The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who has helped you achieve an important goal. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to talk about personal experiences, relationships, and achievements. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about people who have helped you or influenced your life. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you often ask for help when you’re trying to achieve something?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. For complex tasks or ambitious goals, I’m not hesitant to seek advice or assistance from those with more experience. However, for day-to-day objectives, I usually prefer to tackle them independently to build my problem-solving skills. I believe there’s a fine balance between being self-reliant and knowing when to reach out for support.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has helped you achieve an important 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 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my high school physics teacher, Mr. Johnson, who played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my goal of getting into a top engineering university.
Mr. Johnson was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor who recognized my passion for physics and took me under his wing. The goal he helped me achieve was securing a place at MIT, which had been my dream since childhood.
His assistance was multifaceted. Firstly, he went above and beyond the regular curriculum, providing me with advanced materials and challenging problems that stretched my intellectual capabilities. He would often stay after school to explain complex concepts and guide me through difficult experiments.
Moreover, Mr. Johnson encouraged me to participate in various science competitions and olympiads. He spent countless hours helping me prepare, refining my problem-solving skills, and boosting my confidence. His belief in my abilities pushed me to excel in these competitions, which significantly strengthened my university application.
Perhaps most importantly, Mr. Johnson wrote a glowing letter of recommendation for my MIT application, highlighting not just my academic achievements but also my passion and potential in the field of physics.
His help was crucial because it went beyond just academic support. Mr. Johnson instilled in me a deep love for scientific inquiry and showed me the importance of perseverance. He didn’t just help me achieve a goal; he shaped my approach to learning and problem-solving, skills that have been invaluable throughout my academic journey.
In retrospect, I realize that without Mr. Johnson’s guidance and support, I might not have had the confidence or the skills necessary to pursue my dream of studying at MIT. His influence extended far beyond that single achievement, laying the foundation for my entire career in engineering.”
High school physics teacher helping student achieve goal
Follow-up questions:
- How did you express your gratitude to Mr. Johnson?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“I made sure to thank Mr. Johnson personally before graduating, expressing how much his mentorship meant to me. Additionally, I sent him a heartfelt letter after I was accepted to MIT, detailing the impact he had on my academic journey. I’ve also made it a point to stay in touch and update him on my progress, which I believe he appreciates as an educator.”
- Do you think it’s important for teachers to go beyond their regular duties to help students?
Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. While it’s not always feasible due to time constraints and large class sizes, teachers who go the extra mile can have a profound impact on their students’ lives. This kind of dedication can ignite a passion for learning, boost students’ confidence, and help them reach their full potential. It’s often these above-and-beyond efforts that students remember long after they’ve left school, and which can shape their future paths. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this shouldn’t be an expectation but rather appreciated when it occurs.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk more about the role of mentors in achieving goals. Do you think having a mentor is essential for success in today’s world?”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“While I wouldn’t say it’s absolutely essential, having a mentor can certainly be a significant advantage in today’s competitive world. A good mentor provides not just knowledge and skills, but also invaluable insights into navigating one’s chosen field. They can offer guidance based on their own experiences, help avoid common pitfalls, and provide networking opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Moreover, in our rapidly changing world, where industries and job markets are constantly evolving, a mentor can help keep one’s skills relevant and provide a broader perspective on career development. They can also offer emotional support and encouragement, which is crucial when facing challenges or setbacks.
However, it’s important to note that success is ultimately determined by an individual’s own efforts, dedication, and ability to learn and adapt. While a mentor can provide a substantial boost, many successful people have achieved great things through self-study, perseverance, and learning from a variety of sources rather than relying on a single mentor.
In essence, while having a mentor isn’t a guarantee of success, it can certainly accelerate one’s progress and open doors that might otherwise remain closed. The key is to approach mentorship as a tool for growth rather than a shortcut to success.”
Examiner: “How has the concept of mentorship changed with the advent of technology and social media?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology and social media have revolutionized the concept of mentorship in several ways. Firstly, they’ve expanded access to potential mentors beyond geographical limitations. Through platforms like LinkedIn or industry-specific forums, individuals can connect with experts and leaders in their field from around the world.
Online mentorship programs and virtual coaching sessions have become increasingly common, allowing for flexible and convenient interactions. This has made mentorship more accessible to people who might not have had such opportunities in the past due to location or time constraints.
Social media has also created a form of passive mentorship, where people can learn from industry leaders by following their posts, watching their videos, or reading their blogs. This provides insights and advice on a larger scale, although it lacks the personalized guidance of traditional mentorship.
However, these changes also bring challenges. The abundance of information and potential mentors online can be overwhelming, and it’s crucial to discern quality advice from noise. Additionally, building deep, meaningful mentor-mentee relationships might be more challenging in a purely digital context.
Overall, while technology has made mentorship more accessible and diverse, it hasn’t replaced the value of personalized, one-on-one guidance. The most effective approach often combines both traditional and modern forms of mentorship.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Pivotal role (adjective + noun): Crucial or vitally important.
Example: My sister played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue a career in medicine.To go above and beyond (phrasal verb): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: Our team leader always goes above and beyond to ensure our projects are successful.To stretch one’s capabilities (idiom): To push oneself to the limit of one’s abilities.
Example: This new project is really stretching my capabilities, but I’m learning so much.To instill (verb): To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: My parents instilled in me the importance of hard work and perseverance.To lay the foundation (idiom): To create a basis for future development.
Example: The skills I learned in my first job laid the foundation for my entire career.Multifaceted (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The solution to climate change requires a multifaceted approach.To ignite a passion (phrase): To awaken a strong interest or enthusiasm.
Example: That first astronomy class ignited my passion for studying the universe.Profound impact (adjective + noun): A deep and significant effect.
Example: The mentor’s guidance had a profound impact on the student’s career choices.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has helped you achieve an important goal:
- Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary to bring your narrative to life.
- Structure your answer logically, addressing all parts of the question.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Show reflection on the experience and its significance to you.
- Practice speaking about different influential people in your life to be prepared for various questions.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and structures, make sure your answer remains genuine and personal. This balance will help you describe a time when you helped someone with an important task or describe a person who has helped you in difficult times effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.