The topic of describing an occasion when you helped a stranger is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others or encountering strangers. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you often help strangers?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I help strangers whenever the opportunity arises. It’s not something I actively seek out, but if I see someone in need, I’m always inclined to lend a hand. For instance, just last week, I helped an elderly lady carry her groceries to her car. It’s these small acts of kindness that I believe can make a big difference in someone’s day.”
Describe a time you answered a phone call from an unknown person can be another interesting topic that tests your ability to narrate unexpected encounters, similar to helping strangers.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe an occasion when you helped a stranger
You should say:
- Who the stranger was
- Where and when you met them
- How you helped them
- How you felt about helping themSample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped a stranger at a busy train station. It was about two years ago, during rush hour on a Friday evening. I noticed an elderly gentleman who seemed quite confused and overwhelmed by the crowd.
He was carrying a heavy suitcase and looking lost, so I approached him and asked if he needed any assistance. It turned out he was visiting the city for the first time and couldn’t find the right platform for his train. I offered to help him navigate through the station and carry his luggage.
We walked together to the information board, where I helped him locate his train and the correct platform. Then, I accompanied him to the platform, making sure he was comfortable and had all the information he needed for his journey.
Helping him made me feel really good. It was a simple act, but I could see the relief and gratitude on his face. It reminded me of the importance of being kind to others, especially in big cities where people can often feel isolated or overwhelmed.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an incident that occurred approximately two years ago at a bustling train station during the Friday evening rush hour. Amidst the chaos, my attention was drawn to an elderly gentleman who appeared visibly disoriented and overwhelmed by the sheer volume of commuters.
The stranger in question was a man in his late 70s, impeccably dressed in a tweed suit, but clearly out of his element in the hectic station environment. He was struggling with a sizeable suitcase and seemed to be searching in vain for something or someone.
Without hesitation, I approached him and inquired if he required any assistance. It transpired that he was a first-time visitor to our city and was having difficulty locating the correct platform for his train. I immediately offered to guide him through the labyrinthine station and help with his luggage.
We navigated our way to the information board, where I assisted him in identifying his train and the corresponding platform. Subsequently, I escorted him to the correct location, ensuring he was comfortably situated and fully informed about his impending journey.
The experience left me with a profound sense of fulfillment. It was a relatively small gesture on my part, but the palpable relief and heartfelt gratitude I witnessed in his expression were incredibly rewarding. This encounter served as a poignant reminder of the significant impact that small acts of kindness can have, particularly in urban environments where individuals can often feel isolated or overwhelmed.”
Helping a stranger at a busy train station
Follow-up Questions:
- “Do you think people are less willing to help strangers nowadays?”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question. While it might seem that way on the surface, I believe the situation is more nuanced. In our increasingly digital world, face-to-face interactions with strangers have certainly decreased, which might give the impression of reduced willingness to help. However, I’ve observed a surge in online communities and platforms dedicated to connecting people who need help with those willing to offer it. This suggests that the spirit of altruism is still very much alive, albeit manifesting in different forms. Moreover, global crises like the recent pandemic have shown that people can still come together to support strangers in times of need. So, while the methods may have evolved, I don’t think the fundamental human instinct to help others has diminished.”
- “What are some of the challenges of helping strangers?”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“Helping strangers, while often rewarding, does come with its set of challenges. Firstly, there’s the issue of personal safety. In today’s world, approaching or being approached by a stranger can sometimes be perceived as potentially dangerous, which might make people hesitant to offer or accept help. Secondly, there’s the challenge of cultural differences. What might be considered helpful in one culture could be seen as intrusive or offensive in another, so navigating these cultural nuances can be tricky. Another significant challenge is the risk of misunderstanding. Without knowing the full context of a situation, well-intentioned help could sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Lastly, in our busy lives, finding the time to help others, especially strangers, can be challenging. Despite these obstacles, I believe the benefits of helping others far outweigh the challenges, as it fosters a sense of community and human connection that’s invaluable in our society.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to helping strangers and societal attitudes. Here’s an example:
Question: “How do you think technology has affected people’s willingness to help strangers?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has had a significant impact on how people interact with and help strangers. On one hand, social media and online platforms have made it easier for people to connect and offer assistance to those in need, even if they’re not physically present. We often see crowdfunding campaigns or online communities coming together to support individuals facing hardships.
However, technology has also created a sense of disconnect in face-to-face interactions. People are often engrossed in their smartphones, which can make them less aware of their surroundings and less likely to notice when someone needs help. Additionally, the rise of scams and online fraud has made some people more wary of helping strangers, fearing they might be taken advantage of.
Overall, I believe technology has both facilitated and hindered our willingness to help strangers, depending on the context and the individual’s personal experiences with technology.”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“The influence of technology on people’s willingness to help strangers is a multifaceted issue that has both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, technology has exponentially expanded our capacity to assist others through various digital platforms. Social media and crowdfunding websites have revolutionized the way we can offer support, allowing us to help strangers across geographical boundaries. These platforms have amplified the reach of charitable efforts and have made it easier for individuals to mobilize resources for those in need.
Conversely, the pervasive use of personal devices has led to a phenomenon often referred to as ‘digital isolation‘ in public spaces. People engrossed in their smartphones may be less attuned to their immediate surroundings, potentially missing opportunities to help those around them. Furthermore, the anonymity provided by the internet has given rise to various forms of online fraud, which has made some individuals more skeptical and hesitant to extend help to strangers, fearing they might fall victim to a scam.
It’s also worth noting that technology has transformed the nature of how we perceive and interact with strangers. The prevalence of social media has created a culture where we often know more about strangers’ lives than we do about our neighbors’. This paradoxical intimacy with unknown individuals online might influence our willingness to help strangers in real life, either positively by fostering a sense of global community, or negatively by making us more wary of face-to-face interactions with unfamiliar people.
In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly provided new avenues for altruism, it has simultaneously created new challenges in our willingness to help strangers. The net effect likely varies depending on individual circumstances and how technology is utilized in different societies.”
Technology's impact on helping strangers
Describe a time when someone gave you something is another topic that can help you practice discussing personal experiences and emotions, which is crucial for answering questions about helping strangers.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing helping strangers, consider using these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “His act of helping the stranger was a pure display of altruism.”Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Showing empathy towards strangers can lead to meaningful connections.”To go out of one’s way (idiom): To make a special effort to do something.
Example: “She went out of her way to help the lost tourist find his hotel.”Good Samaritan /ˌɡʊd səˈmærɪtən/ (noun): A charitable or helpful person.
Example: “The Good Samaritan offered to pay for the stranger’s meal when they realized they had forgotten their wallet.”To lend a hand (idiom): To give someone help or assistance.
Example: “When I saw the elderly man struggling with his groceries, I decided to lend a hand.”Random act of kindness (phrase): A selfless act performed by a person wishing to either assist or cheer up another individual.
Example: “Helping the stranger was a random act of kindness that brightened both our days.”To pay it forward (phrasal verb): To respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.
Example: “After receiving help from a stranger, I decided to pay it forward by assisting someone else in need.”
Describe an online service that you use frequently can be a great way to practice using technology-related vocabulary, which can be useful when discussing how technology affects our interactions with strangers.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing an occasion when you helped a stranger:
Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of personal experiences ready to discuss. This will help you respond confidently to various questions.
Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses. This demonstrates a high level of English proficiency.
Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers with specific details and examples. This shows your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and fillers like “um” or “uh”.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the experience. This showcases your ability to express and justify opinions.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate both simple and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your range of language skills.
Show enthusiasm: Engage with the topic and examiner. Your interest and enthusiasm can positively impact your score.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
IELTS Speaking practice session
Describe a person who is very curious can be an interesting topic to practice describing personal characteristics, which can be useful when discussing your own or others’ motivations for helping strangers.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of helping strangers in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try to incorporate these elements into your everyday English conversations as well.