Describing a time when you helped a friend through a difficult situation is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express empathy, and use appropriate vocabulary related to emotions and problem-solving. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions on this topic and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about friendship and helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you often help your friends when they’re in trouble?

Band 6-7 answer:
Yes, I try to help my friends whenever I can. It’s important to be there for them during tough times.

Band 8-9 answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe in the importance of supporting friends through thick and thin. Whenever a friend is facing difficulties, I make it a priority to offer my assistance, whether it’s through practical help or emotional support.

2. What kind of problems do your friends usually come to you for help with?

Band 6-7 answer:
My friends often ask for advice about relationships or studies. Sometimes they need help with assignments too.

Band 8-9 answer:
My friends tend to seek my guidance on a range of issues, from academic challenges to personal dilemmas. I’m often consulted about career decisions, interpersonal conflicts, and even financial management. It’s gratifying to be trusted with such diverse and sensitive matters.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a time when you helped a friend through a difficult situation
You should say:

• Who the friend was
• What the difficult situation was
• How you helped your friend
• And explain how you felt about helping your friend

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my close friend, Sarah, through a particularly challenging period in her life. Sarah had been working at a prestigious marketing firm for about two years when she was unexpectedly laid off due to company restructuring. This sudden job loss hit her hard, both financially and emotionally.

The situation was quite dire as Sarah had recently moved into a new apartment and was worried about meeting her rent and other financial obligations. Moreover, the job market in our field was quite competitive at the time, adding to her stress and anxiety about finding new employment.

To help Sarah navigate this difficult situation, I took a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I offered emotional support by being a patient listener, allowing her to vent her frustrations and fears without judgment. I also helped boost her morale by reminding her of her skills and past achievements.

On a practical level, I assisted her in updating her resume and LinkedIn profile. We spent several evenings together, fine-tuning her application materials and practicing interview techniques. I also reached out to my professional network, asking if anyone knew of suitable job openings in the marketing sector.

To alleviate her immediate financial concerns, I offered to lend her some money to cover her essential expenses until she found a new job. However, Sarah was hesitant to accept financial help, so instead, I suggested ways she could reduce her expenses and even helped her find some freelance work to tide her over.

Helping Sarah through this challenging time was an incredibly rewarding experience. It strengthened our friendship and gave me a sense of purpose. I felt a deep sense of satisfaction in being able to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. Moreover, it was a learning experience for me as well, as it taught me the importance of resilience and the power of a strong support system in overcoming life’s obstacles.

The whole experience reinforced my belief in the value of true friendship and the positive impact we can have on each other’s lives when we offer genuine support and care.

Describe a piece of advice that changed your perspective is another topic that could be related to helping friends, as advice can be a form of assistance in difficult times.

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this experience change your friendship?

Band 6-7 answer:
This experience made our friendship stronger. We became closer and trust each other more now.

Band 8-9 answer:
This shared experience significantly deepened our bond. It fostered a greater sense of trust and mutual respect between us. Our friendship evolved from being merely social to a more profound connection based on shared vulnerabilities and unwavering support.

2. Do you think it’s important for friends to help each other in difficult times?

Band 6-7 answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important. Good friends should support each other when things are tough.

Band 8-9 answer:
Absolutely, I consider it a cornerstone of genuine friendship. Mutual support during challenging times not only strengthens the relationship but also provides crucial emotional and practical assistance that can be pivotal in overcoming adversities. It’s these moments of solidarity that often define the depth and longevity of friendships.

Friends supporting each other in difficult times

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. What qualities do you think are important in a friend who helps others?

Band 6-7 answer:
I think good friends should be kind, patient, and good listeners. They should also be trustworthy and willing to help.

Band 8-9 answer:
Several qualities are crucial for a friend who excels at helping others. Empathy is paramount – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others creates a foundation for meaningful support. Active listening skills are also vital, as they allow the friend to truly comprehend the situation and offer relevant advice or assistance. Reliability and trustworthiness are essential, ensuring that the person in need feels secure in sharing their vulnerabilities. Additionally, a non-judgmental attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality are key in fostering an environment where people feel safe seeking help.

2. Do you think social media has changed the way people support each other during difficult times?

Band 6-7 answer:
Yes, I think social media has made it easier for people to stay connected and offer support. People can now share their problems and get help from friends online.

Band 8-9 answer:
Social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the dynamics of mutual support in modern times. On one hand, it has expanded our capacity to offer immediate emotional support through likes, comments, and direct messages, allowing us to reach out to friends in need regardless of geographical distances. It has also facilitated the rapid dissemination of information and resources that can be crucial during crises.

However, this digital form of support comes with its own set of challenges. The superficiality of online interactions can sometimes lead to a false sense of connection, potentially diminishing the depth of support offered. Moreover, the public nature of many social media platforms might deter individuals from sharing genuine struggles, fearing judgment or preferring to maintain a curated online image.

Balancing online and offline support has become a new skill that people need to develop to ensure they’re providing and receiving meaningful assistance during difficult times.

Describe a person who helped you through a tough time is a related topic that explores the impact of receiving help, which can provide insights into giving help effectively.

3. How has the concept of friendship and mutual support evolved in recent years?

Band 6-7 answer:
I think friendships have changed a lot recently. People have more online friends now, and they can keep in touch easily even if they live far away.

Band 8-9 answer:
The concept of friendship and mutual support has undergone significant transformations in recent years, largely due to technological advancements and shifting societal norms. The rise of social media and digital communication platforms has expanded our social circles, allowing us to maintain a larger number of connections across vast distances. This has led to a more diverse and global understanding of friendship.

However, this expansion has also brought challenges. The quality and depth of these numerous connections are often questioned, with concerns about the superficiality of online relationships. There’s a growing emphasis on cultivating fewer but deeper friendships as a response to this trend.

Moreover, the increased awareness of mental health issues has reshaped how we view support in friendships. There’s a greater recognition of the importance of emotional support and a willingness to discuss personal struggles openly. This has led to friendships taking on a more therapeutic role, with friends often being the first line of support in times of emotional distress.

The concept of mutual support has also evolved to include more practical aspects. We’re seeing a rise in friend-based support systems for various life challenges, from career mentoring to co-parenting support groups. This reflects a broader understanding of friendship as not just a source of companionship, but also a vital resource for navigating life’s complexities.

The evolving nature of friendship and support

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:

1. To go through thick and thin
   Pronunciation: /tuː ɡəʊ θruː θɪk ænd θɪn/
   Meaning: To remain loyal and supportive in good times and bad
   Example: “True friends stick together through thick and thin.”

2. To lend an ear
   Pronunciation: /tuː lend ən ɪər/
   Meaning: To listen sympathetically to someone
   Example: “Sometimes, all a friend needs is someone to lend an ear.”

3. To be a shoulder to cry on
   Pronunciation: /tuː bi ə ˈʃəʊldər tuː kraɪ ɒn/
   Meaning: To provide emotional support and comfort to someone who is upset
   Example: “During her divorce, I tried to be a shoulder to cry on for my friend.”

4. To go above and beyond
   Pronunciation: /tuː ɡəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/
   Meaning: To do more than is expected or required
   Example: “He went above and beyond to help me prepare for my job interview.”

5. To be there for someone
   Pronunciation: /tuː bi ðeər fɔːr ˈsʌmwʌn/
   Meaning: To be available to provide support or help when needed
   Example: “I’m always here for you, no matter what you’re going through.”

Describe a person who is very resourceful in emergencies can provide additional context for discussing helpful qualities in friends during difficult times.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing helping a friend through a difficult situation:

1. Use a range of vocabulary related to emotions, support, and problem-solving. Incorporate idiomatic expressions where appropriate.

2. Provide specific details about the situation and your actions to make your answer more engaging and authentic.

3. Demonstrate reflective thinking by explaining how the experience affected you and your friendship.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to showcase your language proficiency.

5. Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace and using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas.

6. Show empathy and emotional intelligence in your responses, especially when discussing the friend’s feelings and your reaction.

7. Practice narrating personal experiences to improve your ability to structure a coherent story within the given time frame.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to elaborate on your thoughts are crucial factors in impressing the examiner.

Describe a time when you felt homesick and describe a decision you made that had a big impact on your life are other topics that can help you practice discussing personal experiences and emotions, which are valuable skills when describing how you helped a friend.