In the dynamic landscape of IELTS Speaking exams, the topic “describe a time when you made a positive impact on someone’s life” has gained significant traction. This theme not only tests your linguistic prowess but also your ability to articulate personal experiences with depth and clarity. As we delve into this subject, we’ll explore effective strategies to craft compelling responses that resonate with examiners and potentially boost your speaking scores.
Describe a time when you felt very grateful for someone’s help can be a great way to prepare for this topic, as it often involves similar storytelling skills and emotional depth.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may warm up with questions related to helping others or making a difference. Here’s a sample question with a suggested response:
Examiner: “Do you often help others in your daily life?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely, I make a conscious effort to lend a hand whenever possible. Whether it’s assisting a colleague with a challenging project or volunteering at local community events, I believe that even small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. It’s not just about the immediate help, but also about fostering a culture of support and empathy in our society.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card based on the theme:
Describe a time when you made a positive impact on someone’s life
You should say:
- Who the person was
- What you did
- Why you decided to help
- How this impacted their life
And explain how this experience made you feel.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to share an experience that profoundly impacted both myself and a fellow student during my university years. The individual in question was Sarah, a brilliant but introverted classmate who struggled with public speaking.
Recognizing her potential and the importance of this skill in our field, I took the initiative to offer my assistance. We embarked on a journey of mock presentations and confidence-building exercises. I dedicated several evenings each week to work with her, tailoring our practice sessions to address her specific challenges.
My decision to help stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the power of peer support and the transformative impact of overcoming one’s fears. I had personally experienced the benefits of public speaking and wanted to pay it forward.
The impact on Sarah’s life was truly remarkable. Over the course of a semester, she blossomed from a hesitant speaker into a confident presenter. Her academic performance soared, and she even secured a coveted internship largely due to her newfound communication skills.
This experience left me feeling incredibly fulfilled and reinforced my passion for mentoring. It opened my eyes to the profound difference we can make in someone’s life through sustained support and encouragement. The ripple effect of this experience has motivated me to seek out more opportunities to positively influence others, solidifying my belief in the power of community and mutual growth.”
Describe a time when you helped someone in need can provide additional insights into structuring your response effectively.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to volunteer in their communities?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely, I believe community volunteering is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a sense of social responsibility and strengthens community bonds. When individuals volunteer, they gain a deeper understanding of local issues and develop empathy towards diverse groups. Moreover, volunteering can be a catalyst for personal growth, enhancing skills like leadership and problem-solving. Ultimately, a culture of volunteerism creates a more resilient and supportive society, which is invaluable in times of crisis.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “In what ways can individuals make a positive impact on society?”
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “There are myriad ways individuals can positively influence society. At the grassroots level, people can engage in community service, such as volunteering at local shelters or participating in neighborhood clean-up initiatives. This not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a sense of community.
On a broader scale, individuals can leverage their professional skills for social good. For instance, a lawyer might offer pro bono services to underprivileged clients, or a teacher could mentor at-risk youth outside of school hours. These actions create a ripple effect, inspiring others and cultivating a culture of giving back.
Moreover, in today’s digital age, individuals can harness the power of social media to raise awareness about important issues or crowdfund for noble causes. This democratization of influence allows even those with limited resources to make a significant impact.
Ultimately, I believe the most profound impact comes from leading by example in our daily lives – practicing kindness, empathy, and ethical behavior. These seemingly small actions, when multiplied across society, can lead to transformative change.”
Describe a time when you attended a farewell party can provide insights into describing social situations and their emotional impact, which can be relevant when discussing how you influenced someone’s life positively.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Profound impact (phrase) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – A deep and significant effect
Example: “Her mentorship had a profound impact on my career trajectory.” -
Take the initiative (phrase) – /teɪk ðə ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – To be the first to act or make a move
Example: “I decided to take the initiative and organize a community clean-up event.” -
Pay it forward (idiom) – /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːwərd/ – To respond to kindness by being kind to someone else
Example: “After receiving help during a difficult time, I vowed to pay it forward whenever possible.” -
Ripple effect (noun) – /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ – The continuing and spreading results of an event or action
Example: “One act of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to do good as well.” -
Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstər/ – To encourage or promote the development of something
Example: “The program aims to foster leadership skills in young adults.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this speaking task:
- Structure your answer clearly, addressing all parts of the cue card systematically.
- Use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Provide specific details and examples to make your story more vivid and convincing.
- Reflect on the impact of your actions, demonstrating depth of thought and emotional intelligence.
- Practice narrating personal stories regularly, focusing on fluency and coherence.
Remember, the key to a high-scoring response lies not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for a balance of linguistic sophistication and genuine, heartfelt delivery.