The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a person who has helped you during a challenging period. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to express gratitude, describe character traits, and narrate past events. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, you may encounter questions related to people who have helped you. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Question: “Do you often ask for help when you’re in difficult situations?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. Generally speaking, I prefer to tackle challenges independently first. However, I’m not too proud to seek assistance when I genuinely need it. I believe that reaching out for support is a sign of strength rather than weakness. In fact, I’ve learned that collaborating with others often leads to more innovative solutions and personal growth.”
Describe an important lesson you learned from your family
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has helped you in a difficult time
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How this person helped you
- What the difficult situation was
- And explain why their help was important to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Sarah, who really helped me during a tough time in my life. It was about two years ago when I was going through a difficult breakup and was feeling really down. Sarah was there for me every step of the way.
She helped me in many ways. Firstly, she was always available to listen to me when I needed to talk. She would come over to my place and we’d spend hours just chatting. She also encouraged me to get out of the house and do fun activities to take my mind off things.
The situation was difficult because it was my first serious relationship and I felt lost and confused after it ended. I was struggling to focus on my work and other aspects of my life.
Sarah’s help was important because she gave me the emotional support I needed. Her positivity and encouragement helped me regain my confidence and move forward. Without her, I think it would have taken me much longer to get over the breakup and feel like myself again.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Johnson, who provided invaluable assistance during a particularly challenging phase of my academic career. This occurred approximately 18 months ago when I was grappling with the complexities of my postgraduate research project.
Dr. Johnson’s support was multifaceted and instrumental. Primarily, he offered expert guidance on refining my research methodology, which was crucial given the intricate nature of my study. Moreover, he went above and beyond by connecting me with other professionals in the field, thereby expanding my network and access to resources. His unwavering belief in my abilities also served as a constant source of motivation.
The situation was exceptionally demanding as I was facing a significant roadblock in my data analysis. The sheer volume and complexity of the data were overwhelming, and I was struggling to draw meaningful conclusions. This impasse was not only jeopardizing my project but also affecting my overall confidence as a researcher.
Dr. Johnson’s assistance was paramount for several reasons. Firstly, his extensive experience and profound insights helped me navigate through the analytical challenges, enabling me to uncover patterns that I had previously overlooked. Secondly, his mentorship extended beyond mere academic guidance; he taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and critical thinking in research. Lastly, the collaborative approach he fostered instilled in me a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary work and the importance of seeking diverse perspectives. In essence, Dr. Johnson’s support not only salvaged my project but also significantly enhanced my skills as a researcher, leaving an indelible impact on my academic journey.”
Mentor guiding student through research challenge
Follow-up Questions
- How did this experience change your perspective on seeking help?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly eye-opening for me. It fundamentally shifted my perspective on seeking assistance. Previously, I had a tendency to view asking for help as a sign of weakness or incompetence. However, Dr. Johnson’s mentorship demonstrated unequivocally that collaboration and guidance are integral to personal and professional growth. I now understand that leveraging the expertise of others doesn’t diminish my own capabilities; rather, it enhances them. This realization has made me more open to seeking advice and support in various aspects of my life, which has led to more robust problem-solving and accelerated learning.”
- Do you think it’s easier or harder for people to ask for help nowadays?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think it’s a bit of both, actually. On one hand, technology has made it easier to reach out to people for help. We can send a quick message or email anytime. There are also lots of online forums and communities where people can ask for advice. But on the other hand, social media can make people feel like they need to look perfect all the time. This might make them hesitate to admit they’re struggling and need help. So while it’s technically easier to ask for help, there might be more social pressure not to.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s consider the broader implications of helping others. How do you think society benefits when people help each other during difficult times?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The benefits of mutual support in society are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, it fosters a sense of community and social cohesion. When individuals assist one another during challenging periods, it strengthens interpersonal bonds and creates a network of trust. This social fabric is crucial for the overall resilience of a community.
Moreover, a culture of helping others can lead to more efficient problem-solving on a societal level. When people share their expertise and resources, it often results in innovative solutions to complex issues. This collaborative approach can be particularly beneficial in addressing large-scale challenges such as economic crises or natural disasters.
Additionally, the act of helping others has been shown to have positive psychological effects not just on the recipient, but also on the giver. This can contribute to improved mental health and well-being across the population, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Furthermore, a society that values mutual assistance tends to be more equitable. It provides a safety net for vulnerable individuals and can help bridge socioeconomic gaps. This, in turn, can lead to greater social mobility and a more stable society overall.
Lastly, the practice of helping others often perpetuates itself. Those who have been assisted in difficult times are more likely to pay it forward, creating a positive cycle of support and empathy within the community. This can lead to a more compassionate and harmonious society in the long run.”
Describe a time you helped a friend through a challenge
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Her support was multifaceted, encompassing emotional, practical, and professional assistance.”Instrumental /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ (adjective): Serving as a crucial means or agency.
Example: “His guidance was instrumental in helping me overcome the challenge.”To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “My mentor went above and beyond by dedicating extra time to review my work.”Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective): Steady and resolute; not wavering.
Example: “Her unwavering support gave me the strength to persevere.”Paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ (adjective): Of utmost importance; supreme.
Example: “His assistance was paramount to the success of my project.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person who helped you in a difficult time:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to portray the person and their actions vividly.
- Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses.
- Provide specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate the impact of the person’s help.
- Reflect on the emotional and practical significance of the assistance you received.
- Practice speaking about different people who have helped you in various situations to improve your fluency and range of expression.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a time you overcame a fear
By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and well-structured responses, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this common IELTS Speaking topic and demonstrate your English proficiency effectively.