Achieve IELTS Band 8: Describe a Time When You Helped Someone Achieve a Goal

The IELTS Speaking test is a critical component for candidates aiming to achieve high band scores, especially those targeting Band 7 and above. An IELTS Speaking Examiner assesses multiple criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One frequently tested topic in the IELTS Speaking part is “Describe a time when you helped someone achieve a goal,” a prompt that falls under Part 2 of the Speaking test.

This article will provide detailed examples and analysis to help candidates prepare for this specific topic and excel in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

In Part 1, candidates are usually asked to answer questions about themselves and their daily lives. Here are some common questions:

1. What kinds of goals do you usually set for yourself?
2. Do you think setting goals is important?
3. What steps do you take to achieve your goals?

Suggested Answer

Question: Do you think setting goals is important?

Suggested Answer:

Absolutely, setting goals is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, goals provide a sense of direction and motivation. They help us to focus our efforts and use our resources wisely. Moreover, achieving goals can be very satisfying and can boost our self-confidence. For instance, when I set a goal to improve my English skills, I devoted specific hours to practice daily, which significantly enhanced my proficiency.

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The response is logically structured and flows naturally.
• Lexical Resource: Usage of vocabulary such as “crucial,” “motivation,” “efforts,” and “satisfying.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer uses various grammatical structures correctly.
• Pronunciation: Clear and understandable pronunciation.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card & Suggested Answer)

Cue Card

Describe a time when you helped someone achieve a goal.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What the goal was
• How you helped them
• How you felt about it

Suggested Answer:

One instance when I helped someone achieve a goal was when I assisted my younger brother in preparing for his final exams during his last year of high school. He was struggling with time management and study techniques, which were affecting his ability to concentrate and perform well.

The goal was for him to improve his grades and excel in his exams. I decided to create a study plan that incorporated regular breaks and prioritized the subjects he found most challenging. I also shared some effective study techniques with him, such as active revision and self-testing, which I had found useful during my own academic journey.

Throughout this period, I provided continuous support and encouragement, ensuring he stayed motivated and didn’t feel overwhelmed. I often engaged in study sessions with him to keep him on track and offer any help he needed in understanding complex topics.

sibling support

In the end, my brother managed to significantly improve his grades, achieving distinction in several subjects. The experience was incredibly rewarding for me, knowing that my efforts had a positive impact on his academic success. It also strengthened the bond between us and reinforced the importance of mutual support in achieving one’s goals.

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The response narrates a clear and detailed story.
• Lexical Resource: Words like “achieve a goal,” “time management,” “study techniques,” “excel in his exams,” “regular breaks,” “active revision,” and “distinction.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of past tense to narrate a past event and complex sentences.
• Pronunciation: Clear and articulate pronunciation emphasizing key words.

Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)

1. How common is it for people to set goals in your country?

   • In my country, it’s quite common for people to set goals, especially in academic and professional contexts. Many individuals aim for higher education and career advancement, and setting goals helps them stay focused and motivated.

2. Do you think it’s easier to achieve goals when you have support from others?

   • Absolutely, having support from others can significantly facilitate the process of achieving goals. Support provides not only practical help but also emotional motivation, which is crucial for perseverance, especially during challenging times.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner’s Questions & Suggested Answers

Question: In your opinion, what are the essential qualities a person needs to help someone achieve their goals?

Suggested Answer:

To help someone achieve their goals, a person needs to possess key qualities such as patience, empathy, and effective communication skills. Patience is crucial because the process can be tedious and time-consuming. Empathy allows the helper to understand the challenges and emotions the other person is going through. Additionally, effective communication ensures that advice and strategies are conveyed clearly and helpfully.

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The answer is well-organized and logically presented.
• Lexical Resource: Highlights such as “key qualities,” “patience,” “empathy,” “effective communication skills,” and “tedious.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use of complex structures to express thoughts.
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on key terminology, aiding clarity and persuasive speech.

Further Discussion Points

Question: How important is setting realistic goals compared to ambitious ones?

Suggested Answer:

Setting realistic goals is extremely important because they are achievable and can provide confidence and momentum upon completion. However, ambitious goals are also beneficial as they encourage individuals to push beyond their comfort zones and achieve exceptional outcomes. The key is to maintain a balance, setting step-by-step realistic goals that lead towards an ambitious end goal.

Analysis:

• Fluency and Coherence: The importance of balancing realistic and ambitious goals is explained cogently.
• Lexical Resource: Terms like “achievable,” “momentum,” “ambitious goals,” “beneficial,” and “comfort zones.”
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Effective use of comparative and complex sentences.
• Pronunciation: Clear articulation of key points enhances understanding.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Achieve (v): /əˈtʃiːv/ – to successfully reach a desired objective, often after effort.

   • Example: She achieved her goal of becoming a doctor through hard work and dedication.

2. Excel (v): /ɪkˈsel/ – to be exceptionally good at or proficient in an activity or subject.

   • Example: He excelled in his exams, scoring top marks in all subjects.

3. Motivation (n): /ˌmoʊ.tɪˈveɪ.ʃən/ – the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way.

   • Example: Intrinsic motivation often leads to better performance than extrinsic motivation.

4. Empathy (n): /ˈem.pə.θi/ – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

   • Example: Empathy is crucial for anyone in a helping profession.

5. Patience (n): /ˈpeɪ.ʃəns/ – the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.

   • Example: Patience is essential when teaching young children new skills.

Examiner’s Tips for High Scores

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will enhance fluency and confidence. Record your answers and review them to improve.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Use and practice new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
3. Get Feedback: Seek feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.
4. Mock Tests: Simulate real test conditions to get comfortable with the format and timing.
5. Stay Calm: Stay composed during the test to think clearly and articulate your thoughts effectively.

By thoroughly preparing with the tips and examples provided, candidates can approach the IELTS Speaking test with confidence and achieve the desired band scores.