Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Supportive Person in Challenging Times

Introduction

Describing a person who has helped you during difficult times is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express gratitude, describe personal relationships, and articulate emotional experiences. Given its frequency in past exams and its relevance to human experiences, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future IELTS Speaking tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to support and relationships. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you often ask for help when you face difficulties?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. For minor challenges, I usually try to tackle them on my own first. However, when I encounter more complex issues, I don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or colleagues for advice or assistance. I believe that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it often leads to more effective problem-solving.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a person who has helped you in difficult times

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 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my high school English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, who provided invaluable support during a particularly challenging time in my life.

Mrs. Thompson was not just an ordinary teacher; she was a mentor and a source of inspiration for many students, including myself. Her dedication to her profession and her genuine care for her students’ well-being set her apart from other educators I’ve encountered.

The difficult situation arose during my final year of high school when I was struggling with severe anxiety about my upcoming exams and university applications. The pressure was overwhelming, and I found myself losing confidence in my abilities, particularly in English, which was crucial for my future plans.

Mrs. Thompson noticed my distress and took the initiative to help me. She offered extra tutoring sessions after school, patiently working through practice essays and exam questions with me. But her support went beyond academic assistance. She also took the time to listen to my concerns and fears, offering words of encouragement and practical advice on stress management.

What made her help so important was the holistic approach she took. She didn’t just focus on improving my English skills; she helped me build my self-confidence and develop coping strategies that I still use today. Her belief in my abilities gave me the strength to persevere through that difficult period.

Thanks to Mrs. Thompson’s support, I not only improved my English grades significantly but also learned valuable life lessons about resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed. Her impact on my life extends far beyond that challenging time, influencing my approach to obstacles and my own desire to help others in need.

In retrospect, Mrs. Thompson’s assistance was a turning point in my academic journey and personal growth. Her selfless dedication and genuine care exemplify the profound impact a supportive individual can have during difficult times.”

Teacher mentoring a student

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this experience change your perspective on seeking help?
2. Do you think you would have overcome the challenge without this person’s help?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “This experience was truly eye-opening for me. It fundamentally changed my view on seeking help, making me realize that it’s not a sign of weakness, but rather a strategic approach to personal growth. I learned that everyone, regardless of their capabilities, can benefit from support and guidance. Now, I’m much more proactive in seeking assistance when faced with challenges, understanding that it often leads to more comprehensive solutions and faster personal development.”

2. “While I’d like to think I would have eventually overcome the challenge, I’m certain the process would have been much more arduous and potentially detrimental to my overall well-being without Mrs. Thompson’s help. Her support not only helped me navigate that specific difficult period but also equipped me with invaluable tools for facing future challenges. The confidence and resilience I gained through her mentorship have been instrumental in my subsequent successes, both academically and personally.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:

Question 1: How do you think society benefits when people help each other during difficult times?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that when people support each other during challenging periods, it creates a ripple effect of positivity throughout society. Firstly, it fosters a sense of community and solidarity, which is crucial for societal cohesion. When individuals know they can rely on others in times of need, it creates a safety net that encourages people to take positive risks and pursue personal growth.

Moreover, mutual support often leads to more efficient problem-solving on a larger scale. When people pool their resources, knowledge, and skills to address difficulties, they can often find innovative solutions that might not have been possible individually. This collaborative approach can lead to advancements in various fields, from technology to social welfare.

Additionally, a culture of helping others promotes empathy and understanding among diverse groups. When people assist those outside their immediate circle, it breaks down barriers and fosters cross-cultural connections. This increased empathy can lead to more inclusive policies and a more harmonious society overall.

Lastly, the act of helping others has been shown to have positive psychological effects on both the giver and the receiver. This can contribute to improved mental health on a societal level, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems and increasing overall productivity and well-being.

In essence, a society that embraces mutual support during difficult times is likely to be more resilient, innovative, and compassionate, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life for all its members.”

Diverse community supporting each other

Question 2: Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to in the past?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“This is a complex issue, and I believe there are arguments on both sides. On one hand, our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and increased focus on individual success might make some people less inclined to take time out to help others. The anonymity of urban living can sometimes lead to a sense of disconnection from our communities.

However, I would argue that people today are actually more aware of global issues and more willing to help on a larger scale. Social media and technology have made it easier than ever to connect with causes and organize support efforts. We see this in the rise of crowdfunding for individuals in need and the rapid response to natural disasters worldwide.

Moreover, volunteering and corporate social responsibility initiatives are becoming increasingly popular, suggesting a growing awareness of the importance of helping others. Many young people today are actively seeking ways to make a positive impact on society.

So while the nature of how we help others might have changed, I don’t believe people are inherently less willing to help. Instead, we’re seeing new forms of support emerging, often facilitated by technology and a greater awareness of global issues.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Mentor /ˈmentɔːr/ (noun): An experienced and trusted adviser.
   Example: “My professor acted as a mentor throughout my research project.”

2. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Her resilience in the face of adversity was truly inspiring.”

3. Holistic approach /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): Dealing with or treating the whole of something or someone and not just a part.
   Example: “The counselor took a holistic approach to address the student’s academic and emotional needs.”

4. Turning point /ˈtɜːnɪŋ pɔɪnt/ (noun): A time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially one with beneficial results.
   Example: “Winning that competition was a turning point in her career.”

5. Proactive /prəʊˈæktɪv/ (adjective): Creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened.
   Example: “He took a proactive approach to problem-solving, anticipating issues before they arose.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who has helped you in difficult times:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and phrases to vividly portray the person and the situation.

2. Provide specific examples: Don’t just state facts; illustrate your points with concrete examples and personal anecdotes.

3. Show reflection: Demonstrate how the experience affected you and what you learned from it.

4. Use complex sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.

5. Stay coherent: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one point to the next.

6. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or repetitions.

7. Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest and enthusiasm in your responses.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more confident and articulate in the IELTS Speaking test. Consider recording yourself and analyzing your responses to identify areas for improvement.

For more tips on IELTS Speaking preparation, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a famous tourist attraction in your country
• Describe a person who has helped you achieve your goals
• Describe a time when you helped someone in a difficult situation

By applying these strategies and continuously expanding your vocabulary and knowledge base, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in the IELTS Speaking test.