The IELTS Speaking test is an essential component of the IELTS exam, evaluating candidates’ ability to communicate effectively in English. This section often includes topics related to personal experiences, opinions, and hypothetical scenarios. One popular topic is “Describe a time when you helped someone achieve their goals.” In this guide, I will provide a detailed breakdown of how to ace this cue card, including sample answers and useful vocabulary.
I. Introduction
The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
IELTS Speaking Examiners look for fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. It’s imperative to demonstrate these skills through well-structured answers that reflect a broad vocabulary and varied sentence structures.
Common Keywords and Phrases
Keywords related to the prompt “Describe a time when you helped someone achieve their goals” might include: assist, support, mentor, guidance, achieve, success, and goal-setting. LSI keywords like teamwork, collaboration, and success stories are also relevant.
Common User Queries:
- How to describe helping someone achieve their goals in IELTS?
- Sample answers for IELTS cue card about helping someone.
- Tips for talking about achieving goals in IELTS Speaking.
II. Main Content
1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, the Examiner will ask general questions about yourself, your family, your work, and other familiar topics. Here are some examples:
Common Question: Do you like helping others?
Sample Answer:
“Yes, I absolutely enjoy helping others. It gives me a sense of fulfillment and joy knowing that I can make a positive impact on someone’s life. For instance, I often volunteer at local community centers where I assist students with their homework.”
2. Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Answer
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you helped someone achieve their goals.
You should say:
- Who this person was
- What goal they wanted to achieve
- How you helped them
- And explain how this person felt about your help
Sample Answer:
“There was this time when I helped my younger sister achieve her goal of securing a scholarship to study abroad. She had always dreamed of studying in a top-tier university, but she struggled with the application process and meeting the academic requirements. To help her, I devised a study plan, guided her through necessary coursework, and helped her prepare for the scholarship interview. I made it a point to break down complex tasks into manageable steps, offering consistent support and encouragement along the way. She was elated when she received the scholarship award letter because it was a culmination of months of hard work and determination. Seeing her succeed made me feel incredibly proud and grateful for the role I played in her journey.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you feel after helping your sister?
- What qualities do you think are important when helping others?
Sample Answers:
“I felt a tremendous sense of satisfaction and pride after helping my sister achieve her goal. It was a rewarding experience to see her hard work pay off.”
“I believe qualities like empathy, patience, and strong communication skills are crucial when helping others. These traits enable you to understand their needs and provide effective support.”
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In the third part, the Examiner will discuss more abstract ideas related to the Part 2 topic. These questions require you to delve deeper into the subject.
Examiner’s Question: Why do you think people help others in achieving their goals?
Sample Answer:
“I think people help others achieve their goals for a variety of reasons. For one, it fosters a sense of community and mutual support. Helping others can also be inherently rewarding and fulfilling. Additionally, in many cultures, there’s a moral and social obligation to help those in need, which further incentivizes people to offer their support.”
Examiner’s Question: Do you think individuals are more motivated to help family members than friends?
Sample Answer:
“Generally, individuals might be more motivated to help family members because of the stronger emotional bonds and sense of duty that often exist within families. However, friendships can also inspire deep commitment, especially if the friendship is longstanding and built on mutual trust and respect. Ultimately, the motivation to help can vary greatly depending on personal values and the nature of the relationship.”
III. Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Useful Vocabulary:
- Assist (verb) /əˈsɪst/: to help someone do something.
- “I assisted my sister in preparing for her exams.”
- Mentor (noun) /ˈmenˌtɔr/: an experienced person who helps and guides someone.
- “She acted as a mentor to many younger colleagues.”
- Achieve (verb) /əˈʧiv/: to successfully reach a goal.
- “She achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.”
- Guidance (noun) /ˈgaɪdəns/: advice or information aimed at resolving a problem.
- “With my guidance, he was able to navigate the complex process.”
Example Sentences:
- “Providing guidance to someone can significantly increase their chances of achieving their objectives.”
- “Acting as a mentor allows you to share your experiences and insights with others.”
- “I find it incredibly fulfilling to assist others in reaching their potential.”
IV. Examiner’s Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, especially with a partner, can drastically improve your performance.
- Use a Range of Tenses: Demonstrate your grammatical range by using different tenses appropriately.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn and use synonyms to avoid repetition and showcase your lexical resource.
- Stay Calm and Composed: Nervousness can affect your fluency and coherence, so practice staying calm during your response.
Internal Links for Further Preparation:
If you incorporate these strategies and practice diligently using the provided examples, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.