In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed on their ability to communicate effectively in English across a variety of contexts. Examiners evaluate candidates based on four main criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. One often-encountered task in the Speaking test is to “describe a time when you helped a friend in need.” This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their storytelling abilities while showcasing their language skills.
Let’s explore how to approach this topic, providing logical structure and useful vocabulary to achieve a high score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you introductory questions about yourself. These questions are designed to make you comfortable and to gauge your basic communicative abilities.
Example Questions in Part 1
- Can you tell me about one of your best friends?
- What do you and your friends usually do together?
Suggested Response
Can you tell me about one of your best friends?
“Sure, I’d love to! One of my best friends is named Anna. We first met in high school, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. She’s incredibly kind and always has a positive attitude. We share many common interests, such as reading and hiking, which helps us stay close. One thing I admire the most about her is her unwavering support through thick and thin.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a specific topic. You will have one minute to prepare and should speak for about two minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a time when you helped a friend in need.
You should say:
- Who the friend was
- What the problem was
- How you helped them
- And explain how your friend reacted to your help
Sample Answer
“One occasion when I helped a friend in need was about a year ago, and it involved my best friend, Anna. She was going through a tough time because she had recently lost her job. This situation left her feeling very lost and overwhelmed with stress about her future. Knowing how much Anna values her career, I couldn’t stand to see her so upset.
In response, I decided to help her in any way I could. First, I helped her update her resume and crafted several cover letters tailored to different companies. We then practiced interview questions so she could be more confident during her job interviews.
Anna was incredibly thankful for my support. She felt more prepared and determined to get back on track. Eventually, she secured a new job that she loves and expressed how my assistance had played a significant role in her success. Seeing her regain her confidence and happiness was the greatest reward for me.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask follow-up questions related to the topic in Part 2 but in a broader context.
Example Questions and Suggested Responses
- Why do you think friends should help each other?
“Friends play a vital role in our lives by providing emotional and practical support. Helping each other during difficult times strengthens the bond between friends and fosters a sense of community and trust. Moreover, everyone faces challenges at some point, and having a supportive network can make overcoming those challenges much easier.”
- How can people give and receive help effectively?
“Effective help involves active listening, understanding the specific needs of the person, and providing assistance that is both practical and emotional. To receive help effectively, one must be open and honest about their needs and willing to accept the assistance. Communication is key in aligning the support given with what is truly needed.”
Helping a friend in need
Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Key Vocabulary
- Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adj) – firm and resolute, unchanging
- “Her unwavering support was invaluable during my crisis.”
- Overwhelmed /ˌoʊvərˈwem(d)/ (adj) – feeling sudden intense emotion
- “He was overwhelmed with the amount of work he had.”
- Stress /strɛs/ (n) – a state of mental or emotional tension
- “Managing stress levels is crucial for good health.”
- Reassure /ˌriːəˈʃʊr/ (v) – to relieve someone’s doubts or fears
- “She reassured him that everything would be fine.”
- Tailored /ˈteɪlərd/ (adj) – adapted or customized to fit specific needs
- “The training program is tailored to suit individual requirements.”
Example Sentences
- “Her unwavering support during my tough times meant the world to me.”
- “He felt overwhelmed with the responsibilities at his new job.”
- “Practicing mindfulness can significantly reduce stress.”
- “I tried to reassure her that she would do great in the interview.”
- “We tailored our approach to meet the unique needs of each client.”
Conclusion
Practicing structured, coherent, and detailed responses will significantly enhance your speaking performance in the IELTS test. Reflect on personal experiences, incorporate rich vocabulary, and maintain a natural flow to make your speaking more engaging.
For further practice, you might find these articles useful: Describe a time when you received help from someone, Describe a person who has a good sense of humor.
Stay consistent in your practice, and good luck with your IELTS Speaking test!