The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to social issues and influential people. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a person known for their charity work. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about charity and volunteer work. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think it’s important for people to do charity work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think charity work is quite important. It helps people in need and makes our society better. When we volunteer, we can learn new skills and meet new people too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe that charity work plays a crucial role in society. Not only does it provide essential support to those in need, but it also fosters a sense of community and social responsibility. Engaging in charitable activities can be incredibly rewarding for volunteers, offering opportunities for personal growth and developing empathy.
Q: Have you ever done any volunteer work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I have. Last year, I helped at a local animal shelter. I walked dogs and cleaned their cages. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it a lot.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I have. I’ve been actively involved in various volunteer initiatives over the years. Most notably, I’ve been dedicating my time to a local animal shelter for the past two years. My responsibilities range from providing care for the animals to assisting with adoption events. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience that has deepened my appreciation for animal welfare work.
Volunteer helping at animal shelter
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person known for their charity work:
Cue Card
Describe a person who is known for their charity work.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of charity work they do
- How you know about this person
- And explain why you think their work is important
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about Malala Yousafzai, a globally renowned activist who is widely recognized for her charitable work in promoting education, particularly for girls in developing countries.
Malala first came to prominence as a young girl in Pakistan, where she courageously advocated for girls’ right to education despite threats from the Taliban. After surviving an assassination attempt, she continued her mission on a global scale, establishing the Malala Fund, which aims to break down barriers to girls’ education worldwide.
I first learned about Malala through international news coverage of her story and later through her autobiography, “I Am Malala.” Her unwavering commitment to education rights, even in the face of extreme adversity, deeply inspired me.
The importance of Malala’s work cannot be overstated. Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for personal and societal development. By championing this cause, Malala is not only helping individual girls but also contributing to the overall progress of communities and nations. Her efforts highlight the critical issues of gender inequality and the importance of education in combating poverty and extremism.
Moreover, Malala’s work extends beyond just providing access to education. She’s raising awareness about the challenges faced by girls in many parts of the world and inspiring young people globally to stand up for their rights. Her resilience and determination serve as a powerful example of how one person can make a significant difference in the world.
In conclusion, Malala Yousafzai’s charitable work is transformative and far-reaching. She’s not just changing individual lives but shaping the future of entire generations, making her an extraordinary figure in the realm of charitable work and human rights advocacy.
Follow-up Questions
Q: How has Malala’s work influenced other young people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Malala has inspired many young people to care about education. Some students now volunteer to teach others or raise money for schools. Her story shows that young people can make a difference too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Malala’s work has had a profound impact on youth globally. Her courage and dedication have sparked a movement among young people, encouraging them to become advocates for social change. Many have been inspired to initiate their own educational projects or campaigns in their communities. Furthermore, Malala has demonstrated the power of youth voices in international forums, elevating the importance of including young people in decision-making processes about issues that affect them directly.
Q: Do you think celebrities should be involved in charity work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s good when celebrities do charity work. They have a lot of fans who might follow their example. Also, they can raise more money and attention for important causes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe celebrity involvement in charitable causes can be incredibly beneficial. Celebrities possess a unique platform and significant influence that can be leveraged to raise awareness and generate support for various social issues. Their participation can bring much-needed attention to causes that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, it’s crucial that their involvement is genuine and well-informed, rather than merely for publicity. When done right, celebrity charity work can catalyze substantial positive change and inspire their fan base to engage in philanthropic activities.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: What motivates people to do charity work?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people do charity work for different reasons. Some want to help others and make the world better. Others might want to learn new skills or meet new people. Sometimes people do it because it makes them feel good about themselves.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The motivations behind charitable work are often multifaceted and complex. At its core, many individuals are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on society and alleviate suffering. This altruistic impulse often stems from empathy and a sense of social responsibility.
However, motivations can also be more personal. Some people engage in charity work as a means of personal growth and self-fulfillment. It provides opportunities to develop new skills, expand one’s network, and gain a broader perspective on societal issues. For others, it might be a way to find purpose or give back to a cause that has personally affected them or their loved ones.
Additionally, there’s often a social aspect to charitable work. It can be a way to connect with like-minded individuals and feel part of a community working towards a common goal. In some cases, particularly for high-profile individuals or corporations, there may also be reputational benefits to consider, although this shouldn’t be the primary motivation.
Ultimately, while the specific motivations may vary, the common thread is usually a desire to contribute positively to society and effect meaningful change.
Q: How can governments encourage more people to volunteer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Governments can do several things to encourage volunteering. They could offer tax benefits to people who volunteer. Schools could include volunteer work as part of the curriculum. The government could also run campaigns to promote the benefits of volunteering.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Governments have a variety of tools at their disposal to foster a culture of volunteerism. One effective approach would be to integrate volunteer work into the educational system, perhaps by making it a graduation requirement or offering academic credit for volunteer hours. This would instill the value of community service from a young age.
Financial incentives could also play a role. Governments could offer tax deductions or credits for volunteer hours, or provide grants to organizations that effectively manage volunteer programs. This could make volunteering more accessible, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to balance it with work commitments.
Another crucial strategy would be to raise awareness about the benefits and opportunities of volunteering. This could involve public information campaigns highlighting the personal and societal benefits of volunteer work, as well as creating centralized platforms to connect potential volunteers with organizations in need.
Governments could also lead by example by encouraging public sector employees to engage in volunteer work, perhaps by offering paid time off for such activities. This would not only increase volunteer numbers but also improve public perception of government involvement in community issues.
Lastly, recognizing and celebrating volunteers through national awards or volunteer appreciation days could help create a positive culture around volunteerism and inspire more people to get involved.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced 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 dedication to helping the homeless.Philanthropy /fɪˈlænθrəpi/ (noun): The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Example: Bill Gates is known for his philanthropy in global health initiatives.Humanitarian /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən/ (adjective): Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare.
Example: The organization launched a humanitarian mission to provide aid to earthquake victims.Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: Effective charity workers often display great empathy towards those they help.To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Example: Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.To give back (phrasal verb): To do something good for someone or for society because you feel grateful for the help or opportunities you have had.
Example: After achieving success, he felt compelled to give back to his community.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing charity work:
Develop a broad vocabulary related to social issues and charitable activities. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.
Practice expressing opinions on abstract concepts like the role of charity in society. This is crucial for Part 3 of the test.
Use personal experiences or examples you’ve heard about to support your points. This adds authenticity to your responses.
Work on your fluency by regularly discussing these topics with others or speaking aloud to yourself.
Pay attention to pronunciation, especially of key terms related to charity and social work.
Be prepared to discuss both positive and negative aspects of charitable work and its impact on society.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
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