The topic of describing a time when you helped someone during an emergency is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary related to emergencies and assistance. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about emergencies and helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Have you ever been in an emergency situation?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. A few years ago, I was in a car accident. It wasn’t too serious, but it was quite scary at the time.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, I have. I vividly recall an incident a couple of years back when I witnessed a minor building fire in my neighborhood. While it wasn’t life-threatening, the situation was undoubtedly tense and required swift action.”
- How do people usually react in emergencies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think most people feel scared and nervous in emergencies. Some people panic, while others try to stay calm and help.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my experience, people’s reactions in emergencies can vary dramatically. While some individuals may succumb to panic, others demonstrate remarkable composure. It’s fascinating to observe how the fight-or-flight response manifests differently in each person, with some instinctively taking charge of the situation and others seeking guidance from those around them.”
Describe a time when you had to cancel plans at the last minute can also be a challenging topic to discuss in IELTS Speaking, as it requires you to explain your reasons and feelings about an unexpected change of plans.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time when you helped someone during an emergency.
You should say:
- When and where it happened
- Who needed help and what the emergency was
- What you did to help
- How you felt about the experience
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I remember a time last year when I helped an elderly neighbor during a power outage. It was a cold winter evening, and suddenly the whole neighborhood went dark. I knew my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, lived alone and might need help.
I took a flashlight and went to check on her. She was scared and confused. The emergency was that her heater had stopped working, and she didn’t have any candles or flashlights.
I helped her by lighting some candles I had brought and showing her how to use a portable heater I lent her. I also made sure she had enough warm blankets and stayed with her until the power came back on.
I felt good about helping Mrs. Thompson. It was a bit stressful at first, but I was glad I could make her feel safe and comfortable during the emergency.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount an incident that occurred approximately 18 months ago, which left an indelible impression on me. It was a sweltering summer afternoon when I witnessed a cyclist collide with a car at a busy intersection near my workplace.
The cyclist, a middle-aged man, was sprawled on the asphalt, visibly in pain and unable to move. The emergency at hand was potentially serious – he could have suffered severe injuries, and the busy traffic posed an additional threat to his safety.
Without hesitation, I sprang into action. First, I called emergency services, providing them with our precise location and a detailed description of the situation. Then, I approached the cyclist cautiously, ensuring it was safe to do so. I reassured him and advised him not to move until professional help arrived. Utilizing my basic first aid knowledge, I checked for any obvious bleeding and monitored his consciousness. Simultaneously, I coordinated with other bystanders to redirect traffic and create a safe perimeter around the accident site.
The experience was both harrowing and exhilarating. Initially, I felt a surge of adrenaline and a sense of urgency. As the situation unfolded, I was surprised by my ability to remain calm and think rationally under pressure. Ultimately, I felt a profound sense of relief when the paramedics arrived and took over. This incident reinforced my belief in the importance of community spirit and preparedness for unexpected situations. It was a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change and the critical role that immediate, thoughtful action can play in emergencies.”
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think everyone should learn basic first aid skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s a good idea for everyone to learn basic first aid. It can be really helpful in emergencies and might even save lives.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I firmly believe that basic first aid skills should be a fundamental part of everyone’s education. These skills are invaluable in a wide range of situations, from minor accidents at home to more serious emergencies in public spaces. Having this knowledge not only empowers individuals to take immediate action when needed but also fosters a sense of community responsibility. Moreover, in critical situations where professional help may be delayed, these skills can literally be the difference between life and death.”
- How has technology changed the way we respond to emergencies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier to deal with emergencies. We can call for help quickly using our phones, and there are apps that can guide us through first aid steps.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized our approach to emergency response in numerous ways. Smartphones, for instance, have become indispensable tools in crisis situations, allowing for instant communication and access to life-saving information. Emergency services can now pinpoint our exact location through GPS, significantly reducing response times. Additionally, innovative apps provide real-time guidance on first aid procedures, making it possible for even untrained individuals to offer crucial assistance. Furthermore, social media platforms have proven instrumental in disseminating urgent information and coordinating large-scale rescue efforts during natural disasters. This technological integration has undoubtedly enhanced our collective ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.”
Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work is another topic that can help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations, which are valuable traits in emergency scenarios as well.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- What qualities do you think are important for people working in emergency services?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think people working in emergency services need to be brave and stay calm under pressure. They should also be good at working in teams and making quick decisions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Emergency service personnel require a unique blend of qualities to excel in their high-stakes profession. Paramount among these is the ability to remain composed under extreme pressure, as they often face life-or-death situations where clear thinking is crucial. Equally important is their capacity for rapid decision-making, coupled with the flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances.
Moreover, these individuals must possess exceptional communication skills to effectively coordinate with colleagues and reassure those in distress. Empathy and emotional resilience are also vital, as they frequently encounter traumatic situations that can be psychologically taxing. Lastly, a strong sense of duty and physical stamina are essential to withstand the demanding nature of their work. These qualities, when combined, enable emergency service workers to perform admirably in some of the most challenging scenarios imaginable.”
- How can communities better prepare for potential emergencies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Communities can prepare for emergencies by having regular drills and making sure everyone knows what to do. It’s also good to have emergency kits ready and to know your neighbors in case you need help.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Community preparedness for emergencies is a multifaceted endeavor that requires proactive planning and ongoing commitment. First and foremost, communities should invest in comprehensive education programs that equip residents with essential knowledge about various types of emergencies and appropriate responses. This could include regular workshops, simulations, and easily accessible online resources.
Establishing robust communication systems is crucial. This might involve implementing alert systems that can quickly disseminate information during crises, as well as creating community networks that facilitate rapid information sharing and mutual support.
Communities should also focus on building resilience through infrastructure improvements. This could entail reinforcing buildings against natural disasters, creating community safe spaces, and ensuring the reliability of essential services like water and electricity.
Fostering a culture of volunteerism and community engagement is equally important. Training local volunteers in emergency response techniques can significantly enhance a community’s capacity to handle crises effectively.
Lastly, regular drills and exercises should be conducted to test and refine emergency plans, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective. By adopting such a comprehensive approach, communities can significantly enhance their preparedness and resilience in the face of potential emergencies.”
Describe a time when you had to take charge of a difficult situation is closely related to emergency situations, as it often requires similar leadership and problem-solving skills.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing emergency situations, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
-
To spring into action (/sprɪŋ ˈɪntu ˈækʃən/) – to start doing something quickly and energetically
Example: “As soon as I saw the accident, I sprang into action and called for an ambulance.” -
To keep a level head (/kiːp ə ˈlevl hed/) – to remain calm in a difficult situation
Example: “Despite the chaos, the firefighter kept a level head and safely evacuated everyone from the building.” -
To rise to the occasion (/raɪz tuː ðiː əˈkeɪʒn/) – to show that you can deal with a difficult situation successfully
Example: “Although she had never faced such an emergency before, Sarah rose to the occasion and provided crucial first aid.” -
Presence of mind (/ˈprezns əv maɪnd/) – the ability to think and act calmly and intelligently in an emergency
Example: “Thanks to John’s presence of mind during the crisis, potential disasters were averted.” -
To take the initiative (/teɪk ðiː ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/) – to be the first to take action in a situation
Example: “When no one else seemed to know what to do, I took the initiative and started organizing a rescue plan.”
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult conversation can also be relevant when discussing emergency situations, as these often involve challenging communications.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing emergency situations:
- Practice narrating past events in detail, focusing on your actions, thoughts, and feelings.
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to emergencies, first aid, and emotional responses.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing various emergency scenarios.
- Improve your pronunciation, particularly of technical terms related to emergencies and medical situations.
- Prepare examples from your personal experience or things you’ve witnessed, ensuring you can discuss them confidently.
- Practice expressing opinions on emergency preparedness and response at both individual and community levels.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.