The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics about people who have influenced our lives positively. One such topic that frequently appears is “Describe a person who always offers a helping hand.” This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe personal experiences and express gratitude, which are valuable skills in English communication. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you often help others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to help people when I can. It’s important to be kind to others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to lend a hand whenever possible. I firmly believe that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect in society, creating a more compassionate community.
Q: What kind of help do you usually offer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually help my friends with their studies or listen to their problems.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I offer various forms of assistance, ranging from academic support to emotional guidance. For instance, I often tutor classmates struggling with difficult subjects or provide a sympathetic ear to friends going through challenging times. Additionally, I volunteer at a local shelter, which allows me to extend help beyond my immediate circle.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a person who always offers a helping hand.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of help this person offers
- And explain why you think this person is so helpful
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my neighbor, Mrs. Lee. She’s been living next door to us for about five years now. Mrs. Lee is always ready to help anyone in our community.
She often offers to look after children when parents have emergencies. For example, last month, when my mom had to rush to the hospital because my grandmother was sick, Mrs. Lee immediately volunteered to watch my younger brother.
Mrs. Lee also helps elderly people in our neighborhood with their groceries and sometimes cooks meals for those who live alone. She’s always checking on people to make sure they’re okay.
I think Mrs. Lee is so helpful because she has a kind heart. She seems to enjoy making others happy and creating a sense of community in our neighborhood. Her actions inspire others to be more helpful too.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to draw your attention to an exceptional individual in my life, my former high school teacher, Mr. Thompson. Our paths crossed when I was a somewhat disengaged 15-year-old student, struggling to find my place in the academic world.
Mr. Thompson’s propensity for assistance extends far beyond the classroom. He consistently goes above and beyond his professional duties, offering unwavering support to both current and former students. His help ranges from providing comprehensive academic guidance to offering invaluable life advice and even assisting with job applications and career planning.
What sets Mr. Thompson apart is his uncanny ability to identify potential in his students, even when they can’t see it themselves. He dedicates countless hours to nurturing these hidden talents, often staying late after school or meeting students on weekends to provide extra tutoring or mentorship.
I believe Mr. Thompson’s exceptional helpfulness stems from his genuine passion for education and his unwavering belief in the potential of every individual. He views teaching not merely as a profession, but as a calling to shape future generations. His selfless dedication and tireless efforts to uplift others serve as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all of the profound impact one person can have when they choose to extend a helping hand without hesitation.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s helpfulness influenced you?
- Do you think society today encourages people to be helpful?
Band 6-7 Answer:
- Mr. Thompson’s helpfulness has made me want to be kinder to others. I try to help my classmates more now.
- I think society encourages helpfulness through volunteer programs and charity events, but sometimes people are too busy to help others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
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Mr. Thompson’s altruistic nature has had a profound impact on my personal development. His example has inspired me to adopt a more proactive approach to assisting others, whether it’s through peer tutoring or community service. Moreover, his selfless dedication has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education and mentorship.
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While our society does promote helpfulness through various channels, I believe there’s room for improvement. The fast-paced nature of modern life often leads to a culture of individualism, which can overshadow the importance of community support. However, recent global challenges have highlighted the significance of collective effort and mutual aid, potentially spurring a resurgence of helpfulness in society.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Why do you think some people are more helpful than others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people are more helpful because of how they were raised. If their parents taught them to be kind, they’re more likely to help others. Also, some people just naturally enjoy making others happy.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The propensity for helpfulness can be attributed to a complex interplay of factors. Firstly, early socialization plays a crucial role; individuals raised in environments that prioritize empathy and altruism are more likely to internalize these values. Additionally, some people may possess a greater innate capacity for empathy, making them more attuned to others’ needs.
Moreover, personal experiences, such as having been helped during difficult times, can foster a sense of reciprocity and motivate individuals to pay it forward. Cultural and societal norms also significantly influence helpfulness, with some cultures placing a higher premium on communal welfare.
Lastly, the psychological rewards of helping others, such as increased self-esteem and life satisfaction, can reinforce helpful behaviors, creating a positive feedback loop that encourages continued altruism.
Q: How can society encourage more people to offer help to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Society can encourage helpfulness by teaching it in schools and rewarding people who help others. The media could also show more stories about helpful people to inspire others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Fostering a more helpful society requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, integrating altruism and social responsibility into educational curricula from an early age can lay the foundation for a more compassionate society. Schools could implement service-learning programs that allow students to experience the tangible benefits of helping others.
Media and social platforms can play a pivotal role by amplifying stories of everyday heroes and showcasing the ripple effects of small acts of kindness. This could help counterbalance the often negative news cycle and inspire emulation.
Governments and organizations could incentivize volunteerism through tax breaks or other benefits, acknowledging the societal value of unpaid work. Corporate social responsibility initiatives could be expanded, encouraging businesses to foster a culture of giving back.
Furthermore, creating more opportunities for community engagement, such as neighborhood support groups or intergenerational mentoring programs, can strengthen social bonds and normalize the act of helping.
Ultimately, by cultivating a societal ethos that values and celebrates helpfulness, we can create a self-reinforcing cycle of altruism and community support.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Altruistic /ˌæl.truːˈɪs.tɪk/ (adj): Showing a selfless concern for others.
Example: Her altruistic nature drives her to volunteer at the homeless shelter every weekend. -
Propensity /prəˈpen.sə.ti/ (n): A natural tendency or inclination.
Example: He has a strong propensity for helping others, always being the first to offer assistance. -
To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: Mrs. Lee always goes above and beyond in her efforts to support the community. -
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/ (adj): Steady and determined.
Example: Despite the challenges, her unwavering commitment to helping others never faltered. -
To foster /ˈfɒs.tər/ (v): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: The school’s programs aim to foster a sense of social responsibility among students.
Remember to use these words and phrases naturally in your responses, providing context and examples to demonstrate your understanding.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a helpful person:
- Provide specific examples: Don’t just say someone is helpful; describe specific instances of their helpfulness.
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to helpfulness and character description.
- Discuss abstract ideas: In Part 3, try to analyze the concept of helpfulness from different perspectives.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.
- Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to think critically about the impact of helpful people on individuals and society.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and speak with confidence!
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a person who inspires you to volunteer or describing a person who motivates you to be a better person. These related topics can help you build a broader vocabulary and develop more varied responses for your IELTS Speaking test.