The IELTS Speaking test aims to evaluate various aspects such as pronunciation, fluency, grammar, and lexical resources. Topics like “Describe A Time When You Helped A Neighbor” are common in the Speaking test, particularly in Part 2 (the Long Turn). These questions assess your ability to articulate experiences, feelings, and responses in English. In this guide, we’ll delve into this topic with detailed responses and tips to help you achieve higher bands, like 7 or 8.
Understanding the Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself to help you warm up.
Example question:
- “Do you know your neighbors well?”
Model Answer:
“Yes, I am quite familiar with several of my neighbors as we have been living in the same community for years. We often participate in neighborhood gatherings and community projects, which provides us the opportunity to get to know each other better.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For this section, you will receive a cue card with a specific topic to talk about for 1-2 minutes, along with bullet points to guide your answer.
Cue Card:
“Describe a time when you helped a neighbor. You should say:
- Who the neighbor was
- What the problem was
- How you helped
- And explain how you felt about helping your neighbor.”
Model Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my elderly neighbor, Mr. Anderson. He lives alone and has been a close friend of my family for many years. One winter, there was a severe snowstorm that left his driveway completely blocked. Due to his age and health issues, he couldn’t shovel the snow himself.
helping elderly neighbor
Realizing the difficulty he was facing, I decided to lend a hand. I bundled up in my warmest clothes, grabbed a shovel, and went over to his house. It took me about an hour of intense shoveling to clear the pathway and his driveway. Mr. Anderson was extremely grateful and repeatedly thanked me for my help.
Helping him gave me a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It reminded me of the importance of community and how a small act of kindness can significantly improve someone’s day. It also strengthened our relationship, making it even more meaningful.”
Follow-Up Questions (Bullet Points):
- “How often do you help your neighbors?”
- “Do you think neighbors are less close now than in the past?”
Model Answer:
- “I try to help my neighbors whenever possible. For example, I routinely assist with carrying groceries or watching their pets when they are away.”
- “Yes, I do feel that neighbors are generally less close compared to the past. Modern lifestyles often contribute to this distance as people are busier and more focused on their personal lives.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic to gauge your analytical and evaluative skills.
Example Questions:
- “What are the advantages and disadvantages of helping neighbors?”
- “How has the concept of community changed over the years?”
Model Answer:
-
“The advantages of helping neighbors include fostering a supportive and cohesive community and creating a sense of mutual respect and trust. However, the disadvantages might include the potential for dependency, where some individuals might overly rely on their neighbors for assistance, which can be burdensome.”
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“The concept of community has evolved significantly over the years. Historically, communities were much tighter-knit, with people relying heavily on each other for support. However, in today’s digital age, the sense of community has somewhat diminished due to the rise in online interactions and busy lifestyles, making face-to-face socializing less frequent.”
Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve Higher Bands
Here are some important words and phrases that can elevate your speaking:
-
Elderly (adj.) /ˈɛldərli/: An old person or someone showing signs of age.
- Example: “An elderly man needs our help.”
-
Severe (adj.) /səˈvɪər/: Very bad or serious.
- Example: “The severe weather conditions made it tough to step outside.”
-
Bundle up (phrasal verb): Dress warmly.
- Example: “I had to bundle up before shoveling the snow.”
-
Lend a hand (idiom): Help someone.
- Example: “Whenever my neighbors need help, I am ready to lend a hand.”
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**Fulfillment (noun) /fʊlˈfɪlmənt/: A feeling of satisfaction.
- Example: “Helping others brings a sense of fulfillment.”
Examiner’s Tips for Achieving High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Regular speaking practice will help you become more fluent and coherent.
- Use Diverse Vocabulary: Try to use a range of vocabulary to express your thoughts.
- Stay Relaxed: Nervousness can affect your performance. Practice relaxation techniques before the exam.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Make sure your pronunciation is clear and understandable.
- Be Detailed: Provide detailed responses with examples to showcase your language skills.
By following these guidelines and practicing diligently, you can certainly aim to achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
