The IELTS Speaking Test consists of three parts and lasts about 11-14 minutes. It is designed to assess your speaking skills, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. In this blog post, we will focus on the question “Describe a person who is very helpful in your life,” providing strategies, sample answers, and vocabulary to achieve a high score.
Questions about describing people who have positively impacted your life are common in the IELTS Speaking Test. It helps examiners gauge your ability to talk about relationships and express gratitude and admiration in English. Let’s dive into the detailed questions and sample answers to help you ace this topic.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Below are some common questions and a sample answer:
Common Questions
- Can you tell me about someone who has influenced you the most?
- Who is your favorite family member?
- Have you ever helped someone in need?
Sample Answer
Question: “Can you tell me about someone who has influenced you the most?”
Answer:
“Certainly! The person who has influenced me the most in my life is my mother. She has always been a source of inspiration and support. Her unwavering determination, compassion, and resilience have taught me valuable life lessons, and I admire her deeply.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your answer. You will have one minute to prepare and two minutes to talk.
Cue Card Example
Describe a person who is very helpful in your life. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know the person
- How the person has helped you
- Why you find this person helpful
Sample Answer
“I would like to talk about my best friend, Jack, who is exceptionally helpful in my life. We have been friends since high school, and over the years, he has become more like a brother to me.
Jack is always there for me, especially during tough times. For instance, when I was preparing for my university entrance exams, he helped me with my studies by explaining complex concepts and providing moral support. His patience and dedication not only improved my academic performance but also boosted my confidence.
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Moreover, Jack is a great listener. Whenever I face a problem, he listens empathetically and offers practical advice. His genuine concern for my well-being made him an indispensable part of my life. I believe his supportive nature stems from his kind heart and willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. Having such a dependable friend has significantly enriched my life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and analytical questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2 to test your ability to express and justify opinions, analyze, discuss, and speculate about issues.
Example Questions and Sample Answers
Question: “How do people usually show appreciation towards a helpful person?”
Answer:
“People often show appreciation by expressing their gratitude verbally, giving thank-you notes or gifts, or offering to return the favor in the future. Simple gestures like a heartfelt ‘thank you’ can go a long way in acknowledging someone’s help.”
Question: “Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to the past?”
Answer:
“I don’t necessarily think people are less willing to help nowadays; however, the way they extend help has evolved. Modern technology and social media have provided new platforms for people to offer and seek assistance, making acts of kindness more visible and widespread than ever before.”
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score, you should use a variety of vocabulary and phrases. Here are some important terms with examples:
- Unwavering (adj) /ʌnˈweɪ.vər.ɪŋ/: never changing or becoming weaker.
- “Her unwavering support was crucial during my exams.”
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/: the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- “His resilience in the face of challenges inspires me.”
- Empathetically (adv) /ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪkli/: in a way that shows understanding of how someone feels.
- “She listened empathetically to my concerns.”
These terms demonstrate a strong grasp of the English language and a good range of vocabulary, essential for a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
Tips for Practice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking Test, consider these tips:
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice with a friend, tutor, or language exchange partner can help improve your fluency and confidence.
- Use Diverse Vocabulary: Incorporate a variety of vocabulary and expressions into your speech to show your lexical resource.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Nervousness can affect your performance. Take deep breaths and stay calm during the test.
- Record Yourself: Recording your answers and listening to them can help identify areas for improvement.
Taking diligent and consistent practice can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking Test, helping you achieve a higher band score.