The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners assess your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common topic you might encounter is describing a person who is very passionate about helping others. In this article, we’ll explore how to approach this question, provide sample answers, and analyze the keywords you can use to achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners often ask general questions to gauge your spontaneous speaking ability. Below are some questions related to the topic:
- Can you describe a friend or family member who is very passionate about helping others?
- What do you think motivates people to help others?
- How often do you engage in activities to help others?
Sample Answer for Part 1 Question
Question: Can you describe a friend or family member who is very passionate about helping others?
Answer: “Certainly! My aunt, Mary, is incredibly passionate about helping others. She is a nurse by profession and devotes her spare time to volunteering at local shelters. Mary is always the first to offer a helping hand, whether it’s organizing community events or providing emotional support to those in need. Her commitment and empathy inspire everyone around her.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Person Who Is Very Passionate About Helping Others. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kinds of activities this person does to help others
- And explain why you think this person is so passionate about helping others
Model Answer
“I would like to talk about my best friend, Sarah, who is genuinely passionate about helping others. I have known Sarah for almost a decade now; we met in high school and have been close friends ever since.
Sarah engages in a wide variety of activities aimed at making a difference. She is involved in volunteering at animal shelters, participating in local food drives, and organizing community workshops on mental health awareness. Sarah is also an active member of several non-profit organizations where she helps coordinate events to raise awareness and funds for different causes.
One specific instance that highlights her compassion was when she organized a charity run to help raise funds for children with disabilities. Her dedication and tireless efforts paid off, as the event was a huge success and provided essential resources for the children.
What really sets Sarah apart is her unwavering dedication and empathy. She goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels supported and valued. Her passion for helping others comes from a deep-seated belief that everyone deserves a chance to live a better life.”
Follow-up Questions
-
Why do you think some people are more willing to help others than others?
“I believe upbringing and personal experiences play a significant role. People who have experienced hardships often develop stronger empathy and a desire to give back to their communities.”
-
How can we encourage more people to be involved in helping others?
“We can encourage people by creating awareness campaigns and community programs that highlight the importance and benefits of helping others. Additionally, offering recognition and incentives can motivate more people to contribute.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner’s Questions
-
Do you think people who help others should be rewarded? Why or why not?
“While intrinsic motivation is crucial, I do believe that some form of recognition can incentivize people to continue their altruistic efforts. Whether it’s public acknowledgment or small rewards, these can reinforce the positive behavior.”
-
How has helping others evolved as a concept in modern society?
“In modern society, the concept of helping others has become more structured and organized through non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and online platforms. The advancements in technology also enable people to make a global impact, which was much harder to achieve in the past.”
Model Answer for Discussion
“Yes, I think people who go out of their way to help others should be recognized in some form. While the primary motivation should ideally be the selfless act of kindness, recognition such as awards, certificates, or even a simple thank-you note can make a world of difference. It not only validates their efforts but also encourages others to follow suit.
Helping others has evolved significantly. With the rise of digital platforms and global connectivity, it’s easier to reach out and contribute to causes halfway around the world. For instance, platforms like GoFundMe and Change.org have revolutionized the way we support and advocate for various causes, making it easier for anyone to help others, regardless of geographic constraints.”
Community Volunteer Fundraising Event
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Passionate /ˈpæʃ.ən.ət/: Showing strong feelings or a lot of enthusiasm.
- Empathy /ˈem.pə.θi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Volunteer /ˌvɒl.ənˈtɪər/: A person who freely offers to take part in a task or undertake a service.
- Non-profit organization /ˈnɒnˌprɒf.ɪt ɔːɡəˌnaɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/: An organization that uses its surplus revenues to achieve its goals rather than distributing them as profit or dividends.
Example Sentences
- “Mary is very passionate about environmental conservation and spends her weekends organizing beach clean-ups.”
- “One cannot underestimate the power of empathy in building genuine connections with others.”
- “Tom decided to volunteer at the local food bank to give back to his community.”
- “The non-profit organization managed to raise enough funds to build a new shelter for the homeless.”
Tips for Achieving a High Score
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice helps improve fluency and confidence.
- Use a range of vocabulary and grammar: Demonstrate your command of the language.
- Stay coherent: Ensure your ideas are logically connected.
- Engage with the examiner: Show enthusiasm and be dynamic in your responses.
- Use real-life examples: Personal stories make your answers more believable and impactful.
By following these guidelines and practising diligently, you can increase your chances of acing the IELTS Speaking test. Always remember to stay calm, speak clearly, and convey your thoughts effectively.
For further practice, check out these related links: Describe a person who is very passionate, Describe a person who is very enthusiastic, and Describe a person who is very generous.
