In the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about describing people with positive qualities. One common topic is describing a person known for their kindness. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this task.
Understanding the Topic
Kindness is a universally appreciated trait, making it a popular subject in IELTS Speaking tests. Examiners often use this topic to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary.
Kind Person Helping Others
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about kindness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself a kind person?
Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think I’m quite kind. I try to help others when I can and be considerate of their feelings.
Band 8-9 Answer: I’d like to think so. I make a conscious effort to be empathetic and supportive towards others, whether it’s through small acts of kindness in daily life or more significant gestures when the opportunity arises.
Q: How do people in your country show kindness to others?
Band 6-7 Answer: In my country, people often show kindness by helping neighbors, donating to charities, and being polite to strangers.
Band 8-9 Answer: In my culture, kindness is deeply ingrained in our social fabric. It manifests in various ways, from the traditional practice of offering hospitality to guests, to modern initiatives like community volunteering and crowdfunding for those in need. There’s also a strong emphasis on random acts of kindness in everyday interactions.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who is known for their kindness.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What acts of kindness they have done
- And explain why you think this person is kind
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my neighbor, Mrs. Chen, who is renowned in our community for her exceptional kindness.
I’ve known Mrs. Chen for about a decade now, ever since my family moved into this neighborhood. She’s in her early sixties and has lived here for most of her life, which has given her a deep connection to the community.
What sets Mrs. Chen apart is her unwavering commitment to helping others. One of her most notable acts of kindness is running a free tutoring program for underprivileged children in our area. She dedicates her weekends to this cause, helping kids with their studies and providing them with a nurturing environment to learn.
Moreover, during the recent pandemic, Mrs. Chen went above and beyond to support elderly neighbors. She organized a network of volunteers to deliver groceries and medications to those who couldn’t leave their homes. She also made it a point to call isolated seniors regularly, offering them emotional support during those challenging times.
I believe Mrs. Chen is genuinely kind because her actions come from a place of sincere compassion. She never seeks recognition or rewards for her efforts. Instead, she finds joy in the act of giving itself. Her kindness is not limited to grand gestures; it’s evident in her daily interactions too. She always has a warm smile and a kind word for everyone she meets, creating a ripple effect of positivity in our community.
Mrs. Chen’s kindness is inspiring and serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on an entire community through simple acts of goodwill.
Follow-up Questions
- Do you think kindness is an innate quality or can it be learned?
- How has technology affected the way people show kindness in modern society?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I believe kindness has both innate and learned components. While some people may naturally be more empathetic, kindness as a behavior can definitely be cultivated. Through education, positive role models, and personal experiences, individuals can develop a greater capacity for kindness.
Regarding technology, it has revolutionized the ways we can express kindness. Social media platforms have made it easier to organize large-scale charitable events and crowdfunding campaigns. However, it’s also created new challenges, such as cyberbullying. The key is to harness technology’s potential for spreading kindness while being mindful of its pitfalls.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think society values kindness as much as it should?
Band 6-7 Answer: I think society does value kindness, but maybe not enough. We often focus more on success and achievements than on being kind.
Band 8-9 Answer: While kindness is universally admired, I believe there’s room for society to place a higher value on it. In our increasingly competitive world, we tend to prioritize individual success and tangible achievements over traits like kindness. However, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of emotional intelligence and social responsibility in various sectors, from business to education. This shift suggests a gradual realization of kindness’s crucial role in building a harmonious and sustainable society.
Q: How can governments encourage more kindness among citizens?
Band 6-7 Answer: Governments can encourage kindness by running public campaigns, teaching it in schools, and rewarding kind acts.
Band 8-9 Answer: Governments can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of kindness through multi-faceted approaches. Firstly, integrating kindness and empathy into educational curricula from an early age can help instill these values in future generations. Additionally, implementing policies that incentivize corporate social responsibility and community service can encourage widespread participation in kind acts. Public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of kindness, both to individuals and society, can also be effective. Furthermore, recognizing and honoring individuals or organizations that demonstrate exceptional kindness can inspire others and elevate the status of kindness in society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Renowned (adjective) /rɪˈnaʊnd/ – famous for something positive
Example: She is renowned for her groundbreaking research in cancer treatment.Unwavering commitment (noun phrase) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ kəˈmɪtmənt/ – strong and steady dedication
Example: His unwavering commitment to the cause inspired many others to join.Go above and beyond (idiom) /ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/ – to do more than is expected
Example: The customer service representative went above and beyond to solve my problem.Sincere compassion (noun phrase) /sɪnˈsɪə kəmˈpæʃən/ – genuine feeling of sympathy and concern for others
Example: Her sincere compassion for the homeless led her to volunteer at the shelter regularly.Ripple effect (noun) /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ – the continuing and spreading results of an event or action
Example: His small act of kindness had a ripple effect, inspiring others to be more considerate.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a kind person:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s kindness.
- Explain the impact of their kindness on others and the community.
- Use complex sentence structures and advanced vocabulary appropriately.
- Show genuine enthusiasm and personal connection to the topic.
Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering these questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
For more IELTS Speaking tips, check out our articles on describing a person who has influenced your personal values and describing a person who is always willing to help others.