Discussing experiences of helping others is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This article will provide guidance on how to effectively answer questions related to “describe a time when you helped someone solve a difficult problem” to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you enjoy helping others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy helping others. It makes me feel good to be able to assist someone in need. I think it’s important to be kind and supportive to those around us.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I find great satisfaction in lending a helping hand to others. Not only does it give me a sense of fulfillment, but it also fosters a spirit of community and mutual support. I believe that by assisting others, we create a more compassionate and interconnected society.
Sample Question 2: What kind of problems do people often ask you for help with?
Band 6-7 Answer:
People often ask me for help with technology issues, like fixing their computers or smartphones. I’m also sometimes asked for advice on personal matters or help with schoolwork.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I frequently find myself assisting others with a diverse range of issues. On the technical side, I’m often approached for guidance on troubleshooting software problems or optimizing device performance. Additionally, colleagues and friends seek my input on professional dilemmas, such as career decisions or workplace conflicts. I’m also occasionally consulted on personal matters, where I strive to offer a balanced perspective while respecting boundaries.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you will be given a cue card with a topic and prompts. Here’s an example related to our main theme:
Cue Card
Describe a time when you helped someone solve a difficult problem.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What the problem was
- How you helped solve it
- And explain how you felt about helping this person
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger sister overcome her fear of public speaking, which was causing her significant distress in her university studies.
The problem arose when my sister, who was in her second year of university, was required to give a presentation as part of her course assessment. She had always been terribly anxious about speaking in front of others, and this fear was now jeopardizing her academic performance. She confided in me about her struggles, and I could see how overwhelmed and stressed she was about the situation.
To help her, I devised a step-by-step approach to build her confidence gradually. We started with small exercises, such as speaking in front of a mirror, then progressed to giving short talks to family members. I also taught her breathing techniques to manage her anxiety and coached her on body language and vocal projection. We practiced her presentation multiple times, refining it each round, and I provided constructive feedback to help her improve.
What made this experience particularly rewarding was seeing my sister’s transformation. From being paralyzed by fear, she gradually became more self-assured and even started to enjoy the process. On the day of her presentation, she delivered it with poise and received excellent feedback from her professors.
Helping my sister overcome this challenge was incredibly fulfilling. It strengthened our bond and gave me a deep sense of satisfaction knowing that I had made a positive impact on her life. Moreover, it reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and supportive guidance in overcoming personal obstacles.
Examiner’s Additional Questions:
- How important do you think it is for family members to help each other?
- What are some challenges people might face when trying to help others?
Band 8-9 Sample Answers:
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Family support is absolutely crucial in my opinion. It provides a foundation of trust and understanding that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. When family members help each other, it not only solves immediate problems but also fosters long-term resilience and emotional well-being. This mutual support creates a safety net that allows individuals to take risks and pursue personal growth, knowing they have a reliable support system to fall back on.
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Helping others, while rewarding, can present several challenges. Firstly, there’s the risk of overstepping boundaries or becoming too involved, which might lead to dependency rather than empowerment. Additionally, helpers might face emotional burnout, especially when dealing with complex or long-term issues. There’s also the challenge of managing expectations – both the helper’s and the recipient’s – to ensure that the assistance is realistic and sustainable. Lastly, cultural or personal differences can sometimes create misunderstandings or conflicts in the helping process, requiring sensitivity and adaptability.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question 1: How has technology changed the way people help each other?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made it easier for people to help each other. We can now use social media and messaging apps to ask for help or offer support quickly. There are also websites and apps specifically designed for volunteering and community support.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the landscape of mutual assistance in numerous ways. Firstly, it has dramatically expanded our reach, allowing us to offer help beyond geographical constraints through platforms like crowdfunding sites or online skill-sharing communities. Social media has amplified the visibility of those in need, facilitating rapid response to crises or emergencies. Moreover, technology has democratized access to information, enabling people to solve problems independently or seek specialized advice from experts worldwide. However, this digital shift also presents challenges, such as the potential for misinformation or the erosion of face-to-face support systems, which are crucial for emotional well-being.
Question 2: Do you think people are less willing to help others now compared to in the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think people are less willing to help, but the way they help might have changed. In the past, people might have helped their neighbors more, but now we see a lot of online support and global charity efforts.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I believe the willingness to help others hasn’t diminished, but rather transformed in nature. While traditional forms of community support may have declined in some areas due to increased urbanization and busy lifestyles, we’ve witnessed a surge in alternative modes of assistance. The digital age has fostered a culture of global citizenship, where individuals readily contribute to causes halfway across the world. We’ve seen unprecedented mobilization for global issues through online platforms. However, this shift has also led to a paradox of choice, where the sheer number of causes can lead to decision paralysis or superficial engagement. The key challenge now is to balance this global outlook with reinvigorating local community ties to create a more holistic support system.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To devise a strategy /dɪˈvaɪz æ ˈstrætədʒi/: To create a plan of action.
Example: We devised a strategy to improve our team’s performance. -
To overcome obstacles /ˌoʊvərˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/: To successfully deal with problems or difficulties.
Example: She overcame numerous obstacles to achieve her goals. -
To foster resilience /ˈfɒstər rɪˈzɪliəns/: To encourage the ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: Good parenting often fosters resilience in children. -
To make a positive impact /meɪk ə ˈpɒzətɪv ˈɪmpækt/: To have a beneficial influence on someone or something.
Example: The new policy has made a positive impact on the community. -
To transform /trænsˈfɔːrm/: To change completely in form or appearance.
Example: The coaching sessions transformed her approach to public speaking.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing helping others solve problems:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show depth in your answers by considering different perspectives and implications.
- Practice speaking fluently and coherently on various topics related to helping others.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure clear communication.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
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