Describing a person who taught you the value of kindness is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to articulate personal experiences while demonstrating their language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively answer 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 general questions about kindness and influential people in your life. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think kindness is an important quality?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe kindness is very important. It helps people get along better and makes the world a nicer place to live in. When people are kind to each other, it creates a positive atmosphere and can make difficult situations easier to handle.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I consider kindness to be a fundamental quality in human interactions. It’s the cornerstone of empathy and compassion, which are essential for building strong relationships and fostering a harmonious society. Kindness has the power to transform negative experiences into positive ones and can create a ripple effect of goodwill in communities.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Cue Card:
Describe a person who taught you the value of kindness.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they did to show kindness
- And explain how this person influenced your understanding of kindness
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person who taught me the value of kindness is my grandmother. I’ve known her all my life, of course, as she’s family. She’s always been a big part of my life, especially when I was growing up.
My grandmother showed kindness in many ways. She was always ready to help anyone who needed it, whether it was a family member or a stranger. I remember how she would cook extra food to share with our neighbors who were going through tough times. She also volunteered at a local charity shop, giving her time to help others.
What really stuck with me was how she treated everyone with respect, regardless of their background or status. She would talk to the postman or the grocery store clerk with the same warmth and interest as she would with her closest friends.
Her actions influenced my understanding of kindness by showing me that it’s not just about big gestures, but also about small, everyday actions. She taught me that being kind can make a real difference in people’s lives and that it’s something we should practice all the time, not just when it’s convenient.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual who profoundly shaped my understanding of kindness is my high school English teacher, Ms. Thompson. I had the privilege of being her student for two consecutive years during my formative teenage period.
Ms. Thompson’s approach to kindness was multifaceted and deeply impactful. She consistently went above and beyond her professional duties, dedicating extra hours after school to assist struggling students without any expectation of compensation. Her classroom was a sanctuary of empathy and understanding, where she skillfully fostered an environment that encouraged mutual respect and support among students.
One particular incident that stands out was when a new student, who was a recent immigrant and spoke limited English, joined our class mid-semester. Ms. Thompson took it upon herself to create personalized learning materials for this student and paired her with a volunteer student mentor. She even learned a few phrases in the student’s native language to make her feel more welcome. This extraordinary level of dedication not only helped the new student integrate but also taught the entire class about the importance of inclusivity and compassion.
Ms. Thompson’s influence on my perception of kindness was transformative. She demonstrated that kindness is not merely a passive sentiment but an active force that can significantly impact lives. Through her actions, I learned that true kindness involves empathy, patience, and a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone to help others. She showed me that kindness can be a powerful tool for education and social change, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community.
Moreover, Ms. Thompson’s influence extended beyond the classroom. She inspired many of us to engage in community service, organizing volunteer opportunities that allowed us to practice kindness in real-world settings. This hands-on experience reinforced the idea that kindness is a skill that can be developed and that its benefits extend to both the giver and the receiver.
In essence, Ms. Thompson’s example has left an indelible mark on my understanding of kindness, shaping it into a core value that continues to guide my interactions and decisions to this day.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s example of kindness affected your own behavior?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My grandmother’s example has made me try to be kinder in my daily life. I now try to help others when I can and be more patient with people. It’s not always easy, but I remember how she acted and try to do the same.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Ms. Thompson’s influence has been profound and far-reaching in shaping my behavior. Her example has instilled in me a proactive approach to kindness, where I actively seek opportunities to make a positive impact on others’ lives. I’ve become more attuned to the needs of those around me, whether it’s offering support to a colleague struggling with a project or volunteering for community initiatives. Moreover, her teachings have enhanced my empathy and cultural sensitivity, making me more considerate of diverse perspectives and experiences in both personal and professional settings.
- Do you think kindness is something that can be taught?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think kindness can be taught, especially to children. When people see good examples of kindness, they can learn from them and try to copy that behavior. Schools and parents can teach children about being kind through stories and activities.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe kindness is a skill that can be cultivated through both instruction and example. While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards empathy, the practical application of kindness can certainly be learned and refined. Educational institutions play a crucial role in this process by incorporating social-emotional learning into their curricula, teaching students about empathy, compassion, and the impact of their actions on others. Additionally, modeling kind behavior, as Ms. Thompson did, serves as a powerful teaching tool. It’s important to note that teaching kindness goes beyond mere politeness; it involves fostering a deep understanding of others’ perspectives and needs, and encouraging a genuine desire to contribute positively to society.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: How do you think society benefits from acts of kindness?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think society benefits a lot from acts of kindness. When people are kind to each other, it creates a more positive atmosphere. This can lead to less conflict and more cooperation between people. Kindness can also help reduce stress and make people feel happier, which is good for everyone’s mental health.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The benefits of kindness to society are multifaceted and far-reaching. At its core, kindness fosters social cohesion and builds stronger communities by creating a network of positive interactions and mutual support. This can lead to increased social capital, where individuals are more likely to trust and help one another, resulting in more resilient and adaptable communities.
Moreover, kindness has a ripple effect that can influence broader social dynamics. When acts of kindness are witnessed or experienced, they often inspire others to behave similarly, creating a positive feedback loop that can transform social norms and expectations. This can contribute to a more empathetic and compassionate society overall.
From a public health perspective, widespread kindness can have tangible benefits. Studies have shown that both performing and receiving acts of kindness can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, potentially leading to improved mental health outcomes on a societal level. This, in turn, can have positive implications for physical health and overall well-being.
Additionally, in diverse societies, kindness can serve as a bridge between different cultural or social groups, fostering understanding and reducing prejudice. This can lead to more inclusive communities and workplaces, ultimately contributing to social progress and innovation.
In essence, kindness acts as a social lubricant, reducing friction in daily interactions and creating a more harmonious and productive society. Its cumulative effect can lead to significant improvements in quality of life, social stability, and collective well-being.
Question: Do you think technology has affected how people show kindness to each other?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think technology has changed how people show kindness. On one hand, social media makes it easier to connect with people and offer support, even from far away. We can send kind messages or donate to causes online. But on the other hand, technology can also make people less connected in real life, which might reduce face-to-face acts of kindness.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has undoubtedly had a profound and complex impact on how kindness is expressed and perceived in modern society. On the positive side, digital platforms have exponentially expanded our capacity to engage in acts of kindness on a global scale. Social media and crowdfunding sites allow individuals to rally support for causes, raise awareness about issues, and provide emotional or financial assistance to those in need, even across vast geographical distances.
Moreover, technology has democratized philanthropy, enabling micro-donations and volunteer opportunities that were previously inaccessible to many. Apps and websites dedicated to connecting volunteers with local initiatives have made it easier for people to engage in community service.
However, the digital age has also introduced new challenges to the expression of kindness. The anonymity and distance provided by online interactions can sometimes lead to a lack of empathy or even cyberbullying. The performative aspect of social media can turn acts of kindness into opportunities for self-promotion, potentially diluting the genuine spirit of altruism.
Additionally, our increasing reliance on digital communication may be eroding our capacity for face-to-face empathy and spontaneous acts of kindness in daily life. The constant connectivity can paradoxically lead to social isolation, reducing opportunities for small, everyday kind gestures.
Nonetheless, technology also offers innovative solutions to these challenges. Virtual reality experiences designed to increase empathy, AI-powered mental health support, and platforms that gamify acts of kindness are all examples of how technology is evolving to foster a kinder society.
In conclusion, while technology has certainly altered the landscape of how kindness is expressed, it has also provided new avenues for its manifestation. The key lies in harnessing these technological tools mindfully, ensuring that they enhance rather than replace our innate human capacity for compassion and kindness.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “My grandmother’s empathy towards others was truly inspiring.” -
Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “Ms. Thompson’s altruism was evident in her dedication to helping struggling students.” -
To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “She always went above and beyond to ensure her students felt supported.” -
Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a marked change in someone or something.
Example: “The experience of volunteering was transformative, changing my perspective on community service.” -
To foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
Example: “Good teachers foster an environment of mutual respect in their classrooms.” -
Indelible mark (phrase): A lasting impact or impression.
Example: “Her kindness left an indelible mark on everyone she met.” -
Ripple effect (noun): The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
Example: “Acts of kindness often create a ripple effect, inspiring others to be more compassionate.” -
To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: “It’s important to cultivate kindness from a young age.”
Describe a person who is very humble is another topic that allows you to explore personal qualities and their impact on others. Similarly, you can apply the strategies discussed here to articulate your thoughts on humility effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who taught you the value of kindness:
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Provide specific examples: Don’t just say the person was kind; describe concrete situations that demonstrate their kindness.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to kindness and personal qualities.
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Speak fluently: Practice your response to maintain a smooth flow of speech without long pauses.
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Show reflection: Discuss how this person’s actions influenced your own understanding and behavior regarding kindness.
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Maintain coherence: Ensure your ideas are well-organized and logically connected throughout your response.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of kindness in society and how it relates to current issues.
Remember, describing a person who inspires you to give back to society can often overlap with discussing kindness. Practice linking these themes to showcase your ability to draw connections between related topics.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of kindness in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses is key – draw from your personal experiences to make your answers more engaging and genuine.