Describe a Person Who Is Very Supportive: How to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English. It consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. As an IELTS Speaking Examiner, I evaluate not only your grammatical correctness but also your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and pronunciation. One of the common topics you might encounter is describing a person who is very supportive. This topic appears frequently due to its relevance and ability to showcase your ability to discuss personalities, experiences, and relationships comprehensively.

In this post, I will offer sample questions and answers for each part of the IELTS Speaking test to help you prepare effectively. I will also share some essential tips and vocabulary to ensure you give the best answers possible.

Common Part 1 Questions

Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you answer questions about yourself and your life. Here are some related questions to the topic of supportive people:

1. Do you have a best friend or a supportive family member?
2. How often do you talk to this supportive person?
3. What do you do together?

Sample Answer for Question 1

“Yes, I have a very supportive best friend named Linda. We’ve known each other since high school, and she’s always been there for me, offering constructive advice in difficult situations.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card Example

In Part 2, you will speak for 1-2 minutes on a given topic. Here’s an example cue card related to the main topic:

Describe a person who is very supportive.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• How this person has supported you
• And explain why you think this person is very supportive

Sample Answer

“I want to talk about my older brother, John. John is not only a sibling but also my closest confidant and mentor. I have known him all my life, but our bond became particularly strong during my high school years. He supported me through my studies, helping me with homework and offering valuable advice about university and career choices.

One of the most significant ways John has supported me was when I decided to study abroad. He guided me through the application process, proofread my personal statement, and even helped me prepare for interviews, which significantly boosted my confidence.

I believe John is exceptionally supportive because he is always willing to make time for me, no matter how busy he is. He listens attentively to my problems and offers practical solutions rather than mere sympathy. This combination of emotional support and actionable advice makes him one of the most supportive people I know.”

supportive-person|Supportive Person|A photo of a person who is listening attentively and offering emotional support to their friend.

Follow-Up Questions

Below are sample questions your examiner might ask following your response:

• How do you show support to your friends and family?
• Do you think it is essential to have a supportive person in life? Why?

Suggested Answers

1. “I show support to my friends and family by being a good listener and offering help whenever needed. I believe in the importance of being physically and emotionally present for the people I care about.”
2. “Absolutely, having a supportive person in life is crucial. It provides a sense of security and helps individuals navigate through challenging times more effectively.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Sample Discussion Questions

In Part 3, the questions become more abstract and complex, requiring a deeper analysis.

1. What are the qualities of a supportive person?
2. How do modern technologies influence the way people support each other?
3. Do you think society has become more or less supportive over the years?

Sample Answer for Question 1

“A supportive person typically possesses qualities like empathy, patience, and reliability. They are good listeners, offer thoughtful advice, and are always ready to help when someone faces difficulties. Moreover, they often provide unconditional support without expecting anything in return, which makes their support genuine and invaluable.”

Vocabulary and Phrases to Boost Your Score

Here are some essential words and phrases that can help you achieve a high band score:

1. Empathy (ˈempəTHē) – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
   • Example: “John’s empathy and understanding made me feel reassured.”
2. Confidant (ˈkänfəˌdant, -ˌdänt) – a person with whom one shares a secret or private matter.
   • Example: “Linda has been my confidant for years.”
3. Unconditional support – support without any limitations or conditions.
   • Example: “Unconditional support from my family was crucial during my university years.”
4. Constructive advice – helpful and intended to improve or promote development.
   • Example: “My mentor always gives me constructive advice.”
5. Emotional support – providing care, love, and reassurance to someone who is in need.
   • Example: “During tough times, emotional support can be a great source of strength.”

Tips for IELTS Speaking

1. Practice regularly: Consistent practice helps you become more fluent and confident.
2. Use real-world examples: Relating your answers to real-life scenarios makes them more believable.
3. Expand your vocabulary: As shown above, a rich vocabulary can make a significant difference in your speaking score.
4. Be coherent: Ensure your answers are structured logically and are easy to follow.
5. Stay calm: Maintaining your composure helps you think clearly and articulate better.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep working on your speaking skills. Good luck!