How to Answer “Describe a Time When You Helped Someone in Need” in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. In this oral exam, you will be evaluated on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions like “Describe a time when you helped someone in need” are common and aimed at gauging your storytelling abilities, use of language, and coherence in your responses.

This article will provide sample answers and strategies to help you excel in this type of question, along with a thorough analysis.

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

1. Can you tell me about your hometown?
2. What do you do for a living?
3. Do you enjoy helping others?
4. Can you describe a memorable event in your life?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer

Question: Do you enjoy helping others?

Suggested Answer:

“Absolutely. Helping others brings me immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose. I believe that small acts of kindness can make a significant impact on someone’s life, and it also strengthens community bonds.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you helped someone in need. You should say:

• Who you helped
• How you helped them
• Why they needed help
• And explain how you felt about helping them

Suggested Answer

“One memorable time I helped someone in need was when I assisted a stranded motorist on a rainy evening. The person, a middle-aged woman, was having car troubles and seemed quite distressed as her vehicle had broken down on a desolate stretch of road. I noticed her struggle while driving home and immediately felt the urge to help.

I stopped my car, approached her, and realized she had a flat tire but didn’t have the necessary tools to fix it. I promptly fetched my tools from my trunk and proceeded to change the tire. Throughout the process, I made sure to reassure her that everything would be alright.

She needed help because she was unfamiliar with the area and also didn’t know how to change a tire herself. We chatted while I worked, and I discovered she was on her way to a crucial job interview.

Once the tire was replaced, she thanked me profusely, expressing how my assistance had saved her from missing an essential opportunity.

I felt incredibly rewarded and content. There’s something deeply fulfilling about being able to make a difference in someone’s life, no matter how small it may seem.”

Bullet Points and Follow-Up Questions

Follow-Up Questions

1. Have you ever been in a situation where you needed help from others? How did it feel?
2. Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays? Why or why not?

Suggested Answers

1. “Yes, I’ve been in situations where I needed support from others, such as during group projects in university. It gave me a sense of relief and gratitude knowing there were people who cared enough to lend a hand.”
2. “I feel that while some may perceive people as being less helpful, communities still hold strong values of mutual support and assistance. The rise of volunteerism and charitable organizations indicates that there’s still a significant willingness to help others, despite the distractions of modern life.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Question and Answer Session

Examiner’s Question: Why do you think helping others is valued in society?

Suggested Answer:

“Helping others is highly valued in society because it fosters a sense of empathy and solidarity. When individuals lend a hand, it creates a chain reaction of goodwill that can transform communities. It also enhances social cohesion and builds trust among people, which is essential for a harmonious and functioning society.”

Examiner’s Question: What are the benefits of volunteering for organizations?

Suggested Answer:

“Volunteering offers numerous benefits such as developing new skills, gaining a sense of purpose, and expanding one’s professional network. It allows individuals to contribute to causes they care about, which can be profoundly fulfilling and enriching on a personal level. Additionally, it can enhance one’s career prospects by providing practical experience and demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility.”

helping-others

Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

• Stranded motorist /ˈstrændɪd ˈmoʊ.tɚ.ɪst/: A driver whose vehicle is disabled or out of service
  • Example: “He was a stranded motorist stuck on a lonely highway.”
• Promptly /ˈprɑːmpt.li/: Done quickly and without delay
  • Example: “She promptly offered her seat to the elderly man.”
• Reassure /ˌriː.əˈʃʊr/: To comfort someone and stop them from worrying
  • Example: “The doctor reassured the patient about the success of the procedure.”
• Rewarded and content /rɪˈwɔːrdɪd ænd kənˈtɛnt/: Feeling happy and satisfied
  • Example: “She felt rewarded and content after donating to the charity.”
• Make a difference /meɪk ə ˈdɪf.ər.əns/: To have a significant positive impact
  • Example: “Her volunteer work made a real difference in the community.”

Tips to Excel in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will improve your fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with a broad range of words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
3. Use Linkers: Employ linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.
4. Stay Calm: Maintain composure during the test to ensure clear and coherent responses.
5. Seek Feedback: Have your practice sessions reviewed by professionals to identify and rectify mistakes.

By following these guidelines and studying the provided examples, you will improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Practice these strategies and enhance your lexical resource to perform confidently during the exam.