The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and relationships. One recurring theme is describing situations where candidates had to rely on someone else for help. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and discuss interpersonal dynamics. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and maximize your speaking score.

Describe a time when you had to rely on someone else for help is a common cue card topic that requires candidates to reflect on their experiences and articulate them clearly. To excel in this task, it’s crucial to understand the examiner’s expectations and prepare a well-structured response.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to the theme of relying on others. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you often ask for help from others?
2. In what situations do people usually need help from others?
3. How do you feel when you have to ask for help?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d say I’m fairly independent, but I recognize the value of seeking assistance when necessary. I typically ask for help when I’m faced with tasks outside my expertise or when I need a fresh perspective. For instance, I recently sought advice from a colleague regarding a complex project at work. It’s natural to feel a bit vulnerable when asking for help, but I’ve learned that it’s a sign of strength rather than weakness. Collaboration often leads to better outcomes and personal growth.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card on the topic:

Describe A Time When You Had To Rely On Someone Else for help
You should say:

• Who you relied on
• What kind of help you needed
• Why you needed help
• How you felt about needing help

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I had to rely on my neighbor, Mrs. Chen, for help during a particularly challenging period in my life. It was about two years ago when I unexpectedly fell ill with a severe case of flu just days before a crucial work presentation.

The help I needed was quite extensive. I was bedridden and barely able to take care of myself, let alone prepare for my presentation or handle daily tasks. Mrs. Chen, being a retired nurse, was an absolute godsend. She not only helped with practical matters like preparing meals and picking up my prescriptions but also used her medical expertise to monitor my condition and ensure I was recovering properly.

The reason I needed help was twofold. Firstly, my illness had left me physically incapacitated, making even simple tasks like cooking or cleaning impossible. Secondly, living alone in a city far from my family meant I had no immediate support system to fall back on.

Initially, I felt quite vulnerable and uncomfortable about needing so much assistance. There was a sense of guilt for inconveniencing Mrs. Chen and a feeling of frustration at my own helplessness. However, as the days passed, those negative emotions gave way to immense gratitude and a profound appreciation for human kindness. Mrs. Chen’s selfless support was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and how interconnected we all are.

This experience was truly eye-opening for me. It taught me that it’s okay to be vulnerable and accept help when needed. It also inspired me to be more attentive to others who might need assistance, reinforcing the idea that we all have the capacity to make a significant difference in someone’s life through simple acts of kindness.”

Describe a person you are happy to know could be another interesting topic to explore in relation to relying on others for help. The person you describe might be someone who has been there for you in times of need.

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your perspective on asking for help?
2. Do you think people in your country are generally willing to help others?

Sample answers:

Band 6-7:
“This experience made me realize it’s okay to ask for help sometimes. I used to think I should do everything on my own, but now I see that everyone needs help occasionally. I think people in my country are usually willing to help, especially in emergencies.”

Band 8-9:
“This experience was truly transformative in terms of how I view seeking assistance. It shattered my preconceived notions about self-reliance and independence, making me understand that interdependence is not a weakness but a fundamental aspect of human society. As for the general attitude in my country, I believe there’s a strong cultural emphasis on community support. While urbanization has somewhat eroded traditional support systems, there’s still a prevailing ethos of mutual aid, particularly in times of crisis or need.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Q: How has technology changed the way people help each other?

Band 6-7:
“Technology has made it easier for people to help each other. We can now use social media and messaging apps to ask for help quickly. There are also websites and apps specifically designed for volunteering and community support. However, sometimes technology can make people less likely to help in person.”

Band 8-9:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of mutual aid and support in myriad ways. Online platforms and social media have democratized the process of seeking and offering assistance, enabling individuals to reach a vast network of potential helpers instantaneously. Crowdfunding websites, for instance, have emerged as powerful tools for mobilizing financial support for those in need. However, this digital transformation is not without its complexities. While it has undoubtedly expanded our capacity to help, it has also potentially depersonalized some aspects of human interaction. The challenge lies in harnessing technology’s connective power while preserving the empathy and personal touch that are crucial in truly meaningful acts of support.”

Q: Do you think the younger generation is more or less likely to help others compared to older generations?

Band 6-7:
“I think the younger generation is generally willing to help others, but in different ways compared to older generations. Young people are more likely to use technology to offer support or participate in global causes. Older generations might be more inclined to help in traditional ways, like volunteering in their local community.”

Band 8-9:
“This is a nuanced issue that defies simple generalizations. Each generation’s propensity to help is shaped by its unique sociocultural context and the challenges it faces. The younger generation, having grown up in a globally connected world, often demonstrates a remarkable capacity for empathy and action on a global scale. They’re at the forefront of movements addressing climate change, social justice, and other pressing issues. However, this global outlook might sometimes come at the expense of immediate, local engagement. Conversely, older generations might exhibit stronger ties to local communities and traditional forms of neighborly support. The key difference lies not in the willingness to help, but in the methods and scope of assistance. Ideally, we should strive to combine the global awareness and technological savvy of the younger generation with the local commitment and interpersonal skills often associated with older generations.”

Describe a time when you had to make a major life decision could be another topic where relying on others for advice or support might be relevant.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Interdependence (noun) /ˌɪntədɪˈpendəns/: The state of being mutually reliant on each other.
   Example: “The experience taught me the value of interdependence in our society.”

2. Altruism (noun) /ˈæltruːɪzəm/: The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
   Example: “Mrs. Chen’s actions were a perfect example of altruism.”

3. Reciprocity (noun) /ˌresɪˈprɒsəti/: The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.
   Example: “I learned the importance of reciprocity in maintaining strong community bonds.”

4. To be indebted (phrase) /ɪnˈdetɪd/: To owe gratitude to someone for help or favors received.
   Example: “I felt deeply indebted to Mrs. Chen for her selfless support during my illness.”

5. To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
   Example: “Mrs. Chen went above and beyond in her efforts to help me recover.”

IELTS Speaking examiner listening to candidate

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like relying on others:

1. Provide specific examples: Don’t just speak in generalities. Use personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: Show that you can analyze situations from multiple perspectives.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without unnecessary pauses or repetitions.

5. Show emotional intelligence: Discuss not just facts, but also feelings and interpersonal dynamics.

6. Connect ideas: Link your personal experiences to broader social trends or universal human experiences.

7. Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, make sure your responses sound natural and genuine.

Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about language proficiency, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.

Describe a time when you received a compliment unexpectedly could be an interesting topic to practice, as it might involve situations where you’ve helped others and received recognition for it.