Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about describing people? One common topic that often appears is describing a person who is always willing to help others. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to excel in this task, providing you with sample answers, vocabulary, and expert tips to boost your speaking score.
IELTS Speaking Test
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand why this topic is important and how it might appear in your IELTS Speaking test. Describing a helpful person allows examiners to assess your ability to:
- Use descriptive language
- Express personal opinions and emotions
- Structure your thoughts coherently
- Use a range of vocabulary related to personality traits and actions
This topic can potentially appear in any part of the Speaking test, so let’s break down how to approach it in each section.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to helping others as part of a broader topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think it’s important to help others?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I believe helping others is very important. It creates a sense of community and makes people feel supported. When we help others, we also feel good about ourselves.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely. I firmly believe that extending a helping hand to others is crucial for building a harmonious society. Not only does it foster a sense of community and mutual support, but it also cultivates empathy and compassion within individuals. Moreover, the act of helping others often leads to a profound sense of personal fulfillment and contributes to our own emotional well-being.
Question: Have you ever helped a stranger?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I have. Once, I helped an elderly lady carry her groceries to her car. She was struggling with heavy bags, so I offered to help. It felt good to make her day a little easier.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Indeed, I have. One memorable instance was when I encountered an elderly woman grappling with her groceries in a supermarket parking lot. Without hesitation, I offered my assistance and helped her load her car. What struck me most was the profound impact such a simple act had on both of us. Her genuine gratitude was heartwarming, and it reinforced my belief in the ripple effect of kindness in our daily interactions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In Part 2, you might receive a cue card asking you to describe a person who is always willing to help others. Here’s a sample cue card and how you might approach it:
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is always willing to help others.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of help this person offers
- And explain why you think this person is always willing to help others
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my neighbor, Mrs. Chen. She’s a retired teacher in her 60s who lives next door to me. I’ve known her for about five years since I moved into this neighborhood.
Mrs. Chen is always ready to help anyone in need. She often helps elderly neighbors with their shopping or takes care of their pets when they’re away. She also volunteers at the local community center, teaching English to immigrant children.
I think Mrs. Chen is always willing to help because she genuinely cares about people. She often says that helping others gives her life meaning and keeps her active in retirement. Her kindness has made a big impact on our community.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to describe my neighbor, Mrs. Chen, a retired educator in her early sixties who epitomizes the spirit of altruism. I’ve had the privilege of knowing her for approximately five years, since I first moved into our close-knit neighborhood.
Mrs. Chen’s propensity for helping others is truly remarkable. She consistently goes above and beyond in her efforts to support those around her. For instance, she frequently assists elderly neighbors with their daily errands, such as grocery shopping or tending to their pets during their absences. Moreover, she dedicates a significant portion of her time to volunteering at the local community center, where she imparts her knowledge by teaching English to immigrant children, fostering their integration into the community.
I believe Mrs. Chen’s unwavering commitment to helping others stems from her intrinsic desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. She often expresses that acts of kindness give her a sense of purpose and keep her mentally and physically engaged in her retirement years. Her selfless nature and genuine compassion have not only transformed individual lives but have also cultivated a culture of mutual support within our community.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s helpfulness influenced you?
- Do you think there are any downsides to always helping others?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
Mrs. Chen’s helpfulness has profoundly influenced my outlook on community engagement. Her selfless actions have inspired me to be more proactive in offering assistance to those around me. I’ve learned that even small gestures can have a significant impact on someone’s day or life. Moreover, observing her has taught me the importance of cultivating empathy and being more attuned to the needs of others in my community.
While the act of helping others is generally positive, there can indeed be potential downsides if not balanced properly. Constantly prioritizing others’ needs over one’s own can lead to burnout or neglect of personal well-being. Additionally, there’s a risk of creating dependency, where individuals might become overly reliant on help rather than developing their own problem-solving skills. It’s crucial to strike a balance between being helpful and maintaining healthy boundaries to ensure sustainable support without compromising one’s own mental and physical health.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the theme of helping others. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to in the past?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I don’t think people are less willing to help, but the ways we help have changed. With technology, we can now help people online or donate to causes easily. However, face-to-face interactions might be less common now, which could make it seem like people help less.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I believe it’s a complex issue that defies a simple yes or no answer. While it might appear that people are less inclined to help others nowadays, I’d argue that the nature of assistance has evolved rather than diminished. In our increasingly digital world, we’ve witnessed a surge in online platforms facilitating various forms of aid, from crowdfunding for medical expenses to virtual volunteering opportunities. This shift has, in many ways, expanded our capacity to help beyond geographical constraints.
However, it’s true that the prevalence of face-to-face interactions has decreased, which might contribute to a perception of reduced willingness to help. The fast-paced nature of modern life and growing individualism in some societies could also play a role in this perception. Nevertheless, we continue to see remarkable examples of altruism in times of crisis, suggesting that the human instinct to help others remains strong, albeit expressed in different ways compared to the past.
Question: How can governments encourage more people to volunteer in their communities?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
Governments can encourage volunteering by offering incentives like tax breaks or recognition programs. They could also create more volunteer opportunities and promote them widely. Education about the benefits of volunteering could be included in school curriculums too.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Governments can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of volunteerism through a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, implementing tangible incentives such as tax deductions or credits for volunteer hours could significantly motivate individuals, especially those who might be hesitant due to financial constraints. Additionally, establishing a national volunteer recognition program could help celebrate and publicize the efforts of volunteers, thereby inspiring others to follow suit.
Moreover, governments could collaborate with educational institutions to integrate community service into school curricula, instilling the value of volunteerism from a young age. This could be complemented by launching awareness campaigns that highlight the personal and societal benefits of volunteering, leveraging various media channels to reach a broad audience.
Another effective strategy would be to create a centralized platform that connects potential volunteers with organizations in need, streamlining the process of finding suitable opportunities. Lastly, governments could partner with businesses to promote corporate social responsibility programs that encourage employee volunteering, perhaps by offering matching time-off for hours spent on community service.
By implementing such comprehensive measures, governments can create an environment that not only encourages but also facilitates and values community engagement, potentially leading to a more robust and compassionate civil society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for those higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “Her altruism was evident in her tireless efforts to support the homeless.”Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “The counselor’s empathy made clients feel truly understood and supported.”Compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/ (adjective): Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: “His compassionate nature led him to volunteer at the local animal shelter.”Benevolent /bəˈnevələnt/ (adjective): Kind, generous, and caring about others.
Example: “The benevolent donor anonymously funded scholarships for underprivileged students.”To go above and beyond (phrasal verb): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “The dedicated teacher always went above and beyond to ensure her students’ success.”To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Example: “By mentoring at-risk youth, she hoped to make a difference in their lives.”Selfless /ˈselfləs/ (adjective): Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
Example: “His selfless actions during the crisis saved many lives.”To lend a helping hand (idiom): To give assistance or support to someone.
Example: “Whenever a neighbor was in trouble, she was always ready to lend a helping hand.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in describing a person who is always willing to help others in your IELTS Speaking test, consider these tips:
Use specific examples: Provide concrete instances of how the person has helped others to make your description more vivid and credible.
Vary your vocabulary: Instead of repeatedly using words like “help” or “kind,” incorporate synonyms and more sophisticated terms to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Discuss motivations: Reflect on why the person is always willing to help, showcasing your ability to analyze character and motivation.
Link to broader themes: Connect the individual’s actions to wider societal impacts or personal growth to demonstrate critical thinking skills.
Practice fluency: While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary, ensure you can pronounce these words correctly and use them naturally in conversation.
Show enthusiasm: Convey genuine admiration for the person’s helpful nature through your tone and expression.
By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle questions about helpful individuals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your fluency and confidence. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more IELTS Speaking topics and strategies, check out our articles on describing a person who has taught you an important lesson in life and describing a person who has a passion for education.