The topic of describing a time when you helped someone with a personal problem is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express empathy, and discuss interpersonal relationships. This topic has appeared frequently in previous tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you often help others with their problems?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to help people when I can. I think it’s important to support friends and family when they’re going through difficult times. Sometimes just listening to their problems can make a big difference.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe in the importance of lending a helping hand whenever possible. In my experience, even small gestures of support can have a profound impact on someone facing challenges. I find that actively listening and offering thoughtful advice, when appropriate, can be incredibly valuable in assisting others through their personal struggles.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you helped someone with a personal problem.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What the problem was
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about helping this person
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my friend Sarah with a personal problem. Sarah was struggling with time management and was falling behind in her studies. She was feeling overwhelmed and stressed about her upcoming exams.
To help her, I sat down with Sarah and we created a study schedule together. We broke down her subjects into manageable chunks and set realistic goals for each day. I also shared some of my own study techniques that I found helpful.
Over the next few weeks, I checked in with Sarah regularly to see how she was doing and offer encouragement. We had study sessions together where we quizzed each other and discussed difficult topics.
Helping Sarah made me feel really good. It was rewarding to see her confidence grow and her stress levels decrease. I felt like I had made a positive impact on her life, and it strengthened our friendship. This experience also taught me the value of being there for others and how small actions can make a big difference.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to recount an instance when I assisted my colleague, Alex, with a particularly challenging personal issue. Alex had recently been promoted to a managerial position but was grappling with imposter syndrome and self-doubt, which was negatively impacting both his professional performance and personal well-being.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, I took a proactive approach to support Alex. Firstly, I arranged a series of one-on-one meetings where we could discuss his concerns in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. During these sessions, I actively listened to his fears and shared my own experiences with self-doubt, helping him realize that such feelings are common, especially when facing new challenges.
To address the root of the problem, I collaborated with Alex to develop a comprehensive action plan. This involved setting achievable short-term goals, identifying specific areas for skill development, and creating strategies to boost his confidence in leadership situations. I also introduced him to mindfulness techniques and recommended relevant literature on overcoming imposter syndrome.
Throughout this process, I maintained regular check-ins with Alex, offering continuous encouragement and constructive feedback. I also facilitated connections with other experienced managers who could provide additional insights and mentorship.
Assisting Alex through this personal challenge was an incredibly fulfilling experience. Witnessing his gradual transformation from a self-doubting individual to a confident and effective leader was immensely rewarding. This experience not only strengthened our professional relationship but also reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and targeted support in the workplace. It served as a poignant reminder of how investing time and effort in others’ personal growth can have far-reaching positive effects, both for the individual and the broader team dynamics.
Helping a colleague overcome imposter syndrome
Follow-up Questions:
- How did helping this person affect your relationship with them?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Helping Sarah definitely made us closer friends. We spent more time together while studying, and I think she appreciated my support. It made our friendship stronger and more meaningful.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The experience of assisting Alex had a profound impact on our professional relationship. It fostered a deep sense of trust and mutual respect between us. Our interactions became more open and authentic, transcending mere workplace collegiality. This shared experience created a strong foundation for future collaborations, enhancing our team dynamics and contributing to a more supportive work environment overall.
- What did you learn from this experience?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I learned that sometimes people just need someone to listen and offer support. It doesn’t always take grand gestures to help someone; even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience was incredibly enlightening on multiple levels. Firstly, it underscored the prevalence of imposter syndrome, even among highly competent individuals. It also highlighted the critical role of emotional intelligence in leadership, particularly in recognizing and addressing the personal challenges of team members. Furthermore, I gained valuable insights into the power of mentorship and the ripple effect of personal growth on overall team performance. Perhaps most importantly, it reinforced the significance of creating a culture of openness and support within professional settings, where individuals feel safe to express vulnerabilities and seek assistance.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question 1: Do you think people nowadays are less willing to help others compared to the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m not sure if people are less willing to help now than in the past. I think social media and technology have made it easier for people to connect and offer help in some ways. But maybe people are also busier now and have less time to help others in person. It’s hard to say for sure.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. On one hand, our increasingly interconnected world, facilitated by technology and social media, has created unprecedented opportunities for people to offer assistance on a global scale. We frequently witness crowdfunding campaigns and online support groups that demonstrate a willingness to help strangers.
However, there’s an argument to be made that the fast-paced nature of modern life and the emphasis on individualism in many societies may have reduced face-to-face interactions and community-based support systems. This shift could potentially lead to a decreased sense of local community and less immediate, personal assistance.
Ultimately, I believe the willingness to help others hasn’t necessarily diminished, but rather the methods and contexts of helping have evolved. Modern society presents both new challenges and new avenues for assistance, and it’s crucial that we actively cultivate a culture of empathy and support to ensure that the spirit of helping others remains strong.
Question 2: What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to help others professionally, like a counselor or social worker?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think patience is really important for people in those jobs. They need to be good listeners and understand other people’s feelings. Being kind and non-judgmental is also crucial. They should also have good problem-solving skills to help find solutions for people’s issues.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Professionals dedicated to helping others, such as counselors or social workers, require a unique blend of personal qualities and professional skills. Foremost among these is empathy – the ability to genuinely understand and share the feelings of others. This needs to be coupled with active listening skills, allowing them to fully comprehend the nuances of each individual’s situation.
Emotional intelligence is another crucial attribute, enabling these professionals to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and manage their own emotions effectively. Resilience is equally important, as dealing with others’ problems consistently can be emotionally taxing.
From a professional standpoint, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential for identifying underlying issues and developing effective intervention strategies. Cultural competence is increasingly vital in our diverse society, allowing helpers to understand and respect different cultural perspectives.
Lastly, I believe a commitment to ongoing learning and self-reflection is paramount. The field of human services is constantly evolving, and the best helpers are those who continually seek to improve their knowledge and skills while maintaining a high level of self-awareness.
Counselor actively listening to a client
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Imposter syndrome /ɪmˈpɒstə sɪndrəʊm/ (noun): A psychological pattern in which an individual doubts their skills, talents, or accomplishments.
Example: “Many high-achieving professionals struggle with imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.”To take a proactive approach /teɪk ə prəʊˈæktɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ (phrase): To act in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.
Example: “By taking a proactive approach to employee well-being, companies can prevent burnout and improve productivity.”To foster /ˈfɒstə/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Good leaders foster an environment of trust and open communication within their teams.”Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Empathy is a crucial skill for anyone working in a helping profession.”Cultural competence /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ (noun): The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures.
Example: “In our globalized world, cultural competence is becoming increasingly important in both personal and professional contexts.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing helping others with personal 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 responses by considering different perspectives and implications.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency and confidence.
- Pay attention to pronunciation and intonation to enhance overall communication.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your responses.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a time when you felt nervous before doing something important or working on a school project. These experiences often involve overcoming challenges and working with others, which are relevant to the topic of helping someone with a personal problem.