Describing a time when you showed kindness to a stranger is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and reflect on social interactions. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about kindness and helping others. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you think people in your country are generally kind to strangers?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe people in my country are generally kind to strangers. We have a culture of hospitality and helping others when we can. For example, it’s common to see people offering directions to lost tourists or helping elderly people carry heavy bags.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say that, by and large, people in my country demonstrate a considerable degree of kindness towards strangers. Our cultural ethos places great emphasis on hospitality and altruism. It’s not uncommon to witness spontaneous acts of generosity, such as locals going out of their way to assist disoriented tourists or offering a helping hand to the elderly with their groceries. That being said, as with any society, there’s always room for improvement in fostering a more consistently compassionate approach to strangers.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you showed kindness to a stranger.
You should say:
- Who the stranger was
- Where and when it happened
- What you did to help them
- How you felt about it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience that occurred about two years ago when I was commuting to work on a particularly rainy morning. As I was walking towards the subway station, I noticed an elderly gentleman struggling with his umbrella, which had been turned inside out by the strong wind.
The man, who appeared to be in his late 70s, was visibly distressed and seemed at a loss for what to do. Without hesitation, I approached him and offered my assistance. I helped him fix his umbrella, ensuring it was properly secured against the wind. Noticing that he was already quite wet from the rain, I also offered him my spare raincoat, which I fortunately had in my bag.
The gentleman was incredibly grateful for the help. As we chatted briefly, I learned that he was on his way to a doctor’s appointment and was worried about arriving late. Recognizing his anxiety, I decided to accompany him to the nearest taxi stand and even paid for his cab fare to ensure he would reach his appointment on time.
This experience left me with a profound sense of fulfillment and joy. It was a poignant reminder of how a small act of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s day. The genuine gratitude in the elderly man’s eyes was truly heartwarming, and it reinforced my belief in the importance of looking out for one another, especially in challenging situations.
Moreover, this incident served as a catalyst for me to be more attentive to the needs of others around me, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. It highlighted the fact that in our fast-paced lives, we often overlook opportunities to extend a helping hand to strangers. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to be more observant and proactive in offering assistance whenever possible.”
Elderly man struggling with umbrella in heavy rain
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s important to be kind to strangers? Why or why not?
- Have you ever received unexpected kindness from a stranger? How did it make you feel?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
“Yes, I think being kind to strangers is important. It creates a positive atmosphere in society and can make someone’s day better. Also, we never know when we might need help from a stranger ourselves.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
“I firmly believe that showing kindness to strangers is not just important, but essential for fostering a harmonious and compassionate society. Such acts of benevolence, however small, can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to pay it forward. Moreover, in our increasingly interconnected world, nurturing a culture of kindness towards strangers can bridge cultural divides and promote mutual understanding. It’s also worth noting that these random acts of kindness often provide a much-needed boost to both the giver and the recipient, contributing to overall social well-being.”
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: Do you think modern society encourages or discourages kindness to strangers?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think modern society has both positive and negative influences on kindness to strangers. On one hand, social media allows us to share stories of kindness, which can inspire others. On the other hand, people are often busy and stressed in modern life, which can make them less likely to help strangers.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The relationship between modern society and kindness to strangers is quite complex and multifaceted. On the positive side, advancements in technology and social media have facilitated the rapid spread of heartwarming stories of altruism, potentially inspiring millions to emulate such acts. Moreover, globalization has exposed us to diverse cultures, potentially fostering a more inclusive and empathetic worldview.
However, there are also elements of modern society that may inadvertently discourage kindness to strangers. The fast-paced nature of urban life, coupled with increasing economic pressures, can lead to a more individualistic mindset where people are primarily focused on their own needs and immediate social circle. Additionally, heightened security concerns in many societies have led to a culture of suspicion, making some people hesitant to engage with strangers.
That being said, I believe there’s a growing recognition of the importance of kindness and community in counterbalancing some of the isolating effects of modern life. We’re seeing more initiatives, both grassroots and institutional, aimed at promoting random acts of kindness and fostering a sense of shared humanity. Ultimately, while modern society presents challenges to kindness towards strangers, it also offers unique opportunities to cultivate and celebrate such behavior on a global scale.”
Social media promoting kindness to strangers in modern society
Question: How can governments or organizations encourage more kindness in society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Governments and organizations can encourage kindness in several ways. They can run public awareness campaigns about the importance of kindness. Schools can include lessons about empathy and helping others in their curriculum. Companies can reward employees who volunteer or help others in the community.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Governments and organizations can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of kindness through a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, they can implement educational initiatives that integrate empathy, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility into school curricula from an early age. This could involve interactive workshops, community service projects, and cross-cultural exchange programs to broaden students’ perspectives and cultivate a sense of global citizenship.
Secondly, policy-making can be oriented towards incentivizing kind behavior. This might include tax breaks for businesses that demonstrate substantial community engagement or individuals who volunteer regularly. Creating a national ‘kindness index’ to measure and publicly recognize the most compassionate cities or regions could also spark healthy competition and raise awareness.
Furthermore, leveraging technology and media can be instrumental. Governments and organizations could collaborate with social media platforms to create campaigns that highlight and celebrate acts of kindness, making them ‘viral’ in the positive sense. They could also develop apps that connect people in need with those willing to help, facilitating real-time acts of kindness in communities.
Lastly, it’s crucial to address the root causes that often hinder kindness, such as economic inequality, discrimination, and social isolation. By implementing policies that promote social justice, inclusivity, and community cohesion, governments can create an environment more conducive to spontaneous acts of kindness among strangers.
In essence, encouraging kindness requires a holistic approach that combines education, incentives, technology, and systemic change to create a society where kindness is not just encouraged, but becomes a natural and integral part of daily life.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing this topic, consider using some of these words and phrases:
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Altruism /ˈæl.tru.ɪ.zəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “His act of helping the stranger was a pure example of altruism.” -
Benevolence /bəˈnev.əl.əns/ (noun): The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
Example: “The stranger’s benevolence in helping me fix my car was truly touching.” -
Empathy /ˈem.pə.θi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Showing empathy towards strangers can create a more compassionate society.” -
To go out of one’s way (idiom): To make a special effort to do something.
Example: “She went out of her way to help the lost tourist find his hotel.” -
Random act of kindness (phrase): A selfless act performed by a person wishing to either assist or cheer up another individual.
Example: “Buying coffee for the person behind you in line is a simple random act of kindness.” -
To pay it forward (phrasal verb): To respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.
Example: “After receiving help from a stranger, I decided to pay it forward by volunteering at a local charity.” -
Compassion fatigue /kəmˈpæʃ.ən fəˈtiːɡ/ (noun): The stress resulting from helping or wanting to help those who are traumatized or under significant emotional duress.
Example: “In big cities, some people experience compassion fatigue due to constant exposure to those in need.” -
To restore one’s faith in humanity (phrase): To renew one’s belief in the goodness of human nature.
Example: “The stranger’s unexpected kindness restored my faith in humanity.”
Vocabulary words for describing kindness to strangers in IELTS
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in this speaking task:
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Practice narrating personal experiences related to kindness. Focus on describing emotions, motivations, and outcomes vividly.
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Develop a range of vocabulary related to kindness and social interactions. Use these words naturally in your responses.
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Prepare to discuss the broader implications of kindness in society. Think about how it affects communities, social cohesion, and individual well-being.
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Work on your fluency by regularly discussing these topics with a study partner or language exchange buddy.
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Record yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and stress.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Just as describe a time when you felt grateful for someone’s help can showcase your ability to express gratitude, describing a time when you showed kindness to a stranger demonstrates your capacity for empathy and social awareness. Both topics allow you to exhibit a range of language skills crucial for achieving a high band score in IELTS Speaking.
Moreover, this topic is closely related to describe a person who taught you the value of kindness, as it allows you to reflect on the importance of kindness in shaping our character and interactions with others. By mastering these related themes, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a variety of personal and social topics in your IELTS Speaking test.
