Part 1: Introduction and Interview Sample Questions
Common questions examiners may ask about help and assistance:
- Do you like helping others?
- When was the last time someone helped you?
- Is it important to help others in your culture?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I thoroughly believe in the value of helping others. Just last week, I had the privilege of assisting an elderly neighbor with her groceries. In my culture, helping others is deeply ingrained in our social fabric, and we’re taught from an early age that supporting one another strengthens community bonds.”
Similar to [describe a time when you gave up something important to help someone], the key is to demonstrate natural fluency while maintaining authenticity in your responses.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a moment when you received unexpected help
You should say:
- Who helped you
- What the situation was
- How they helped you
- And explain how you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to tell you about a time when my car broke down on the highway. A stranger stopped to help me. He was a mechanic and fixed my car’s battery problem. I felt very grateful and relieved.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a memorable experience when I encountered an unexpected car breakdown on the highway during a crucial business trip. Much to my surprise, a passing motorist – who turned out to be a professional mechanic named James – went out of his way to assist me. He diagnosed the issue as a faulty battery connection and skillfully resolved it within minutes. I was genuinely touched by his selfless gesture and remarkable expertise.”
Just as with [describe an unexpected gift you received], focusing on emotional depth and detailed description can significantly enhance your response.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do some people hesitate to accept help from others?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“People often struggle with accepting assistance due to a complex interplay of factors. Many individuals associate accepting help with showing weakness or losing independence. Furthermore, there’s often an underlying fear of being indebted to others or compromising their self-image.”
Q2: Has modern technology changed the way people help each other?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has fundamentally transformed the dynamics of helping others. Social media platforms and mobile apps have created unprecedented opportunities for people to offer and receive assistance. However, this has also led to a certain depersonalization of human interactions, similar to what we see in [describe a memorable event during your school days].”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Altruistic /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/ (adj): Showing selfless concern for others
- Go the extra mile (idiom): Make a special effort to achieve something
- Overwhelmed with gratitude (phrase): Feeling extremely thankful
- Serendipitous encounter (phrase): A fortunate chance meeting
- Pay it forward (phrase): Help others after receiving help yourself
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples and details to make your story more engaging
- Include emotional responses and personal reflections
- Maintain good eye contact and natural body language
- Practice incorporating advanced vocabulary naturally
- Structure your response logically with clear transitions
For those interested in improving their speaking skills further, consider reviewing [describe a time you felt anxious but stayed calm] for additional practice with emotional narratives.