The topic of describing a time when you had to rely on others for help is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and demonstrate your understanding of interpersonal relationships. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about seeking help and relying on others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you often ask for help from others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do ask for help sometimes. I think it’s important to be able to rely on others when needed. For example, I often ask my classmates for notes if I miss a lecture.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe in striking a balance between self-reliance and seeking assistance when necessary. While I strive to be independent, I recognize the value of collaborative problem-solving. For instance, when tackling complex projects at work, I don’t hesitate to consult colleagues with specialized expertise to ensure the best possible outcome.”
- In what situations do people usually need help from others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“People often need help in emergencies, like accidents or natural disasters. They might also need assistance with difficult tasks or when learning new skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“There’s a wide spectrum of situations where individuals might require assistance. These range from critical scenarios such as medical emergencies or financial crises to more routine circumstances like navigating unfamiliar technology or adapting to a new work environment. Additionally, emotional support during challenging life events, such as bereavement or relationship issues, is another crucial area where people often rely on others.”
IELTS Speaking Interview Questions
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Time When You Had To Rely On Others For Help. You should say:
- What the situation was
- Who helped you
- How they helped you
- And explain how you felt about receiving help
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I remember a time when I had to rely on others for help. It was when I moved to a new city for my studies. The situation was quite challenging because I didn’t know anyone there and had to find accommodation and settle in quickly.
My classmate, Sarah, who was from that city, helped me a lot. She offered to let me stay at her place for a week while I looked for an apartment. She also showed me around the city, helped me understand the public transportation system, and introduced me to some local shops and restaurants.
Sarah’s help was invaluable. She not only provided me with a temporary place to stay but also helped me navigate the new environment. She even assisted me in finding a suitable apartment by accompanying me to view different places and giving me advice on which areas were safe and convenient for students.
I felt incredibly grateful for Sarah’s help. It made my transition to the new city much smoother and less stressful. Her kindness and support made me feel welcome and less alone in an unfamiliar place. This experience taught me the importance of helping others and being open to receiving help when needed.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount a particularly challenging period in my professional life when I found myself heavily reliant on the support of others. The situation arose when I was tasked with spearheading a complex cross-departmental project at my company, which was well outside my usual area of expertise.
The individual who proved to be my most valuable asset during this time was my mentor, Dr. Emily Chen. Dr. Chen, a seasoned project manager with a wealth of experience in interdisciplinary collaborations, stepped in to guide me through this daunting task.
Her assistance was multifaceted and invaluable. Firstly, she helped me craft a comprehensive project plan, breaking down the mammoth task into manageable milestones. She also facilitated introductions to key stakeholders across different departments, leveraging her extensive network to smooth over potential communication barriers. Moreover, Dr. Chen provided ongoing support throughout the project’s lifecycle, offering constructive feedback on my strategies and helping me navigate the inevitable hurdles that arose.
The experience of receiving such substantial help was both humbling and enlightening. Initially, I felt a twinge of inadequacy, questioning my capability to handle such a significant responsibility. However, as the project progressed, I began to appreciate the immense value of collaborative learning and the power of leveraging diverse expertise. Dr. Chen’s mentorship not only enabled the project’s success but also accelerated my professional growth in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
This experience reshaped my perspective on teamwork and interdependence in the workplace. It underscored the fact that relying on others isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a strategic approach to problem-solving and personal development. The project’s ultimate success, which exceeded our initial expectations, stood as a testament to the synergy that can be achieved when individuals are willing to both offer and accept help.”
IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you feel when someone refuses to help you?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“When someone refuses to help me, I feel disappointed and a bit frustrated. It can be discouraging, especially if I really needed the help. However, I try to understand that people might have their own reasons for not being able to help.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“When faced with a refusal for assistance, my reaction is typically multifaceted. Initially, there might be a sense of disappointment or even mild frustration, particularly if the help was crucial. However, I make a conscious effort to approach the situation with empathy and rationality. I remind myself that everyone has their own constraints and priorities, and a refusal to help doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of goodwill. This experience often prompts me to reassess my approach and consider alternative solutions or resources I might have overlooked. Ultimately, I view such instances as opportunities for personal growth, enhancing my problem-solving skills and resilience.”
- Do you think people are less willing to help others these days compared to the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it depends on the situation. In some ways, people might be less willing to help because everyone is so busy nowadays. But social media has also made it easier for people to ask for help and for others to offer assistance, especially during crises.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This is a nuanced issue that defies a simple yes or no answer. On one hand, the fast-paced nature of modern life and increasing urbanization might create the impression that people are less inclined to help others. The anonymity of city living and the pressure of time constraints can sometimes lead to a perceived decrease in everyday acts of kindness.
However, I believe this view might be overly simplistic. The digital age has actually facilitated new avenues for assistance and collaboration. We’ve seen remarkable examples of crowdfunding for medical expenses, virtual support groups, and global volunteer initiatives coordinated through social media. These platforms have enabled people to help others beyond their immediate physical communities, often on a scale that wasn’t possible in the past.
Moreover, recent global crises have demonstrated humanity’s capacity for collective action and mutual aid. We’ve witnessed countless instances of communities rallying together, whether it’s in response to natural disasters or during the COVID-19 pandemic.
So while the nature of helping others may have evolved, I don’t believe people are inherently less willing to help. Rather, the modes of assistance have diversified, reflecting the changing dynamics of our interconnected world.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- What are some of the challenges people face when asking for help?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“People might feel embarrassed or worried about looking weak when asking for help. They might also be afraid of rejection or bothering others. Sometimes, they might not know who to ask or how to ask for help properly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The challenges associated with seeking assistance are often deeply rooted in psychological and social factors. Primarily, there’s the fear of appearing vulnerable or incompetent, which can be particularly pronounced in competitive environments like workplaces or academic settings. This ties into the broader societal emphasis on self-reliance and independence, which can make individuals reluctant to acknowledge their limitations.
Another significant hurdle is the anxiety about reciprocity. People may hesitate to ask for help because they worry about incurring a social debt or being unable to return the favor in the future. This can be especially daunting when approaching someone of higher status or authority.
There’s also the challenge of articulating one’s needs effectively. Asking for help requires a certain level of self-awareness and communication skills to clearly convey what kind of assistance is required. This can be particularly difficult in complex or sensitive situations.
Moreover, in our increasingly digital world, there’s the added complexity of choosing the appropriate channel for seeking help. The impersonal nature of digital communication can sometimes make it harder to convey sincerity or urgency in requests for assistance.
Lastly, there’s the fear of rejection or indifference. The possibility that one’s request might be denied or ignored can be a significant deterrent, especially for those who have had negative experiences in the past when seeking help.”
- How can societies encourage people to help each other more?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Societies can encourage helping behavior by teaching the importance of kindness and cooperation in schools. They can also create volunteer programs and community events that bring people together. Recognizing and rewarding people who help others can also motivate more people to do the same.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Fostering a culture of mutual aid and support requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both individual attitudes and societal structures. At the foundational level, educational systems play a crucial role. Incorporating empathy-building exercises, collaborative projects, and community service into curricula can instill values of cooperation and social responsibility from an early age.
Media and public discourse also have significant influence. Highlighting stories of everyday heroism and community support can help normalize helping behaviors and inspire others to act similarly. This could be further reinforced through social media campaigns that celebrate acts of kindness and generosity.
On a policy level, governments can incentivize prosocial behaviors through tax breaks for charitable donations or volunteering hours. Creating structured volunteering programs that are accessible and appealing to diverse demographics can also increase participation rates.
Corporate culture is another key area for intervention. Companies can encourage employee volunteering through paid time off for community service or matching donation programs. This not only benefits society but can also enhance employee satisfaction and company reputation.
Urban planning can play a role by designing public spaces that facilitate social interaction and community engagement. Community gardens, public squares, and shared facilities can create opportunities for spontaneous helping behaviors and foster a sense of shared responsibility.
Lastly, leveraging technology to connect those in need with those who can help, through user-friendly apps or platforms, can streamline the process of giving and receiving assistance.
By implementing these strategies comprehensively, societies can create an environment where helping others is not just encouraged but becomes an integral part of the social fabric.”
IELTS Speaking Two-way Discussion
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Multifaceted /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Her assistance was multifaceted, covering various aspects of the project.” -
Invaluable /ɪnˈvæl.jə.bəl/ (adjective): Extremely useful; indispensable.
Example: “His support was invaluable during my difficult time.” -
To craft /kræft/ (verb): To make or construct (something) with skill and careful attention to detail.
Example: “She helped me craft a comprehensive project plan.” -
To facilitate /fəˈsɪl.ɪ.teɪt/ (verb): To make an action or process easy or easier.
Example: “The mentor facilitated introductions to key stakeholders.” -
Humbling /ˈhʌm.blɪŋ/ (adjective): Making you feel less important or less proud.
Example: “Receiving such substantial help was a humbling experience.” -
To reshape /ˌriːˈʃeɪp/ (verb): To give a new shape or form to something.
Example: “This experience reshaped my perspective on teamwork.” -
Synergy /ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/ (noun): The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Example: “The project’s success demonstrated the synergy that can be achieved through collaboration.” -
Nuanced /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: “This is a nuanced issue that defies a simple yes or no answer.” -
To rally /ˈræl.i/ (verb): To come together for a common purpose.
Example: “We’ve witnessed communities rallying together during crises.” -
Reciprocity /ˌres.ɪˈprɒs.ə.ti/ (noun): The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.
Example: “People may hesitate to ask for help due to anxiety about reciprocity.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like relying on others for help, consider the following tips:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, and personal experiences.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced and topic-specific vocabulary naturally in your responses. This demonstrates your language proficiency.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without unnatural pauses or hesitations.
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Show critical thinking: In Part 3, especially, demonstrate your ability to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and discuss abstract concepts.
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Use appropriate tenses: When describing past experiences, ensure you use past tenses correctly and consistently.
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Incorporate idiomatic language: Use idiomatic expressions where appropriate to add sophistication to your language.
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Practice coherence and cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly and logically.
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Work on pronunciation: Clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation contribute significantly to your overall score.
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Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the questions and maintain good eye contact to demonstrate confidence and engagement.
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Be honest and authentic: While it’s important to showcase your language skills, always be truthful in your responses. Authenticity often leads to more natural and fluent speech.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics and question types is key to improving your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a person who has influenced your lifestyle can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation. It allows you to discuss personal relationships and their impact on your life, which can be linked to the theme of receiving help and support from others.
