When asked to describe a time when you helped a friend solve a problem in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to structure your response effectively while showcasing your English language abilities. Similar to How to talk about a time you helped a friend solve a problem in IELTS Speaking, this topic frequently appears in IELTS examinations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you often help your friends with their problems?
- What kind of problems do your friends usually share with you?
- How do you feel when you help others?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I make it a point to help my friends whenever possible. They often come to me with various challenges, from academic difficulties to personal matters. It gives me immense satisfaction to support them through tough times.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a time when you helped a friend solve a problem.
You should say:
- Who the friend was
- What the problem was
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about helping them
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about how I helped my close friend Sarah with her presentation anxiety. Just like in describe a time when you worked with a new team, this experience taught me valuable lessons about supporting others.
Sarah was struggling tremendously with an upcoming presentation at her workplace. She was absolutely terrified of public speaking and had experienced panic attacks before. I took it upon myself to help her overcome this fear.
I implemented a systematic approach by first breaking down her presentation into smaller segments. We practiced together daily, starting with small audiences of friends. I provided constructive feedback and taught her breathing techniques to manage anxiety.
The outcome was remarkably positive. Sarah delivered her presentation flawlessly, and her success made me feel incredibly fulfilled. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of friendship and support.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I helped my friend Sarah with her presentation problem. She was very scared about speaking in front of people at work. I helped her practice the presentation and taught her some ways to be less nervous. She did well in the end, and I felt happy about helping her.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- Why do some people hesitate to ask for help?
Band 8-9 Response:
“People often refrain from seeking assistance due to various psychological barriers. They might be concerned about appearing vulnerable or fear judgment from others. In many cultures, there’s an inherent stigma attached to asking for help, as it’s sometimes perceived as a sign of weakness.”
- What qualities make someone good at helping others?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Essential qualities include empathy, patience, and active listening skills. Just as in describe a time when you helped resolve a conflict, being able to understand different perspectives and maintain objectivity is crucial. Additionally, having strong problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence greatly enhances one’s capacity to help effectively.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To take initiative: /təˈteɪk ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – to be the first to take action
- To empathize with: /ˈempəθaɪz wɪð/ – to understand and share feelings
- To go above and beyond: /ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/ – to do more than expected
- To tackle a problem: /ˈtækəl ə ˈprɒbləm/ – to deal with a difficult situation
- To make headway: /meɪk ˈhedweɪ/ – to make progress
Remember to practice these responses with appropriate intonation and rhythm to enhance your speaking performance. As with describe a sport or exercise you enjoy, maintaining natural flow while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary is key to achieving a high band score.