The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about influential people in our lives. One common topic is describing someone who helped you achieve an important goal. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to excel in this task.

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for. When asked to Describe A Person Who Helped You Achieve Something Important, the examiner wants to assess your ability to:

1. Provide a clear and detailed description of the person
2. Explain the importance of their help
3. Discuss the impact of their assistance on your achievement
4. Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
5. Speak fluently and coherently

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you often ask for help when you’re trying to achieve something?
A: (Band 6-7) Yes, I sometimes do. I believe it’s important to seek advice from others, especially when facing challenges.
A: (Band 8-9) Absolutely. I’m a firm believer in the power of collaboration and mentorship. Seeking guidance from those with more experience or expertise can be invaluable in achieving our goals.

Q: Who do you usually turn to for help?
A: (Band 6-7) I usually turn to my family or close friends. They know me well and can offer good advice.
A: (Band 8-9) I tend to seek out individuals with relevant expertise in the area I’m focusing on. This could be mentors, colleagues, or even professionals in the field. I find that targeted advice is often the most beneficial.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a person who helped you achieve something important.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How this person helped you
• What you achieved
• And explain why this achievement 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 improve my math skills significantly.

Mr. Johnson was a very patient and dedicated teacher. He noticed that I was struggling with math and offered to give me extra lessons after school. He explained concepts in a way that was easy for me to understand and gave me lots of practice problems.

With his help, I was able to improve my math grades from a C to an A. This was a big achievement for me because math had always been my weakest subject.

This achievement was important to me because it boosted my confidence and helped me get into a good university. It also taught me the value of hard work and perseverance.

Mr. Johnson’s support made a big difference in my life, and I’m very grateful for his help.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to discuss my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, a renowned researcher in the field of environmental science, who played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my goal of publishing my first research paper.

Dr. Chen is an esteemed professor at my university, known for her groundbreaking work in sustainable development. She took me under her wing when I expressed interest in conducting research on urban green spaces.

Her assistance was multifaceted and invaluable. She guided me through the intricacies of research methodology, helped me refine my hypothesis, and provided constructive feedback on my drafts. Moreover, she introduced me to her network of fellow researchers, which opened up new avenues for collaboration and data collection.

With her mentorship, I successfully authored a paper on the impact of urban green spaces on mental health, which was published in a peer-reviewed journal. This was a monumental achievement for me as an undergraduate student.

The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated. It marked a significant milestone in my academic journey, boosting my credibility in the field and paving the way for future research opportunities. Furthermore, it solidified my passion for environmental science and reaffirmed my career path.

Dr. Chen’s guidance went beyond just helping me with the paper. She instilled in me the values of scientific rigor, perseverance, and the importance of contributing to the body of knowledge in our field. Her mentorship has been transformative, shaping not just my academic pursuits but also my professional ethos.

IELTS Speaking Mentor

Follow-up Questions

Q: How did this person’s help change your perspective on achieving goals?
A: (Band 6-7) Mr. Johnson’s help made me realize that with the right support and hard work, I can overcome challenges and achieve my goals.
A: (Band 8-9) Dr. Chen’s mentorship revolutionized my approach to goal-setting and achievement. Her guidance illuminated the importance of seeking expert advice, meticulous planning, and persistent effort. It instilled in me the belief that with the right mentorship and dedication, even the most ambitious objectives are attainable.

Q: Do you think it’s important to acknowledge the help we receive from others?
A: (Band 6-7) Yes, I think it’s very important. It shows gratitude and helps build good relationships.
A: (Band 8-9) Absolutely. Acknowledging others’ contributions is paramount in both personal and professional spheres. It not only demonstrates gratitude but also fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support. Recognizing the role others play in our success cultivates humility and strengthens interpersonal bonds, which are crucial for long-term success in any field.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: How has the role of mentors changed in modern society?
A: (Band 6-7) I think mentors are still important, but now we have more ways to connect with them, like through the internet and social media.
A: (Band 8-9) The role of mentors has evolved significantly in our digital age. While the core essence of mentorship – guidance and support – remains unchanged, the modes of interaction have diversified. Virtual mentorship has become increasingly prevalent, transcending geographical boundaries and allowing for more flexible and frequent communication. Moreover, the concept of mentorship has expanded beyond traditional hierarchical relationships, with peer mentoring and reverse mentoring gaining traction. This shift reflects the recognition that valuable insights can come from various sources, fostering a more collaborative and inclusive approach to personal and professional development.

Q: In what ways can society encourage more people to become mentors?
A: (Band 6-7) I think we can promote mentoring programs in schools and workplaces, and maybe offer some kind of rewards for mentors.
A: (Band 8-9) Encouraging mentorship on a societal level requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, raising awareness about the mutual benefits of mentorship for both mentors and mentees is crucial. Implementing formal mentorship programs in educational institutions and corporations can provide structure and support. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding mentorship efforts in performance evaluations and career advancement decisions can serve as a tangible incentive. Creating platforms for mentor-mentee matching, similar to professional networking sites, could facilitate connections. Lastly, fostering a culture that values knowledge-sharing and collaborative growth is essential in cultivating a mentorship mindset across generations and professions.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Pivotal role (adjective phrase): /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ – Critically important
   Example: Her support played a pivotal role in my success.

2. Multifaceted (adjective): /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many aspects or features
   Example: His assistance was multifaceted, covering various areas of the project.

3. To take someone under one’s wing (idiom): To guide and protect someone
   Example: My professor took me under her wing during my research project.

4. To pave the way (idiom): To make subsequent developments possible
   Example: This achievement paved the way for my future career in science.

5. Transformative (adjective): /trænsˈfɔːrmətɪv/ – Causing a major change
   Example: Her mentorship had a transformative effect on my professional life.

6. To instill (verb): /ɪnˈstɪl/ – To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
   Example: My mentor instilled in me the importance of ethical research practices.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in this task:

1. Practice describing people in detail, focusing on their qualities and actions.
2. Prepare examples of achievements and be ready to explain their importance.
3. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
4. Speak fluently by organizing your thoughts before you start.
5. Include personal reflections to demonstrate critical thinking.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and preparation. Good luck with your exam!

For more IELTS speaking tips, check out our guide on how to describe a time when you made a difficult personal decision, which can help you further improve your speaking skills.