How to Describe a Situation When You Helped a Stranger in IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, one of the common topics is describing a situation when you helped a stranger. This topic is often part of the Part 2 cue card section, but it can also be addressed in Part 1 and Part 3 in various forms. The examiner evaluates your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. This article provides an IELTS band 7-8 level sample answer, useful vocabulary, and tips to help you effectively prepare and excel in the IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Requirements

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess several key elements:

• Fluency and Coherence: Your ability to speak fluidly and logically connect your ideas.
• Lexical Resource: Your use of a wide range of vocabulary appropriately.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Your ability to use different grammatical structures correctly.
• Pronunciation: Your clarity and variety in pronunciation.

Each part of the speaking test assesses these elements to varying degrees. Let’s explore how to address the topic “Describe A Situation When You Helped A Stranger” effectively in each part.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions from Examiners

1. Do you like helping others?
2. Can you remember a time when you helped someone?
3. Why do you think helping others is important?

Sample Answer

Examiner: Do you remember a time when you helped someone?

Candidate: Yes, I clearly remember helping a person who had fainted in the middle of a busy street. I was walking to work when I noticed a crowd gathered around someone lying on the ground. Without hesitation, I rushed over, called an ambulance, and tried to make the person comfortable until help arrived. It was a terrifying yet gratifying experience.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a situation when you helped a stranger. You should say:

• When and where it happened
• Who the person was
• How you helped them
• And explain how you felt about it

Sample Answer

One situation that comes to mind is an incident that happened a couple of years ago. It was a cold winter evening, and I was heading home from work. As I approached a crosswalk, I noticed an elderly woman standing hesitantly at the edge of the sidewalk. She seemed bewildered and out of sorts.

Sensing her discomfort, I approached and offered my assistance. She explained that she was on her way to meet her daughter but had become disoriented and lost. Her hands were trembling, and she looked very fragile. I then decided to accompany her to the nearby café to warm up and calm down.

After a bit of conversation, I calmly called her daughter, explained the situation, and arranged for her to come and pick up her mother. While we waited, I kept her company, making small talk to pacify her anxiety. It turned out she had early-stage dementia, which made navigation particularly challenging.

I felt a profound sense of responsibility and empathy during this encounter. Not only was it a relief to see her safely reunite with her daughter, but I also felt gratified knowing I’d made a positive impact on someone’s day. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of being vigilant and helpful towards people who may seem vulnerable or in need.

Helping an elderly woman

Follow-up Questions

1. Why do some people hesitate to help strangers?

   • Sample Answer: People might hesitate to help strangers due to a fear of being rejected or misunderstood. They may also be concerned about putting themselves in potential danger or may simply feel that someone else will step in.

2. How can communities encourage people to help one another?

   • Sample Answer: Communities can foster a culture of altruism by organizing programs and workshops that promote acts of kindness and mutual support. Regular awareness campaigns and the establishment of reward systems for good deeds can also motivate community members to assist one another.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions and Suggested Responses

1. Do you think people today are less willing to help strangers compared to the past?

   • Sample Answer: In some ways, yes. With the rise of individualism and safety concerns, people might be less inclined to help strangers than in the past. However, there are still many who actively embrace community values and go out of their way to assist others.

2. What are the benefits of helping strangers for the helper?

   • Sample Answer: Helping strangers can be incredibly rewarding for the helper. It fosters a sense of fulfillment and purpose, enhances one’s social connections, and can even improve mental well-being by generating positive emotional experiences.

3. Are there situations where it might be better not to help a stranger? Why?

   • Sample Answer: Indeed, there are situations where it’s prudent not to engage. For instance, if helping puts one’s safety at risk, or if professional intervention is necessary, it might be better to notify authorities instead. It’s crucial to assess the scenario carefully before extending help.

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

• Bewildered /bɪˈwɪldərd/: confused and indistinct
• Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/: the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
• Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/: selfless concern for the well-being of others
• Reinforced /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːrst/: strengthened or supported
• Pacify /ˈpæsɪfaɪ/: to quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of

Examples:

• “The elderly woman looked bewildered but relief washed over her face when I offered to help.”
• “Feeling empathy towards those in distress is a fundamental human quality.”
• “The organization’s altruism was evident in their many outreach programs.”
• “This experience reinforced my belief in humanity.”
• “I tried to pacify her anxiety by engaging in small talk.”

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Fluently: Focus on speaking fluidly and reducing pauses.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Use varied and sophisticated vocabulary.
3. Maintain Structure: Ensure your responses are coherent and well-organized.
4. Use Grammatical Range: Demonstrate your ability to use different grammatical structures.
5. Work on Pronunciation: Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and achieve a higher band score.