The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic is describing someone who has had a significant impact on your life, particularly in helping you achieve a goal. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, focusing on the topic “Describe a person who has helped you achieve a goal.”
Understanding the Topic
This topic is frequently featured in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, where candidates are required to speak at length about a specific subject. It’s essential to be prepared for this type of question as it allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, express gratitude, and articulate personal experiences.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While this topic is more likely to appear in Part 2, related questions might come up in Part 1. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Sample Question: “Do you often ask for help when you’re trying to achieve something?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do ask for help sometimes. I think it’s important to be able to rely on others when needed. For example, when I was preparing for my university entrance exams, I often asked my teachers for advice on study techniques.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in the power of collaboration and mentorship. I find that seeking guidance from those with more experience can be invaluable in achieving one’s goals. For instance, when I was working on launching my own small business, I frequently consulted with established entrepreneurs in my network, which proved to be tremendously beneficial in navigating the complexities of starting a company.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has helped you achieve a goal.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What goal they helped you achieve
- How they helped you
- And explain why their help was important to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my high school math teacher, Mr. Johnson, who helped me achieve my goal of improving my math skills.
Mr. Johnson was known for his passion for mathematics and his ability to make complex concepts easy to understand. When I started high school, I was struggling with math and felt very discouraged. However, Mr. Johnson noticed my difficulties and offered to help.
He helped me by staying after school twice a week to provide extra tutoring. During these sessions, he would patiently explain concepts I found challenging and give me additional practice problems. He also taught me different problem-solving strategies that I could apply to various types of math questions.
His help was incredibly important to me because it not only improved my math grades but also boosted my confidence. Thanks to Mr. Johnson’s support, I went from barely passing math to achieving an A in my final year. This improvement opened up more opportunities for me in terms of university choices and potential career paths.
Mr. Johnson’s dedication and belief in my abilities made a lasting impact on my academic journey and my approach to overcoming challenges.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, who played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my goal of publishing my first research paper in a reputable scientific journal.
Dr. Chen is a distinguished professor in the field of molecular biology at my university. She’s renowned for her groundbreaking research and her commitment to nurturing young scientists. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my final year of undergraduate studies.
Dr. Chen’s assistance was multifaceted and invaluable. Firstly, she helped me refine my research question, ensuring it was both novel and feasible. She then guided me through the intricate process of designing experiments, teaching me how to create robust methodologies that would yield reliable results.
Perhaps most crucially, Dr. Chen taught me the art of scientific writing. She patiently reviewed multiple drafts of my paper, providing constructive feedback that helped me hone my ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Her expertise in navigating the peer review process was also instrumental in helping me address reviewers’ comments effectively.
The importance of Dr. Chen’s help cannot be overstated. Her mentorship not only resulted in the successful publication of my paper but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the scientific process. She taught me the value of persistence, attention to detail, and intellectual rigor – lessons that have profoundly influenced my approach to research and my career aspirations.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue a career in scientific research. Her mentorship opened doors to prestigious internships and graduate school opportunities that I might not have considered otherwise.
In essence, Dr. Chen’s guidance transcended the immediate goal of publishing a paper. She became a role model, demonstrating the impact a dedicated mentor can have on shaping a young scientist’s career. Her influence continues to inspire and motivate me as I progress in my scientific journey.”
Follow-up Questions
- How did this experience change your perspective on seeking help?
- Do you think it’s important for people to have mentors? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience definitely made me more open to asking for help. I realized that it’s not a sign of weakness, but actually a smart way to learn and improve. About mentors, I think they’re really valuable. They can share their experience and knowledge, which can save us a lot of time and help us avoid mistakes.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This experience was truly transformative in terms of how I view seeking assistance. It shattered my preconceptions about self-reliance and made me appreciate the power of collaborative learning. I’ve come to understand that seeking help is not only a sign of self-awareness but also a catalyst for personal growth.
Regarding mentors, I believe they play a crucial role in both personal and professional development. A good mentor can provide invaluable insights, offer constructive criticism, and help navigate complex challenges. They serve as a bridge between theory and practice, offering real-world wisdom that often can’t be found in textbooks. Moreover, mentors can open doors to opportunities and networks that might otherwise be inaccessible. In essence, a mentor can accelerate one’s learning curve and provide a broader perspective on one’s chosen field, which I find immensely valuable in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
Examiner: “Do you think modern technology has changed the way people seek help or mentorship?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think technology has definitely changed how we seek help. With the internet, we can easily find online courses or tutorials for almost anything. Social media and professional networking sites also make it easier to connect with experts or potential mentors from around the world. However, I think face-to-face mentorship still has its advantages, like building stronger relationships.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, technology has revolutionized the landscape of mentorship and assistance-seeking. The digital age has democratized access to knowledge and expertise in unprecedented ways. Online platforms like LinkedIn, Coursera, and even YouTube have created vast ecosystems of learning and networking opportunities. These platforms allow individuals to transcend geographical barriers and connect with experts and mentors globally.
Moreover, the rise of virtual mentorship programs and online communities has made it possible for people to receive guidance and support in niche areas that might not be available locally. This has been particularly beneficial for individuals in remote areas or those seeking specialized knowledge.
However, it’s crucial to note that while technology has expanded opportunities, it has also altered the nature of mentorship. Digital interactions, while convenient, may lack the depth and nuance of face-to-face relationships. The immediacy and non-verbal cues present in personal interactions can be challenging to replicate online.
Furthermore, the abundance of information available online can be overwhelming, making it difficult to discern quality advice from noise. This highlights the continued importance of critical thinking skills and the ability to vet sources effectively.
In essence, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced our ability to seek help and mentorship, it has also created new challenges. The key lies in leveraging the benefits of technology while not losing sight of the value of personal, meaningful connections in mentorship relationships.”
Examiner: “How do you think the role of mentors might change in the future?”
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think mentors will still be important in the future, but their role might change a bit. With so much information available online, mentors might focus more on helping people apply knowledge rather than just providing information. They might also help more with networking and giving career advice. As jobs change quickly due to technology, mentors could be really valuable in helping people adapt to new situations.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The role of mentors is likely to undergo a significant evolution in the coming years, shaped by technological advancements and changing societal needs. I anticipate several key shifts in mentorship dynamics:
Firstly, mentors will likely become more specialized and niche-focused. As fields of knowledge become increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, mentors may need to offer more targeted expertise rather than general guidance. This could lead to the rise of micro-mentoring, where individuals seek advice from multiple mentors for different aspects of their personal or professional development.
Secondly, the concept of reverse mentoring may gain more prominence. In this model, younger individuals mentor older colleagues, particularly in areas like technology adoption, digital trends, and evolving social norms. This approach recognizes that knowledge flow can be bidirectional and values the unique insights of different generations.
Thirdly, mentors may need to place greater emphasis on developing adaptability and resilience in their mentees. In a rapidly changing job market characterized by automation and AI, the ability to pivot and continuously learn will be crucial. Mentors could play a vital role in fostering these skills and helping individuals navigate career transitions.
Furthermore, mentorship may become more fluid and short-term. Instead of long-term, one-on-one relationships, we might see more project-based or goal-specific mentoring arrangements. This could allow for more diverse mentoring experiences and exposure to a wider range of perspectives.
Lastly, mentors may need to become more adept at virtual engagement. As remote work becomes more prevalent, the ability to build rapport and provide effective guidance through digital platforms will be essential.
In essence, while the fundamental role of mentors in providing guidance and support will remain, the methods, focus, and structure of mentorship are likely to become more dynamic and adaptive to meet the evolving needs of individuals in a rapidly changing world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (noun phrase): Crucially important function
Example: “My professor played a pivotal role in shaping my research career.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features
Example: “Her assistance was multifaceted, covering various aspects of the project.” -
Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adjective): Extremely useful or indispensable
Example: “His advice was invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges.” -
Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): Gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: “The experience instilled in me a deep appreciation for teamwork.” -
Transcend /trænˈsend/ (verb): Go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: “Her influence transcended the immediate goal and shaped my entire career.” -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Their support was a catalyst for my personal growth.” -
Ecosystem /ˈiːkoʊsɪstəm/ (noun): A complex network or interconnected system
Example: “Online platforms have created vast ecosystems of learning opportunities.” -
Democratize /dɪˈmɑːkrətaɪz/ (verb): Make something accessible to everyone
Example: “Technology has democratized access to expert knowledge.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who has helped you achieve a goal:
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Use specific examples: Provide detailed, personal anecdotes to illustrate your points.
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Employ a range of vocabulary: Utilize sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions appropriately.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: Show your ability to analyze the impact of the person’s help beyond the immediate goal.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without hesitation or repetition.
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Use complex sentence structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
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Show enthusiasm: Express genuine appreciation and enthusiasm when discussing the person’s impact on your life.
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Connect ideas coherently: Ensure your response flows logically from one point to the next.
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Reflect on the experience: Discuss how the experience changed your perspective or influenced your future actions.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English language content are key to improving your speaking skills. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a person with a lot of determination or discussing group activities, which can provide additional insights into effective communication strategies.