In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates may encounter questions about helping others during emergencies. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express empathy, and discuss crisis management. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about emergencies and helping others. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Have you ever been in an emergency situation?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. A few years ago, there was a big storm in my city and the power went out for several days. It was quite challenging to manage without electricity.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, I have. I vividly recall a severe thunderstorm that struck my city unexpectedly, causing widespread power outages that lasted for nearly a week. The experience was both daunting and eye-opening, as it highlighted our dependence on modern amenities and the importance of emergency preparedness.”
Do you think people should learn first aid?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Absolutely. I believe first aid knowledge is crucial for everyone. It can help save lives in emergencies before professional help arrives.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Without a doubt. I firmly believe that first aid skills should be an essential part of everyone’s knowledge base. These life-saving techniques can make a critical difference in emergencies, potentially bridging the gap between an incident occurring and professional medical assistance arriving. Moreover, widespread first aid knowledge can foster a sense of community responsibility and preparedness.”
“Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work” can also provide valuable insights into handling unexpected situations, which is relevant to emergency scenarios.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you helped someone during an emergency
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What the emergency was
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped an elderly neighbor during a medical emergency. It happened last winter when we had a severe snowstorm. My neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, who’s in her 70s, slipped on ice outside her house and couldn’t get up.
I was shoveling snow in my driveway when I heard her calling for help. I quickly went over and saw she was in pain and couldn’t move. The emergency was that she had possibly broken her hip and was at risk of hypothermia due to the cold.
To help her, I first called for an ambulance. While waiting, I covered her with my coat to keep her warm and tried to keep her calm by talking to her. I also cleared the path to her house so the paramedics could reach her easily.
The experience was quite intense and a bit scary, but I felt relieved that I was there to help. It made me realize the importance of being prepared for emergencies and looking out for our neighbors, especially the elderly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount an incident where I assisted an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, during a critical medical emergency. The event unfolded last winter amidst a particularly severe blizzard that had blanketed our neighborhood in treacherous ice.
Mrs. Thompson, a sprightly septuagenarian despite her age, had unfortunately succumbed to the icy conditions right outside her residence. As I was diligently clearing my own driveway, her distress calls caught my attention. Upon reaching her, it was evident that she was in considerable pain and immobilized.
The gravity of the situation quickly became apparent – she had potentially fractured her hip, and given the frigid temperatures, was at significant risk of hypothermia. Acting swiftly, I immediately alerted emergency services. While awaiting their arrival, I took several measures to ensure Mrs. Thompson’s comfort and safety. I enveloped her in my thermal jacket to stave off the cold, maintained constant communication to keep her conscious and calm, and meticulously cleared a path to facilitate easy access for the paramedics.
This experience was undoubtedly intense and somewhat unnerving, but I felt an overwhelming sense of relief at being able to render assistance. It served as a poignant reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness and the value of community vigilance, particularly in safeguarding our more vulnerable neighbors. The incident has since strengthened my resolve to stay alert and ready to help in any future emergencies.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this experience change your perspective on emergencies?
- What skills do you think are essential for handling emergencies effectively?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“This experience made me realize how important it is to stay calm in emergencies. I think being able to think clearly and act quickly are key skills for handling emergencies well.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This experience was truly eye-opening and significantly altered my perspective on emergency situations. It underscored the critical importance of maintaining composure under pressure and the value of quick, decisive action. I’ve come to believe that a combination of level-headedness, quick thinking, and basic first-aid knowledge are indispensable skills for effectively managing emergencies. Moreover, this incident heightened my awareness of the vulnerability of certain community members and the collective responsibility we share in ensuring their safety.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to emergencies and helping others. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
How can communities better prepare for emergencies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Communities can prepare better by organizing emergency drills and providing first aid training to residents. It’s also important to have emergency supplies and a communication plan.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Communities can enhance their emergency preparedness through a multi-faceted approach. This could involve regular simulation exercises to familiarize residents with evacuation procedures, comprehensive first aid training programs, and the establishment of community emergency response teams. Additionally, investing in robust early warning systems, stockpiling essential supplies, and developing clear communication protocols can significantly improve a community’s resilience in the face of emergencies. It’s also crucial to foster a culture of preparedness through ongoing education and awareness campaigns, ensuring that emergency readiness becomes an integral part of community life.”
Do you think modern technology has made it easier to handle emergencies? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think modern technology has made handling emergencies easier. Smartphones allow us to quickly call for help or look up information. Emergency services can also respond faster with better equipment.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Modern technology has undoubtedly revolutionized emergency management in numerous ways. The ubiquity of smartphones has put powerful tools at our fingertips, enabling instant communication, real-time information access, and even remote medical consultations. Advanced warning systems, powered by sophisticated algorithms and satellite technology, can predict and alert us to impending natural disasters with unprecedented accuracy. GPS technology has dramatically improved the speed and precision of emergency response teams.
However, it’s important to note that technology is not a panacea. Over-reliance on technology can be problematic if systems fail during a crisis. Moreover, the digital divide means that not everyone has equal access to these technological benefits. Therefore, while technology has certainly enhanced our ability to handle emergencies, it should be viewed as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional emergency preparedness measures and human judgment.”
“Describe a time when you had to take charge of a difficult situation” can provide additional insights into managing emergencies effectively.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
To render assistance /ˈrendər əˈsɪstəns/ (phrase) – to provide help
Example: “I felt compelled to render assistance when I saw the accident.” -
Vigilant /ˈvɪdʒɪlənt/ (adjective) – watchful and alert
Example: “We need to remain vigilant in case of any emergencies.” -
To act swiftly /ækt ˈswɪftli/ (phrase) – to respond quickly
Example: “In emergencies, it’s crucial to act swiftly and decisively.” -
To keep a level head /kiːp ə ˈlevəl hed/ (idiom) – to remain calm and rational in a difficult situation
Example: “Despite the chaos, she managed to keep a level head and coordinate the rescue effort.” -
Poignant reminder /ˈpɔɪnjənt rɪˈmaɪndər/ (phrase) – a powerful or emotionally moving reminder
Example: “The incident served as a poignant reminder of the importance of community support.”
“Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult conversation” can also provide useful language for discussing challenging situations like emergencies.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in discussing emergencies and helping others in the IELTS Speaking test:
- Practice narrating personal experiences with a clear structure (situation, action, result).
- Develop a range of vocabulary related to emergencies, first aid, and community support.
- Be prepared to discuss both personal experiences and broader societal issues related to emergencies.
- Use a variety of tenses accurately to describe past events and hypothetical situations.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary naturally in your responses.
- Show critical thinking by discussing both the advantages and potential drawbacks of topics like technology in emergencies.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a wide range of accurately used vocabulary and grammar structures.
“Describe a time when you received unexpected help” can provide additional perspectives on emergency situations and assistance.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to discuss emergencies and helping others effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!