The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and relationships. One common topic that frequently appears is describing someone who has supported you during challenging times. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about people who have helped you. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you often ask for help when you’re facing difficulties?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say it depends on the situation. For minor issues, I usually try to handle them on my own first. However, when I’m dealing with more significant challenges, I’ve learned that it’s often beneficial to reach out for support. I believe that seeking assistance from others not only helps solve problems more efficiently but also strengthens relationships and promotes personal growth.”
Describe a person who taught you how to be resilient can be a similar topic that may come up in the IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss such experiences can demonstrate your ability to reflect on personal growth and relationships.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who helped you through a tough time
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What the tough time was
- How this person helped you
- 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 difficult period in my life. About two years ago, I was going through a tough time when I lost my job unexpectedly. It was a shock, and I felt really down and worried about my future.
Sarah was there for me throughout this challenging period. She listened to my concerns without judgment and offered emotional support. She helped me update my resume and practiced mock interviews with me. Sarah also introduced me to some job opportunities through her network.
Her help was crucial because she not only provided practical assistance but also boosted my confidence when I needed it most. Her unwavering belief in me helped me stay positive and motivated during my job search.
Thanks to Sarah’s support, I was able to find a new job that I enjoy even more than my previous one. Her help during that tough time really strengthened our friendship, and I’m incredibly grateful for her support.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience about my mentor, Dr. Johnson, who was instrumental in helping me navigate through an exceptionally challenging period in my academic career. During my final year of university, I was struggling to complete my thesis while simultaneously dealing with some personal health issues.
Dr. Johnson, my thesis advisor, went above and beyond his role to support me. He demonstrated remarkable empathy and understanding of my situation. He meticulously reviewed my work, providing insightful feedback and constructive criticism that significantly improved the quality of my research. Moreover, he was flexible with deadlines, allowing me to prioritize my health without compromising the academic rigor of my work.
What struck me most about Dr. Johnson’s assistance was his holistic approach. He didn’t just focus on the academic aspects but also offered valuable advice on managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He introduced me to mindfulness techniques and encouraged me to seek professional help for my health concerns.
The importance of Dr. Johnson’s support cannot be overstated. His guidance not only enabled me to successfully complete my thesis but also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, time management, and the importance of seeking help when needed. His mentorship transcended the academic realm and had a profound impact on my personal growth and professional development.
This experience with Dr. Johnson has shaped my approach to facing challenges. It taught me the value of having a strong support system and the importance of being that support for others when they face their own tough times.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your relationship with this person?
- What qualities do you think are important in someone who helps others through difficult times?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This experience undoubtedly strengthened my relationship with Dr. Johnson. It transformed our typical student-teacher dynamic into a more profound mentorship. I developed a deep sense of respect and admiration for his wisdom and compassion. Moreover, it fostered a sense of trust that extended beyond academic matters. Even after graduating, I’ve maintained contact with him, seeking his advice on career decisions and life challenges. His support during that tough time laid the foundation for a lasting and meaningful relationship that continues to enrich my personal and professional life.”
Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“In my opinion, several qualities are crucial for someone helping others through difficult times. Firstly, empathy is paramount – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Secondly, patience is essential, as recovery or problem-solving often takes time. Active listening skills are also vital, allowing the helper to truly understand the situation without judgment. Additionally, reliability and consistency in support can provide a sense of stability during turbulent times. Lastly, the capacity to offer practical advice or assistance, coupled with the wisdom to know when to step back and allow the person to find their own solutions, is invaluable. These qualities collectively create a supportive environment that can significantly aid someone navigating through tough times.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: How do you think society benefits when people help each other through difficult times?
A (Band 7-8): “I believe that when people support each other during tough times, it creates a stronger, more cohesive society. This kind of mutual support fosters a sense of community and builds social capital. It can lead to increased empathy and understanding among people, which in turn can reduce conflict and promote social harmony. Moreover, when individuals receive help during difficult times, they’re more likely to pay it forward in the future, creating a positive cycle of support within the community.”
Q: Do you think the ability to help others through tough times is a natural trait or something that can be learned?
A (Band 8-9): “While some individuals may have a natural inclination towards empathy and supportiveness, I firmly believe that the ability to effectively help others through tough times is largely a learned skill. It requires a combination of emotional intelligence, active listening, problem-solving abilities, and often, specific knowledge about the challenges at hand.
These skills can be cultivated through experience, formal training, and conscious effort. For instance, many professions such as counseling, social work, and even management roles often provide training in supportive communication and crisis intervention. Additionally, personal experiences of receiving help during difficult times can serve as powerful learning opportunities, allowing individuals to understand what types of support are most effective.
Moreover, cultural and societal factors play a significant role in shaping these abilities. Societies that prioritize collective well-being and emphasize the importance of community support tend to produce individuals who are more adept at helping others through challenges.
That being said, certain personality traits like empathy and patience can make the learning process easier for some. However, with dedication and practice, most people can significantly improve their ability to provide meaningful support to others during tough times. This skill development not only benefits the individuals involved but also contributes to creating a more compassionate and resilient society as a whole.”
Describe a decision you made that had a big impact on your life can be another interesting topic to explore, as it often involves discussing how we navigate through challenging situations and the support we receive during these times.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:
-
Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/: Serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: “Her support was instrumental in my recovery.” -
Above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required
Example: “My friend went above and beyond to help me during my difficult time.” -
Empathy (noun) – /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: “His empathy made me feel truly understood.” -
Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
Example: “This experience taught me the importance of resilience.” -
Transcend (verb) – /trænˈsend/: To go beyond the usual limits
Example: “Her support transcended mere friendship; it was truly life-changing.”
Describe a skill that took you a long time to learn can be related to developing the ability to support others effectively, which often requires patience and practice.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing this topic:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
- Show a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking on this topic beforehand.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly and focus on developing your language skills holistically.
Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness is another topic that can help you practice discussing positive influences in your life, which is similar to talking about someone who helped you through a tough time.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses combined with strong language skills will help you achieve the best possible score.
Describe a friend who is a good listener is another related topic that can help you practice describing supportive relationships, which is crucial when discussing someone who helped you through a tough time.