In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners look for fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that students encounter is describing a person who has helped them achieve something. This guide will help you understand how to craft high-scoring responses and provide detailed sample answers for practice.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Examiners often start with topics related to everyday life to help you ease into the test. Here are some typical questions you might encounter:
- Can you tell me about a close friend of yours?
- Do you enjoy helping others?
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: Do you enjoy helping others?
A: Yes, I thoroughly enjoy assisting others because it gives me a sense of fulfillment. For instance, I often help my friends with their studies, which not only enhances my understanding but also benefits them. Helping others also strengthens our relationships and builds a supportive community.
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
You should talk about a person who has significantly helped you achieve something. Here’s a cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who has helped you achieve something.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they helped you achieve
- Explain how this person’s support was important to you
Sample Answer:
There is a remarkable person who has immensely influenced my life by helping me achieve my goal of entering university — my high school teacher, Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith, who taught me English, has always been a great mentor.
I met him during my sophomore year in high school, and he stood out because of his passionate teaching style and dedication to students. He guided me through the university application process, offering invaluable advice on writing my personal statement and preparing for interviews.
Several times a week, we would discuss my progress, and he would provide constructive feedback. His support was crucial because it kept me motivated and focused. Without his help, I might not have achieved my goal. Testing in practice exams and his encouragement gave me the confidence to excel.
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiners will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 3.
Q: In your opinion, what qualities make someone a good mentor?
A: I believe that a good mentor possesses patience, empathy, and expertise in their field. Patience is essential because learning can be a slow process, and a mentor needs to be supportive and understanding. Empathy is important to build a strong connection with the mentee. Lastly, having a strong knowledge base ensures that they can give reliable and accurate guidance.
Q: How can schools and universities encourage students to help each other?
A: Schools and universities can cultivate a helpful environment by promoting peer tutoring programs and collaborative group projects. These initiatives encourage students to share their knowledge and resources. Institutions should also recognize and reward acts of support, thereby incentivizing students to engage in mutual help.
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary
- Fulfillment: /fʊlˈfɪlmənt/ – a feeling of happiness and satisfaction.
- Constructive feedback: Useful suggestions for improvement.
- Mentor: /ˈmen.tɔːr/ – an experienced and trusted advisor.
- Personal statement: An essay required for university application detailing one’s aspirations and qualifications.
Structures
- Relative Clauses: “Mr. Smith, who taught me English, has always been a great mentor.”
- Complex Sentences: “Several times a week, we would discuss my progress, and he would provide constructive feedback.”
- Emphasis: “Without his help, I might not have achieved my goal.”
III. Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice will improve fluency and reduce hesitation.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary and Grammar: Diverse language use demonstrates proficiency.
- Speak Clearly and Confidently: Clear pronunciation and coherent structure contribute to higher scores.
- Stay on Topic: Make sure you answer all parts of the question.
By applying these strategies and studying the sample answers, you should improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when asked to describe a person who has helped you achieve something. For similar topics, you may explore descriptions of helping friends, achieving goals, and dealing with inspiring experiences.
Feel free to explore these related topics to further enhance your fluency and confidence: