The topic of describing a time when you offered help to someone is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you often help other people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to help people when I can. I think it’s important to be kind to others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to assist others whenever possible. I firmly believe that extending a helping hand not only benefits the recipient but also contributes to building a more compassionate society.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you offered help to someone.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What kind of help you offered
- Why you decided to help
- How you felt about helping
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my neighbor move to a new apartment. She’s an elderly lady who lives alone, so when I heard she was moving, I offered to help her pack and carry her belongings.
I decided to help because I knew it would be difficult for her to do everything by herself. I spent a whole weekend helping her pack her things into boxes and then helped carry them to the moving truck.
It felt really good to help her. She was very grateful, and it made me feel like I had done something worthwhile. It was tiring work, but seeing her smile and relief made it all worth it.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to recount an instance when I extended assistance to a fellow student at university who was struggling with a challenging programming assignment. This individual, whom I’ll call Alex, was visibly distressed in the computer lab, grappling with complex coding problems.
Recognizing his frustration, I took the initiative to offer my help. I approached Alex and proposed that we collaborate on troubleshooting the issues he was facing. My assistance primarily involved breaking down the problem into manageable components, explaining the underlying concepts, and guiding him through the process of debugging the code.
The decision to help was driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, I empathized with his situation, having faced similar challenges in the past. Secondly, I firmly believe in the power of peer support in academic settings. Lastly, I saw it as an opportunity to reinforce my own understanding of the subject matter by explaining it to someone else.
The experience of helping Alex was immensely rewarding. It gave me a sense of fulfillment to see him gradually grasp the concepts and gain confidence in his abilities. Moreover, the gratitude he expressed was heartwarming. This experience reaffirmed my belief in the importance of fostering a supportive learning environment and the positive impact that small acts of kindness can have on others.
Follow-up Questions:
- How did the person react to your help?
Band 6-7 Answer:
The person was very thankful. They appreciated my help and told me it made a big difference.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Alex’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive. He expressed profound gratitude and relief, acknowledging that my assistance had been instrumental in helping him overcome a significant hurdle. His newfound confidence was palpable, and he even mentioned that our interaction had inspired him to be more proactive in seeking and offering help within our academic community.
- Do you think it’s important for people to help each other?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s very important. When people help each other, it makes the world a better place.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I firmly believe that mutual assistance is fundamental to the fabric of society. When individuals support one another, it fosters a sense of community and social cohesion. Moreover, acts of help, no matter how small, can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward. This cycle of kindness not only addresses immediate needs but also cultivates empathy and strengthens interpersonal bonds, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and resilient society.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: What are some ways that young people can contribute to their communities?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Young people can help their communities in many ways. They can volunteer at local organizations, participate in community clean-up events, or tutor younger students. These activities not only help others but also give young people valuable experience.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Young individuals have a myriad of opportunities to make meaningful contributions to their communities. They can engage in volunteer work at local non-profit organizations, addressing various social issues such as poverty, education, or environmental conservation. Additionally, they can initiate grassroots movements or awareness campaigns on pressing local issues, leveraging their understanding of social media and technology to amplify their impact.
Moreover, young people can participate in mentorship programs, guiding and inspiring younger students or at-risk youth. They can also contribute their skills and expertise to community projects, such as designing websites for local businesses or organizing cultural events that celebrate diversity.
Furthermore, youth involvement in local governance, through participation in town hall meetings or youth councils, can bring fresh perspectives to community decision-making processes. By actively engaging in these ways, young people not only foster positive change in their communities but also develop crucial leadership skills and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Question: Do you think people are less willing to help others nowadays compared to in the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’m not sure if people are less willing to help now. I think many people still want to help, but maybe they’re busier these days. Social media has made it easier to see when people need help, though.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I don’t believe that people are inherently less willing to help others today compared to the past. Instead, I think the nature and manifestation of helpfulness have evolved with societal changes.
On one hand, the fast-paced, individualistic nature of modern society might create the impression that people are less inclined to assist others. The demands of work, personal commitments, and the emphasis on self-reliance could potentially reduce face-to-face interactions and spontaneous acts of kindness.
However, on the other hand, we’ve witnessed an unprecedented rise in global connectivity and awareness. Social media and digital platforms have facilitated new forms of assistance, enabling people to support causes and individuals across geographical boundaries. Crowdfunding campaigns, online volunteer matching, and digital mentorship programs are testament to people’s enduring willingness to help.
Moreover, there’s a growing trend of corporate social responsibility and social entrepreneurship, indicating a shift towards integrating helpfulness into our professional and economic structures.
In essence, while the methods may have changed, I believe the fundamental human impulse to help others remains strong. The challenge lies in adapting our approaches to offering and seeking help in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Extend assistance (phrasal verb) – /ɪkˈstend əˈsɪstəns/ – to offer help or support
Example: I always try to extend assistance to my colleagues when they’re overwhelmed with work. -
Take the initiative (idiom) – /teɪk ðə ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – to be the first to act or make a move
Example: Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, I decided to take the initiative and propose a solution. -
Empathize (verb) – /ˈempəθaɪz/ – to understand and share the feelings of another
Example: As someone who has experienced similar challenges, I could easily empathize with her situation. -
Foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – to encourage or promote the development of something
Example: Our community programs aim to foster a sense of belonging among residents. -
Instrumental (adjective) – /ˌɪnstrəˈmentl/ – serving as a means of pursuing an aim
Example: Her guidance was instrumental in helping me achieve my career goals. -
Ripple effect (noun) – /ˈrɪpl ɪˈfekt/ – the continuing and spreading results of an event or action
Example: A small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to do good deeds as well.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a time you offered help:
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Use a variety of vocabulary related to helping and emotions. This demonstrates your language proficiency.
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Structure your answer clearly, especially in Part 2. Use phrases like “First,” “Then,” and “Finally” to organize your thoughts.
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Provide specific details about the situation, your actions, and the outcome. This makes your answer more engaging and authentic.
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Express your feelings and motivations clearly. This shows your ability to reflect on experiences and articulate emotions.
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Practice speaking about different helping scenarios to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key is to describe a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle in offering help, as this can make your narrative more compelling. Additionally, you might want to describe a time when you explored a new place on your own to help someone, which could add an interesting dimension to your story.
By incorporating these elements and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss instances of offering help in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and fluency are key to impressing the examiner and achieving a high score.