The topic of describing a helpful person is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and potential for rich discussion. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about helpful people. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you consider yourself a helpful person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I am quite helpful. I often try to assist my friends and family when they need it. For example, I recently helped my neighbor move some heavy furniture.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to think I’m generally quite altruistic. I make a conscious effort to be there for others, whether it’s lending an ear to a friend going through a tough time or rolling up my sleeves to help with more practical tasks. Just last week, I volunteered at a local food bank, which was incredibly rewarding.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very helpful to others.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to help others
- And explain why you think this person is so helpful
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since high school. She’s always been a kind person, but in recent years, she’s really gone above and beyond to help others.
Sarah works as a nurse at our local hospital, which is already a very helpful job. But what makes her stand out is how she goes the extra mile. She often stays late at work to comfort patients who are scared or lonely. She also volunteers at a homeless shelter on weekends, providing basic medical care to those who can’t afford it.
I think Sarah is so helpful because she has a big heart and genuinely cares about people. She always says that helping others gives her life meaning, and you can see how happy it makes her. Her actions inspire others, including me, to be more considerate and generous.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to pay tribute to my friend Sarah, whom I’ve had the privilege of knowing since our high school days. Over the years, I’ve watched her evolve into an exceptionally altruistic individual who goes above and beyond to support others.
Sarah works tirelessly as a nurse at our local hospital, a profession that is inherently altruistic. However, what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to going the extra mile. She frequently sacrifices her personal time to provide emotional support to patients who are grappling with fear or loneliness. Moreover, she dedicates her weekends to volunteering at a homeless shelter, offering essential medical care to those who are marginalized and unable to afford healthcare.
I believe Sarah’s exceptional helpfulness stems from her innate compassion and genuine empathy for others. She often remarks that assisting others gives her a sense of purpose, and it’s evident from her radiant demeanor how much joy it brings her. Her selfless actions serve as an inspiration to many, myself included, motivating us to be more considerate and generous in our own lives.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s helpfulness impacted their own life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think being so helpful has made Sarah’s life more fulfilling. She seems happier and more satisfied with her life. It’s also helped her make many friends and connections in the community.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s altruistic nature has had a profound impact on her life. It has undoubtedly enhanced her sense of personal fulfillment and self-worth. Her helpfulness has also fostered a vast network of meaningful relationships within the community, enriching her social life and broadening her perspectives. Moreover, her reputation for compassion has opened doors to new opportunities, both personally and professionally.
- Do you think people who help others a lot ever face any challenges?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think they can face challenges. They might get tired or stressed from helping so much. Sometimes they might not have enough time for themselves or their own needs.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. While being helpful is commendable, it can come with its own set of challenges. Altruistic individuals may grapple with burnout or compassion fatigue, especially if they don’t maintain healthy boundaries. They might struggle to prioritize their own needs, leading to neglect of their personal well-being. Additionally, they may face exploitation by those who take advantage of their kindness, or experience difficulty in saying no to requests for help, even when it’s not feasible for them to assist.
Helpful nurse comforting patient in hospital
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: Do you think people are less helpful nowadays compared to in the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m not sure if people are less helpful now. In some ways, they might be because everyone is so busy with their own lives. But I also see a lot of people helping others through social media and online platforms, which wasn’t possible in the past.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that defies a simple yes or no answer. On one hand, our fast-paced, individualistic society might give the impression that people are less inclined to help others. The demands of modern life often leave little time for altruistic endeavors.
However, I’d argue that helpfulness has evolved rather than diminished. Technological advancements have facilitated new avenues for assistance. Social media platforms and crowdfunding websites have mobilized global communities to support causes and individuals in need. Moreover, the rise of volunteerism and corporate social responsibility initiatives suggest a growing awareness of the importance of helping others.
Ultimately, while the manifestation of helpfulness may have changed, I believe the fundamental human instinct to assist others remains intact, if not stronger, in our increasingly interconnected world.
Question: What are some ways that governments or organizations can encourage people to be more helpful?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Governments and organizations can encourage people to be more helpful in several ways. They could offer tax breaks for charitable donations or volunteer work. Schools could include community service as part of the curriculum. Companies could give employees paid time off for volunteering.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Governments and organizations can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of helpfulness. They could implement a multi-faceted approach that includes both incentives and educational initiatives.
Firstly, financial incentives such as tax deductions for charitable contributions or corporate matching programs for employee donations can stimulate philanthropic behavior. Additionally, governments could introduce policies that recognize and reward acts of community service, perhaps through a national awards system or preferential treatment in certain government services.
Educational institutions could integrate community service into their curricula, instilling the value of helpfulness from a young age. This could be complemented by public awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of altruism, both to individuals and society at large.
In the corporate sphere, companies could be incentivized to implement corporate social responsibility programs through tax breaks or positive publicity. They could also foster a culture of giving by offering paid volunteer days or sabbaticals for employees engaged in significant charitable work.
Lastly, governments could invest in infrastructure that facilitates helpfulness, such as user-friendly platforms connecting volunteers with opportunities or streamlined processes for setting up charitable organizations.
By implementing such comprehensive measures, governments and organizations can create an environment that not only encourages but normalizes and celebrates helpfulness.
Volunteers working on community service project
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Altruistic /ˌæl.truˈɪs.tɪk/ (adj): Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: Her altruistic nature drives her to help others without expecting anything in return.To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: The teacher goes above and beyond by offering free tutoring sessions after school.Empathy /ˈem.pə.θi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: His empathy for the homeless led him to volunteer at the local shelter.To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Example: By donating to the charity, you can make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children.Selfless /ˈself.ləs/ (adj): Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one’s own.
Example: Her selfless dedication to the community has earned her widespread respect.To lend a hand (idiom): To give someone help or assistance.
Example: When my neighbor was sick, I lent a hand by doing her grocery shopping.Compassion /kəmˈpæʃ.ən/ (noun): Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
Example: The nurse’s compassion was evident in the way she cared for her patients.To give back to the community (phrase): To contribute to society, especially in return for perceived benefits.
Example: After achieving success in business, he decided to give back to the community by funding educational programs.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a helpful person:
Use a variety of vocabulary and avoid repetition. Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally.
Provide specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly and coherently.
Speak fluently with minimal hesitation. Practice speaking on this topic beforehand to improve your confidence and fluency.
Use a range of grammatical structures accurately. Include complex sentences and different tenses where appropriate.
Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just give short, simple answers, especially in Parts 2 and 3.
Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts in Part 3, moving beyond personal experiences to broader societal implications.
Maintain good pronunciation and intonation throughout your responses.
Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering these questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
IELTS Speaking test preparation
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to describe a helpful person effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and stay positive – with dedication, you can achieve the score you’re aiming for!