In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed based on four critical criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The task requires candidates to articulate their thoughts clearly and provide relevant examples. One common topic that might appear in the IELTS Speaking test is to “Describe a person who is very supportive of others.” This guide will offer model answers, effective strategies for dealing with such prompts, and advanced vocabulary that can help you achieve a high score.
A supportive person
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner often asks general questions to help the candidates feel comfortable and to evaluate their ability to answer simple questions about themselves or everyday topics.
Common Questions in Part 1:
- Can you tell me about a close friend who is very supportive?
- How do you typically support your friends and family?
- How important is it to have supportive people around you?
Model Answer:
Q: Can you tell me about a close friend who is very supportive?
A: Certainly. I would like to talk about my friend, John. He is a person who always goes out of his way to help others. For instance, when I was preparing for my exams, he would frequently check up on me to ensure I was managing my time well and offer assistance with challenging subjects.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2 of the Speaking test, you are given a cue card that includes a topic and several bullet points to address. You’ll have one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak.
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very supportive of others. You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know this person
- How this person supports others
- And explain why you think this person is very supportive
Model Answer:
Answer:
I would like to describe my colleague, Sarah, who is exceptionally supportive of others. I first met Sarah at my workplace three years ago, and since then, she has been a constant source of encouragement and assistance.
Sarah has a remarkable ability to sense when someone is struggling and always offers a helping hand. For instance, there was a time when a new employee was having a hard time adjusting to the work culture. Sarah took it upon herself to mentor this person, providing both professional advice and emotional support. She is always there to lend an ear or offer constructive advice, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
What sets Sarah apart is her genuine care for others. She often organizes team-building activities and offers her time voluntarily to train new staff members. Her empathetic nature and unwavering dedication to helping others foster a positive work environment and inspire everyone around her. Therefore, I think Sarah is very supportive, not only because she helps when directly asked but also due to her proactive nature in offering support.
Follow-up Questions:
Why do you think Sarah is so supportive?
Answer: I believe Sarah’s supportive nature stems from her compassionate personality and strong sense of empathy. Growing up in a large, close-knit family, she learned the importance of helping and supporting each other early on. This quality translates into her professional life, where she consistently looks out for colleagues and friends.
Can you recall a specific incident where Sarah went above and beyond to support someone?
Answer: Absolutely. Once, one of our colleagues was going through a tough personal time, affecting their work performance. Sarah not only covered some of their workload but also helped them find professional counseling. She ensured they felt cared for and supported during a difficult phase.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. This part tests your ability to express opinions and discuss various ideas.
Discussion Questions and Answers:
Q: Do you think people are less supportive today compared to the past?
A: It’s an interesting observation. While it’s true that today’s fast-paced lifestyle might make it seem like people have less time to support each other, the avenues for support have evolved. For instance, technology enables people to stay connected and offer support virtually, which wasn’t possible in the past. That said, the essence of being supportive—showing care and empathy—remains the same.
Q: How can community leaders promote a supportive environment?
A: Community leaders can play a pivotal role in fostering a supportive environment by organizing events that bring people together, creating platforms for dialogue, and ensuring that there are resources available for those in need. Promoting volunteer activities and encouraging mentorship programs can also cultivate a sense of community and mutual support.
Q: Is it important for children to be taught about the value of being supportive?
A: Definitely. Teaching children about the value of being supportive can help them develop empathy, kindness, and social responsibility. These qualities not only benefit them personally but also contribute to building a more compassionate society. Schools and parents should emphasize collaborative activities and model supportive behavior to instill these values from a young age.
Advanced Vocabulary and Important Phrases
Empathetic /ˌempəˈTHedik/: (adj) showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- “Sarah’s empathetic nature makes her uniquely supportive.”
Proactive /prəʊˈæktɪv/: (adj) creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.
- “She is proactive in offering her help whenever she notices someone struggling.”
Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: (adj) steady or resolute; not wavering.
- “Her unwavering support has been a pillar of strength for many.”
Compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/: (adj) feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
- “John is one of the most compassionate people I know.”
Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljʊəbl/: (adj) extremely useful; indispensable.
- “Her advice has been invaluable to the team.”
Examples in Use:
- “Her empathetic nature resonates with everyone around her.”
- “Being proactive in offering help ensures problems are addressed before they escalate.”
- “His unwavering dedication to the cause is truly commendable.”
- “A compassionate leader can make a significant difference in an organization.”
- “Your support has been invaluable during these challenging times.”
Examiner’s Tips for Practice:
- Practice Speaking Regularly: The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable you will become. Use different topics to ensure a well-rounded ability to discuss various subjects.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases and practice using them in sentences. This will help improve your lexical resource score.
- Record and Review: Record your practice answers and review them to identify areas that need improvement. Pay attention to pronunciation, grammar, and coherence.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a friend, tutor, or language exchange partner who can provide constructive feedback.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Confidence can significantly impact your performance. Practice mindfulness techniques to remain calm during the test.
By following these strategies and the provided model answers, you will be better prepared to handle the “Describe a person who is very supportive of others” prompt in the IELTS Speaking test. For more related topics, you can check out Describe a person who is very thoughtful and Describe a person who is a good mentor.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!