In the IELTS Speaking test, one of the common topics you might encounter is “Describe A Person Who Is Very Helpful.” This type of question is designed to evaluate your English speaking skills, particularly your ability to describe people, discuss scenarios, and provide examples.
IELTS examiners typically look for fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in your responses. In this guide, we’ll explore potential questions you might face, tips on answering them, and provide sample answers to help you score high.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner often asks general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics like home, family, work, studies, and interests. Here’s an example question and answer:
Example Question:
“Do you know anyone who is very helpful?”
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I know quite a few helpful people, but the one who stands out the most is my older brother. He always goes out of his way to lend a hand, whether it’s helping neighbors with their groceries or assisting me with my homework.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answer flows naturally and remains on topic.
- Lexical Resource: Phrases like “go out of his way” and “lend a hand” show a good use of idiomatic expressions.
- Grammar: The answer uses correct tense and sentence structure.
- Pronunciation: Clear and precise pronunciation makes the response easy to understand.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very helpful. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of help they have given
- Explain how this person has been helpful
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my best friend, Emily. We first met during our freshman year at university and have been inseparable ever since. Emily is incredibly helpful and has a knack for making everyone around her feel supported.
One instance that stands out is when I was struggling with my final project last semester. Emily spent countless hours helping me brainstorm ideas and edit my work. Thanks to her diligent support, I ended up getting an A in that class. Emily’s generosity extends beyond academics; she’s always there to listen, offer advice, and even help out with household chores when I’m overwhelmed.
Overall, Emily’s helpfulness has made a significant impact on my life. I feel very fortunate to have such a caring and supportive friend.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The response is well-organized and easy to follow.
- Lexical Resource: Words like “incredibly,” “knack,” “diligent,” and “generosity” show a rich vocabulary.
- Grammar: Uses a variety of sentence structures correctly.
- Pronunciation: Clear and natural pronunciation throughout the answer.
Examiner Follow-up Questions:
- “Do you think it’s important to be helpful?”
- “In what ways can people be helpful to others?”
Sample Answers:
- “Yes, I believe it’s crucial to be helpful because it fosters a sense of community and mutual respect. When people help each other, society becomes more harmonious and supportive.”
- “People can be helpful in many ways, such as offering emotional support, providing practical assistance like running errands or doing chores, and sharing knowledge or expertise when someone needs guidance.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answers directly address the questions with logical reasoning.
- Lexical Resource: Uses specific vocabulary such as “community,” “mutual respect,” “harmonious,” and “practical assistance.”
- Grammar and Pronunciation: Correct use of grammar and clear pronunciation.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2, aiming to assess your ability to discuss and elaborate on ideas.
Examiner Questions:
- “In your opinion, are people becoming more or less helpful in society today?”
- “What are the benefits of being a helpful person?”
Sample Answers:
- “I think people are becoming less helpful in society today due to the fast-paced nature of modern life. Many individuals are preoccupied with their personal and professional commitments, leaving less time for altruistic actions. However, technology has also facilitated new ways for people to offer help, such as through online platforms and social media.”
- “There are numerous benefits to being a helpful person. Firstly, it enhances one’s sense of purpose and fulfillment. Helping others can also create strong social bonds, leading to a supportive network of relationships. Furthermore, it can improve one’s mental health by reducing feelings of isolation and increasing overall happiness.”
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The responses are developed with clear reasoning and examples.
- Lexical Resource: Uses sophisticated vocabulary such as “altruistic actions,” “facilitated,” “social bonds,” and “sense of purpose.”
- Grammar and Pronunciation: Demonstrates complex sentence structures and clear articulation.
Vocabulary and Useful Phrases
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, incorporating a range of vocabulary and phrases is essential. Here are some key terms related to describing a helpful person:
-
Generous /ˈdʒɛnərəs/: Willing to give more of something, especially money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.
- Example: “She is always generous with her time, often volunteering at local shelters.”
-
Altruistic /ˌæltruˈɪstɪk/: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Example: “His altruistic nature makes him an asset to any community.”
-
Supportive /səˈpɔːrtɪv/: Providing encouragement or emotional help.
- Example: “Her supportive attitude helped me get through some tough times.”
-
Reliable /rɪˈlaɪəbl/: Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
- Example: “As a reliable person, you can count on him to be there when you need help.”
-
Empathetic /ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk/: Showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: “She is very empathetic and can always sense when someone is upset.”
Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Use varied and advanced vocabulary accurately.
- Stay On Topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the questions asked.
- Be Natural: Speak naturally and avoid memorized answers.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from a teacher or native speaker to identify areas for improvement.
By integrating these strategies and refining your responses, you increase your chances of achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
a person helping others
By utilizing these tips and practicing with provided sample answers, you’re well on your way to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
