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
Work on your fluency by regularly discussing various topics with native speakers or language exchange partners.
Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples to support your points.
Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, as they contribute significantly to your overall score.
Be prepared to discuss abstract ideas related to the topic, such as the role of community in modern society or the impact of technology on personal relationships.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas clearly and coherently. Describe a time when you helped resolve a dispute is another topic that can help you practice these skills.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about helping a friend move or similar topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!