The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and emotions. One common topic is gratitude, specifically describing a time when you felt grateful for someone’s help. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express feelings, narrate events, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and maximize your speaking score.
Describe a time when you felt very grateful is a topic that has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. To excel in this topic, it’s crucial to understand the question format and prepare a well-structured response.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about gratitude. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you often feel grateful for things in your life?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to practice gratitude daily. Whether it’s appreciating the small gestures from friends or being thankful for my good health, I find that acknowledging these blessings significantly enhances my overall well-being and outlook on life.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Time When You Felt Grateful For Someone’s Help
You should say:
- Who helped you
- What the situation was
- How this person helped you
- And explain why you felt grateful
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to recount a time when I felt incredibly grateful for someone’s help. This incident occurred during my final year of university when I was grappling with a particularly challenging research project.
The person who came to my aid was Dr. Johnson, my thesis advisor. I was facing a major roadblock in my data analysis, which was jeopardizing the entire project. The situation was dire, as the deadline was looming, and I felt completely out of my depth.
Dr. Johnson went above and beyond his role as an advisor. He dedicated several evenings to work alongside me, patiently explaining complex statistical concepts and guiding me through the intricacies of data interpretation. His expertise was invaluable, but what truly stood out was his unwavering support and encouragement.
I felt immensely grateful for several reasons. Firstly, his help was crucial in salvaging my project and ensuring its successful completion. Secondly, the time and effort he invested demonstrated a level of commitment that far exceeded my expectations. Lastly, this experience not only saved my academic work but also instilled in me a deeper appreciation for mentorship and the impact one individual can have on another’s journey.
This incident left an indelible mark on me, reinforcing the importance of both seeking help when needed and being willing to assist others in their times of need. It’s a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of kindness and support in our lives.
Grateful student thanking professor
Possible follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your approach to helping others?
- Do you think people generally express gratitude enough in today’s society?
Sample answers:
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(Band 8-9) This experience profoundly impacted my approach to helping others. It made me more attuned to those who might be struggling silently and more proactive in offering assistance. I’ve learned that even small gestures can make a significant difference, and I now strive to emulate the kindness and patience Dr. Johnson showed me.
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(Band 8-9) In my opinion, the expression of gratitude in today’s society is somewhat undervalued. While social media has made it easier to share positive experiences, I believe there’s still a tendency to take things for granted. However, I’ve noticed a growing awareness of the importance of gratitude, with more people actively practicing and promoting thankfulness, which is a promising trend.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think gratitude affects relationships between people?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Gratitude plays a pivotal role in nurturing and strengthening relationships. When people express appreciation for one another, it creates a positive feedback loop that enhances mutual respect and understanding. This acknowledgment of kindness can foster deeper connections and encourage further acts of generosity. Moreover, gratitude can act as a buffer against negative emotions, helping to resolve conflicts more effectively and maintain harmony in relationships. In professional settings, showing gratitude can boost morale and improve team dynamics, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
Examiner: Do you think younger generations are less grateful compared to older generations?
Candidate (Band 8-9): It’s a complex issue that defies simple generalizations. While some may argue that younger generations have grown up with more privileges and thus might appear less grateful, I believe it’s more a matter of different expressions of gratitude. Younger people often utilize social media to express thanks publicly, which might not be as visible to older generations. Additionally, younger individuals tend to value experiences over material possessions, potentially leading to a different manifestation of gratitude. It’s also worth noting that many young people are increasingly aware of global issues and express gratitude through activism and community involvement. Ultimately, I think gratitude is a universal human emotion that transcends generational boundaries, albeit expressed in evolving ways.
Different generations expressing gratitude
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To be indebted to someone /ɪnˈdetɪd/ (adjective): Owing gratitude to someone for help or favors.
Example: “I am deeply indebted to my parents for their unwavering support.” -
To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “The customer service representative went above and beyond to resolve my issue.” -
To appreciate the gesture (phrase): To recognize and be thankful for someone’s kind action.
Example: “I really appreciated the gesture when my colleague offered to cover my shift.” -
To express heartfelt gratitude (phrase): To show sincere and deep thankfulness.
Example: “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your assistance during this difficult time.” -
To be overwhelmed with gratitude (phrase): To be filled with intense feelings of thankfulness.
Example: “Receiving such generous help from strangers left me overwhelmed with gratitude.”
Describe a situation when you helped a friend can also be a relevant topic to practice, as it allows you to explore the theme of gratitude from a different perspective.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and expressions related to thankfulness and appreciation.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to illustrate your points.
- Develop your ideas fully, explaining not just what happened but also how it made you feel and why.
- Practice speaking about gratitude in different contexts – personal, professional, and societal.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing topics related to emotions and interpersonal relationships.
Remember, the key to excelling in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good language skills, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and experiences. By preparing thoughtful responses on the topic of gratitude, you’ll be well-equipped to handle similar questions in your actual test.
Describe a time when you helped a stranger is another related topic that can help you practice expressing ideas about kindness and gratitude from different angles.
By incorporating these strategies and vocabulary into your IELTS Speaking preparation, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss gratitude and related topics with confidence and eloquence. Remember, the goal is not just to answer the questions, but to engage in a meaningful conversation that showcases your English language abilities.
