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Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger

IELTS Mentor

The IELTS Speaking test aims to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in English. The test is divided into three parts, each designed to measure different aspects of your speaking ability. In this article, we’ll focus on mastering Part 2, also known as the “Long Turn.” Here, you’ll be asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. We’ll provide an in-depth analysis of a common topic, “Describe a time when you helped a stranger,” and guide you on how to structure your response effectively to achieve a high band score.

Why “Describe a time when you helped a stranger” is a Common Topic

Examiners often choose this type of question to assess a candidate’s ability to narrate an event, convey emotions, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. It provides a versatile framework for evaluating your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, you’ll respond to questions about yourself, your home, work or studies, and other familiar topics.

Sample Question and Answer

Question: What do you do in your free time?

Answer: In my free time, I enjoy reading books, especially novels and biographies. I find that reading helps me relax and also provides me with a lot of knowledge and inspiration. Additionally, I like to go for walks in the park near my house. It’s a great way to unwind and stay fit.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you helped a stranger. You should say:

Model Answer

One occasion when I helped a stranger was around six months ago. I was walking home from work when I noticed an elderly lady struggling to carry her grocery bags. She appeared exhausted and seemed like she might drop the bags at any moment. Without hesitation, I approached her and offered my assistance.

I helped her by carrying the grocery bags to her home, which was only a few blocks away. During the short walk, we had a pleasant conversation. She mentioned that she lives alone and often finds it challenging to do heavy lifting due to her age. She was very grateful for my help and even invited me in for a cup of tea, which I kindly declined as I had to get home.

I decided to help her because I’ve always believed in the importance of community and offering help to those who need it. It’s a principle my parents instilled in me from a young age. Besides, I could see that she genuinely needed assistance.

After helping her, I felt incredibly uplifted. There was a sense of satisfaction and joy that comes from doing a good deed. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on someone’s day.

helping-elderly-woman-with-groceries|helping elderly woman|An elderly woman is struggling to carry her grocery bags, a younger person is helping her carry them.

Follow-Up Questions

  1. Why do you think it’s important to help others?

    Helping others is essential because it fosters a sense of community and mutual support. It can make a significant difference in someone’s life, often in ways we might not even realize.

  2. Can you think of other situations where people might need help from strangers?

    Certainly. People might need help from strangers during emergencies, like natural disasters, or in everyday situations, like giving directions, providing a listening ear to someone who seems distressed, or assisting someone with a disability.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Topic: Helping Others in Society

Question: What are some ways people can help strangers in your country?

Answer: In my country, people can assist strangers in various ways. For instance, during the winter, many communities initiate programs to provide warm clothes and meals to the homeless. Additionally, there are numerous volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings, where individuals can contribute by spending time with patients, assisting in hospitals, or organizing fundraising events. Offering guidance or help in public places is also quite common, such as helping someone carry heavy luggage or guiding tourists who seem lost.

Question: Do you think people today are less willing to help strangers compared to the past?

Answer: I believe the willingness to help strangers has evolved but hasn’t necessarily diminished. In the past, smaller communities meant people knew their neighbors and were more inclined to assist them. Today, urbanization and a fast-paced lifestyle may make it seem like people are more self-centered. However, thanks to technology, awareness of global and local issues has increased, and many people participate in online and community-based initiatives to help others. Therefore, while the methods may have changed, the spirit of altruism still exists.

Vocabulary and Structures to Achieve a Higher Band Score

Example Sentences

Examiner’s Tips for Achieving a High Band Score

  1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving fluency and coherence.
  2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use diverse and appropriate vocabulary to express your ideas clearly.
  3. Structure Your Answers: Use clear and logical structures in your responses.
  4. Stay Calm and Confident: Nervousness can lead to mistakes, so try to stay calm and collected.
  5. Seek Feedback: Have someone review your speaking to identify areas for improvement.

By following these guidelines and practicing thoroughly, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a time when you helped a stranger and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.

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