The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to personal experiences and observations. One such topic that frequently appears is describing people who make a positive impact on society. In this article, we’ll focus on how to effectively “describe a person who is passionate about helping others” – a common subject in IELTS Speaking Part 2. We’ll provide sample answers, useful vocabulary, and tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others or volunteering. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you think it’s important for people to help others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe helping others is very important. It creates a sense of community and makes society better. When people help each other, it can solve many problems and make everyone happier.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that helping others is crucial for building a compassionate and cohesive society. When individuals extend a helping hand to those in need, it not only addresses immediate issues but also fosters a sense of empathy and interconnectedness among community members. This ripple effect of kindness can lead to significant positive changes in society as a whole.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who is passionate about helping others.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of help this person provides
- And explain why you think this person is passionate about helping others
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my neighbor, Mrs. Nguyen. 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. Nguyen is always helping people in our community. She volunteers at the local community center, teaching English to underprivileged children for free. She also helps elderly neighbors with their shopping and sometimes cooks meals for those who are sick.
I think Mrs. Nguyen is passionate about helping others because she always looks happy when she’s doing it. She often talks about how good it makes her feel to make a difference in someone’s life. Even though she’s retired, she spends most of her time helping others instead of relaxing.
Her dedication to helping others is inspiring. She doesn’t expect anything in return and genuinely cares about making our community a better place. I believe her background as a teacher has made her naturally inclined to help and support others.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to describe my neighbor, Mrs. Nguyen, a retired educator in her early 60s who has become a pillar of support in our community. I’ve had the privilege of knowing her for approximately five years, since I first moved into this neighborhood.
Mrs. Nguyen’s commitment to altruism is truly remarkable. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to volunteering at the local community center, where she imparts her knowledge by teaching English to underprivileged children free of charge. Additionally, she extends her generosity to elderly neighbors by assisting them with their shopping and occasionally preparing nourishing meals for those who are unwell.
I’m convinced that Mrs. Nguyen’s passion for helping others stems from her intrinsic motivation to make a positive impact. Her eyes light up with genuine joy when she speaks about her volunteer work, and she often expresses how fulfilling it is to contribute to someone else’s well-being. Despite being retired, she chooses to dedicate the majority of her time to community service rather than pursuing leisurely activities, which is a testament to her unwavering commitment.
Her selfless dedication to improving the lives of others is truly inspirational. She seeks no recognition or reward for her efforts, demonstrating a pure altruistic spirit. I believe her background in education has instilled in her a natural inclination to nurture and support others, which she now channels into her volunteer work with admirable enthusiasm and dedication.
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s actions influenced you?
- Do you think more people should be like Mrs. Nguyen?
- What challenges might someone face when trying to help others?
Sample Answers for Follow-up Questions:
Band 6-7:
-
Mrs. Nguyen has inspired me to be more helpful. I’ve started volunteering at the community center too, and it feels good to give back.
-
Yes, I think it would be great if more people were like her. If everyone helped others, our community would be much nicer and friendlier.
-
Some challenges might be finding time to help others, especially if you work full-time. Also, some people might not want help, so it’s important to respect their wishes.
Band 8-9:
-
Mrs. Nguyen’s altruistic nature has had a profound impact on me. Her actions have inspired me to be more proactive in community service. I’ve begun volunteering at the community center alongside her, and the experience has been incredibly rewarding. It’s opened my eyes to the positive change we can create through small acts of kindness.
-
Absolutely. I believe our society would greatly benefit if more individuals emulated Mrs. Nguyen’s selfless attitude. A community filled with people who are eager to lend a helping hand would undoubtedly be more harmonious and supportive. It would foster a sense of unity and make our neighborhoods more resilient in facing challenges.
-
There are several challenges one might encounter when trying to help others. Time constraints can be a significant hurdle, especially for those juggling full-time jobs and personal responsibilities. Additionally, it’s crucial to strike a balance between offering assistance and respecting individuals’ autonomy. Some people might be hesitant to accept help due to pride or fear of becoming dependent. Moreover, burnout is a real risk for those deeply involved in helping others, so it’s important to practice self-care and set healthy boundaries.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Question 1: Why do you think some people are more passionate about helping others than others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people are more passionate about helping others because of how they were raised. If their parents taught them to be kind and helpful, they might grow up wanting to help others. Also, some people might have had experiences where they needed help, so they understand how important it is to help others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe the propensity for altruism varies among individuals due to a complex interplay of factors. Upbringing plays a crucial role; those raised in environments that emphasize empathy and social responsibility are more likely to develop a passion for helping others. Additionally, personal experiences, particularly instances where one has been on the receiving end of assistance, can foster a deep appreciation for the impact of helping others.
Moreover, some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards empathy, which can be further nurtured by positive reinforcement and societal values. The sense of fulfillment derived from helping others can also act as a powerful motivator, creating a positive feedback loop that reinforces altruistic behavior. Lastly, exposure to role models who exemplify compassion and selflessness can significantly influence one’s inclination towards helping others.
Question 2: How can society encourage more people to volunteer and help others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society can encourage more people to volunteer by showing the benefits of helping others. Schools could teach children about volunteering from a young age. Companies could give employees time off to volunteer. The government could also give rewards or recognition to people who help others a lot.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Encouraging a culture of volunteerism and altruism requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, education systems can play a pivotal role by integrating community service into curricula from an early age, instilling the value of social responsibility in young minds. This could be complemented by awareness campaigns that highlight the positive impact of volunteering on both the community and the individual.
Corporations can contribute by implementing corporate social responsibility programs that allow employees to engage in volunteer work during paid hours, fostering a sense of purpose beyond their regular jobs. Governments can incentivize volunteerism through tax benefits or recognition programs that honor outstanding contributors to society.
Furthermore, leveraging social media and technology to connect potential volunteers with opportunities can make helping others more accessible. Creating platforms that showcase success stories and the tangible results of volunteer efforts can inspire and motivate others to participate. Ultimately, by cultivating a societal mindset that values and celebrates acts of kindness and community service, we can create a more compassionate and engaged society.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
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 help those in need. -
Philanthropy /fɪˈlænθrəpi/ (noun): The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Example: The billionaire’s philanthropy has funded numerous educational initiatives. -
Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: His empathy for the homeless motivated him to start a shelter. -
Compassion /kəmˈpæʃən/ (noun): Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Example: She showed great compassion by volunteering at the hospital during the pandemic. -
Benevolent /bəˈnevələnt/ (adjective): Kind, generous, and caring about others.
Example: The benevolent donor anonymously funded scholarships for underprivileged students. -
To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Example: Her volunteer work really made a difference in the lives of many children. -
To go above and beyond (phrase): To do more than is expected or required.
Example: The social worker went above and beyond to ensure the family received all necessary support. -
To give back to the community (phrase): To contribute to society, especially in return for what one has received.
Example: After achieving success, he felt it was important to give back to the community that supported him.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person passionate about helping others:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
- Practice speaking on various topics related to social issues and community service.
- Work on your fluency by regularly engaging in English conversations about charitable activities and volunteering.
- Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and examples for your opinions.
- Use appropriate linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about answering the questions, but doing so in a way that showcases your English language skills effectively.