The ability to describe a person who always supports you is a crucial skill in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic frequently appears in various forms across all three parts of the speaking exam, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to people who support you. Here are some common questions and suggested answers:
Sample Question: “Do you have someone who always supports you?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. My best friend, Sarah, is always there for me. She’s been supportive through many challenges in my life.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I’m fortunate to have my older sister as my unwavering support system. She’s been my rock through thick and thin, offering not just emotional support but also practical advice that has been invaluable in shaping my personal and professional growth.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Sample Cue Card:
Describe a person who always supports you
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of support they give you
- And explain why their support is important to you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The person who always supports me is my mother. I’ve known her, of course, since I was born. She provides both emotional and practical support. Emotionally, she’s always there to listen when I’m feeling down or stressed. Practically, she helps me with things like cooking meals when I’m busy studying.
Her support is important because it gives me confidence. Knowing someone believes in me helps me believe in myself. Also, her practical help allows me to focus more on my studies and career goals.
My mother’s support has been especially valuable during challenging times, like when I was preparing for important exams or job interviews. Her encouragement and practical assistance really made a difference in those stressful periods.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my mentor, Dr. Roberts, who has been an unwavering pillar of support in my academic and professional journey. I first met her during my undergraduate studies when she was my professor for Advanced Biochemistry.
Dr. Roberts provides multifaceted support that goes beyond mere academic guidance. Intellectually, she challenges my perspectives and encourages me to think critically about complex scientific concepts. Professionally, she has been instrumental in opening doors for research opportunities and internships, leveraging her extensive network in the scientific community.
What truly sets her support apart is her holistic approach to mentorship. She’s equally invested in my personal growth, often sharing insights on work-life balance and the importance of mental health in academia. Her support extends to providing constructive feedback on my presentations and papers, helping me refine my communication skills, which are crucial in the scientific field.
The importance of her support cannot be overstated. In a field as competitive and demanding as biochemistry, having a mentor who not only guides but also advocates for your success is invaluable. Dr. Roberts’ belief in my abilities has been a significant confidence booster, pushing me to pursue ambitious projects and apply for prestigious grants.
Moreover, her support has been a catalyst for my professional development. Through her guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the complexities of academic politics, publish in reputable journals, and present at international conferences. These experiences have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory.
In essence, Dr. Roberts’ support transcends traditional mentorship. It’s a comprehensive nurturing of my potential, both as a scientist and as an individual. Her influence has been transformative, instilling in me not just knowledge and skills, but also the confidence and resilience necessary to thrive in the challenging world of scientific research.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s support changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Dr. Roberts’ support has evolved from primarily academic guidance to more career-focused mentorship. She now helps me with networking and professional development.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The evolution of Dr. Roberts’ support has been remarkably organic and adaptive. Initially centered on academic guidance, her mentorship has seamlessly transitioned to encompass a more holistic approach. As I’ve progressed in my career, she’s adeptly shifted her focus towards helping me navigate the intricacies of the professional scientific community. This includes offering strategic advice on career moves, facilitating valuable connections with industry leaders, and providing insights into emerging trends in our field. Her support has dynamically aligned with my changing needs, demonstrating her exceptional ability to nurture long-term professional growth.”
- Do you think it’s important to be supportive of others? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe it’s very important to support others. It helps build strong relationships and creates a positive environment. When we support others, they’re more likely to support us in return.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I consider being supportive of others not just important, but essential for both individual and societal progress. Supporting others fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual growth, which is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. It cultivates empathy and understanding, essential qualities for effective leadership and harmonious coexistence. Moreover, by offering support, we often gain new perspectives and insights, enriching our own personal and professional development. This reciprocal nature of support creates a positive feedback loop, enhancing overall community well-being and driving collective advancement in various fields.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk more about supportive relationships. How do you think technology has changed the way people support each other?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier for people to stay in touch and offer support, even when they’re far apart. Social media and messaging apps allow us to communicate quickly and share our problems or achievements with friends and family. However, it might also make some people rely too much on online support instead of face-to-face interactions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of supportive relationships in multifaceted ways. On one hand, it has dramatically enhanced our ability to offer immediate and constant support, transcending geographical boundaries. Social media platforms and instant messaging apps have created virtual support networks that can be accessed 24/7, providing a sense of perpetual connectivity and emotional scaffolding.
However, this technological shift in support systems is not without its complexities. While it has expanded our reach, it has also altered the depth and quality of supportive interactions. The ease of offering support through a quick text or emoji, while convenient, may sometimes lack the nuance and emotional resonance of in-person interactions. This has led to a phenomenon I’d call ‘surface-level support‘, where the quantity of supportive gestures increases, but their impact may be diluted.
Moreover, technology has democratized access to support, enabling individuals to find communities and resources tailored to their specific needs, which is particularly valuable for those with rare conditions or in isolated circumstances. Conversely, it has also created echo chambers that might reinforce negative behaviors or beliefs, potentially undermining genuine support.
In the professional sphere, technology has facilitated mentorship and collaborative support on a global scale, allowing experts to guide and support others across vast distances. This has been particularly transformative in fields like scientific research, where international collaboration is crucial.
Ultimately, while technology has undeniably expanded and diversified our support systems, it also challenges us to maintain authenticity and depth in our supportive relationships. The key lies in leveraging technology as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, the fundamental human elements of empathy, presence, and genuine connection in our supportive interactions.”
Examiner: “Do you think the way people support each other differs across generations?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think there are differences. Older generations might prefer face-to-face interactions or phone calls to show support, while younger people often use social media and texting. Younger generations might also be more open to discussing mental health issues and offering support in that area.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The intergenerational dynamics of support are indeed fascinatingly diverse and evolving. Each generation’s approach to offering support is deeply influenced by their sociocultural context and technological familiarity.
The older generations, having grown up in an era of more direct, personal interactions, often gravitate towards tangible, presence-based support. They typically value face-to-face conversations, physical gestures of care, and practical assistance. Their support style tends to be more rooted in traditional values and life experiences.
In contrast, younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, have embraced a more fluid and multifaceted approach to support. Growing up in the digital age, they’re adept at offering support through various technological platforms, creating virtual support networks that transcend geographical limitations. They’re often more comfortable with emotional expressiveness and are generally more open to discussing and supporting mental health issues.
Interestingly, we’re seeing a convergence of these approaches in recent years. Older generations are increasingly adopting digital means of support, especially in light of global events like the pandemic. Simultaneously, younger generations are recognizing the value of in-person connections, leading to a blended approach that combines the best of both worlds.
Moreover, there’s a notable shift in the content of support across generations. Younger generations tend to offer support in areas like career development, personal branding, and navigating the gig economy – topics that weren’t as relevant for older generations. Conversely, older generations often provide invaluable support through their wealth of life experience and long-term perspective.
This generational diversity in support styles presents both challenges and opportunities. While it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or gaps in communication, it also offers a rich tapestry of support mechanisms. The ideal scenario is one where intergenerational support is exchanged and valued, creating a more comprehensive and nuanced support system that benefits from the strengths of each generation’s approach.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Unwavering support [ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ səˈpɔːrt] (noun phrase): Consistent and steady support that doesn’t falter.
Example: “My parents have been an unwavering support throughout my academic journey.” -
Pillar of strength [ˈpɪlər əv streŋθ] (idiom): A reliable and constant source of support.
Example: “During difficult times, my best friend has been a pillar of strength for me.” -
To go above and beyond [tuː ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd] (phrasal verb): To do more than is expected or required.
Example: “My mentor always goes above and beyond to ensure I understand complex concepts.” -
Instrumental [ˌɪnstrəˈmentl] (adjective): Playing a crucial role in an achievement or process.
Example: “Her guidance was instrumental in my decision to pursue a career in research.” -
To nurture potential [tuː ˈnɜːtʃər pəˈtenʃl] (verb phrase): To support and encourage the development of someone’s abilities.
Example: “A good mentor knows how to nurture potential in their students.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a supportive person:
- Use a variety of descriptive language and advanced vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the person and their support.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the impact of their support on your life.
- Discuss not just what they do, but how their support makes you feel and why it’s significant.
- Practice speaking about different supportive figures in your life to be prepared for various questions.
- Reflect on how the support you receive has evolved over time and how it might continue to change in the future.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational tone while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.
describe a local business you often visit to practice describing places that might offer support or community connections. Additionally, you can describe a situation where you had to take a leadership role to demonstrate how you might support others in challenging situations.