Discussing a person who inspires you to volunteer is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to describe people, express admiration, and talk about social issues. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about volunteering and community service. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you do any volunteer work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I occasionally volunteer at a local animal shelter. I help walk the dogs and clean the kennels. It’s rewarding to see the animals happy and well-cared for.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I’m quite passionate about volunteering. I regularly dedicate my time to a local animal shelter, where I engage in various activities such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and assisting with adoption events. It’s immensely gratifying to contribute to the well-being of these animals and witness their journey to finding forever homes.
Q: Why do you think some people choose to volunteer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe people volunteer because they want to help others and make a difference in their community. It can also be a way to gain new skills and meet new people.
Band 8-9 Answer:
There are multiple factors that motivate individuals to volunteer. Primarily, many people have an innate desire to make a positive impact on their communities and society at large. Additionally, volunteering offers opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and networking. It can also provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, enhancing one’s overall well-being. Moreover, some individuals see volunteering as a way to give back to causes they feel strongly about or to honor personal experiences.
Diverse group of volunteers working together
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who inspires you to volunteer
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What kind of volunteer work they do
- And explain why this person inspires you to volunteer
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my aunt, Sarah, who inspires me to volunteer. I’ve known her my whole life, and she’s always been involved in community service. She volunteers at a local soup kitchen every weekend, helping to prepare and serve meals to homeless people. She also organizes clothing drives for underprivileged families.
What inspires me about her is her dedication and compassion. She never misses a chance to help others, even when she’s busy with her own life. Seeing how happy she is when she’s volunteering makes me want to do the same. Her work has shown me how one person can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Because of her example, I’ve started volunteering at an animal shelter. It’s not the same kind of work she does, but she inspired me to find a cause I care about and contribute my time to it. Her influence has made me more aware of social issues and the importance of giving back to the community.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to shed light on an extraordinary individual who has been a constant source of inspiration for my volunteer work – my aunt, Sarah. I’ve had the privilege of knowing her throughout my life, and her unwavering commitment to community service has left an indelible impression on me.
Sarah dedicates a significant portion of her time to volunteering at a local soup kitchen. Every weekend, without fail, she immerses herself in preparing and serving nutritious meals to individuals experiencing homelessness. Moreover, she spearheads clothing drives for underprivileged families, demonstrating her multifaceted approach to addressing social issues.
What truly sets Sarah apart and inspires me is her remarkable dedication and boundless compassion. Despite the demands of her personal and professional life, she consistently prioritizes helping others. Her infectious enthusiasm and the palpable joy she exudes while volunteering are incredibly motivating. Sarah’s efforts have opened my eyes to the profound impact a single individual can have on improving lives and strengthening communities.
Influenced by her exemplary actions, I’ve embarked on my own volunteering journey at an animal shelter. While our chosen causes differ, Sarah’s example encouraged me to identify an area I’m passionate about and channel my energy into making a difference. Her influence has heightened my awareness of pressing social issues and instilled in me a deep-seated belief in the importance of civic engagement and giving back to society.
Follow-up questions:
Q: How has volunteering changed your perspective on social issues?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Volunteering has made me more aware of the problems in my community. I now see how many people struggle with things like poverty and homelessness. It’s made me more grateful for what I have and more motivated to help others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Engaging in volunteer work has profoundly altered my perspective on social issues. It has provided me with first-hand exposure to the challenges many individuals face, such as poverty, homelessness, and inequality. This experience has fostered a deeper empathy and understanding of these complex issues, moving beyond abstract concepts to tangible realities. Moreover, it has heightened my awareness of the interconnectedness of various social problems and the need for comprehensive, systemic solutions. Volunteering has also instilled in me a greater sense of gratitude for my own circumstances and fueled my commitment to being an active participant in creating positive change in society.
Q: Do you think everyone should be required to do some form of community service?
Band 6-7 Answer:
While I think volunteering is important, I’m not sure it should be mandatory. It might lose its meaning if people are forced to do it. Instead, we should encourage people to volunteer by showing them the benefits and making it easier to get involved.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a complex issue that merits careful consideration. While I strongly advocate for the benefits of community service, I’m hesitant to endorse making it compulsory. The essence of volunteering lies in its voluntary nature, and mandating it might undermine the genuine spirit of altruism and compassion that drives effective community service.
Instead, I believe we should focus on cultivating a culture that values and encourages civic engagement. This could be achieved through education about social issues, highlighting the personal and societal benefits of volunteering, and creating more accessible opportunities for people to get involved. By fostering intrinsic motivation rather than external pressure, we’re more likely to see sustained, meaningful engagement in community service that genuinely benefits both the volunteers and the communities they serve.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to volunteering and social responsibility. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: How do you think volunteering benefits society as a whole?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Volunteering helps society in many ways. It provides services to people who need them, like feeding the homeless or helping the elderly. It also brings people together and creates a sense of community. When people volunteer, they learn about social issues and become more engaged citizens.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Volunteering plays a crucial role in fostering a robust and cohesive society. On a practical level, it fills critical gaps in social services, providing essential support to vulnerable populations that might otherwise be overlooked or underserved. This could range from addressing food insecurity through soup kitchens to offering companionship to isolated elderly individuals.
Moreover, volunteering serves as a catalyst for building stronger communities. It creates opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to come together for a common cause, fostering understanding and breaking down social barriers. This increased social cohesion can lead to more resilient communities that are better equipped to face challenges collectively.
Additionally, volunteering acts as an educational tool, raising awareness about social issues and inspiring civic engagement. As individuals become more involved in their communities, they often develop a deeper understanding of systemic problems and may be motivated to advocate for broader social change. This ripple effect of awareness and action can lead to more informed and engaged citizens, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and compassionate society.
Q: In what ways can governments encourage more people to volunteer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Governments can encourage volunteering by promoting its benefits in schools and workplaces. They could offer tax incentives for people who volunteer regularly. Creating a national volunteer database to match people with opportunities could also help. Governments could also recognize volunteers publicly to show appreciation for their work.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Governments can employ a multifaceted approach to foster a culture of volunteerism. Firstly, integrating community service into educational curricula from an early age can instill the value of civic engagement in young people. This could be complemented by awareness campaigns that highlight the personal and societal benefits of volunteering.
Implementing policy measures such as tax incentives or credits for regular volunteers could provide a tangible motivation for participation. Additionally, establishing a comprehensive national volunteer database could streamline the process of matching individuals with suitable opportunities based on their skills and interests.
Governments could also collaborate with businesses to promote corporate social responsibility programs that encourage employee volunteering, perhaps by offering matching time off for hours volunteered. Public recognition of volunteers through awards or national volunteer days can elevate the status of volunteering and demonstrate societal appreciation.
Furthermore, investing in volunteer management and training programs can enhance the volunteer experience and increase retention rates. By addressing barriers to volunteering, such as time constraints or lack of information, governments can make it more accessible to a wider range of people.
Ultimately, by creating an enabling environment that values and supports volunteering, governments can nurture a society where civic engagement is seen as an integral part of citizenship.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To inspire (verb) /ɪnˈspaɪər/ – to make someone feel that they want to do something and can do it
Example: Her dedication to helping others inspires me to volunteer more.Altruism (noun) /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ – the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others
Example: Pure altruism is rare; most people volunteer for a mix of selfless and personal reasons.To make a difference (phrase) – to have an important effect on someone or something
Example: Volunteering at the animal shelter has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of abandoned pets.To give back (phrase) – to do something good for someone who has helped you or for society in general
Example: After recovering from a serious illness, she wanted to give back by volunteering at the hospital.Community engagement (noun) /kəˈmjuːnəti ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – the process of working collaboratively with community groups to address issues that impact the well-being of the community
Example: The local government promoted community engagement through various volunteer programs.Civic responsibility (noun) /ˈsɪvɪk rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – the duties and obligations of citizens to their society
Example: Many people view volunteering as part of their civic responsibility.
People engaged in civic activities
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high band score when discussing a person who inspires you to volunteer, focus on the following:
Provide specific details: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples of the person’s volunteer work and how it has influenced you.
Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to volunteering and social issues to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Show critical thinking: When discussing the broader impact of volunteering, analyze its effects on both individuals and society as a whole.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure you can discuss it smoothly and confidently during the test.
Express personal opinions: Don’t just describe facts; share your thoughts and feelings about volunteering and its importance.
Link ideas coherently: Use transition phrases to connect your points and create a well-structured response.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss this topic effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a person who has influenced your values or describing a person who inspires you to be kind. These related themes can broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss personal influences and social values.