In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe personal experiences. One common topic is describing a time when you stood up for someone. This topic tests your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on interpersonal relationships. Let’s explore how to tackle this question effectively and boost your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others or dealing with conflicts. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Q: Do you think it’s important to help others?

A: Absolutely. I believe helping others is crucial for building a strong, supportive community. It fosters empathy and creates a positive ripple effect. When we assist someone, we not only solve their immediate problem but also inspire them to pay it forward. This can lead to a more compassionate society overall.

Describe a time when you helped someone with a difficult task can be another related topic that examiners might explore in this part of the test.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you stood up for someone
You should say:

• Who you stood up for
• What the situation was
• What you did
• And explain why you decided to stand up for this person

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Example

Sample Answers

Band 6-7 Answer:

I remember a time when I stood up for my younger sister at school. She was being bullied by some older students who were making fun of her appearance. I saw this happening during lunch break and decided to intervene. I went up to the bullies and told them to stop, explaining that their behavior was hurtful and unacceptable. I also reported the incident to a teacher. I decided to stand up for my sister because I couldn’t bear to see her being treated unfairly, and I felt it was my responsibility as her older sibling to protect her.

Band 8-9 Answer:

I’d like to recount an incident where I stood up for a colleague at work. Sarah, a new employee in our department, was consistently being overlooked and interrupted during team meetings by some of our more assertive coworkers. The situation came to a head during a crucial project discussion where Sarah’s valuable input was repeatedly dismissed.

Recognizing the injustice, I decided to intervene. I tactfully interjected, saying, “I believe Sarah was making an important point. Could we hear her out?” This simple act created a momentary pause, allowing Sarah to articulate her ideas fully. I then reinforced her contributions by highlighting how they aligned with our project goals.

I chose to stand up for Sarah for several reasons. Firstly, I strongly believe in fostering an inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued. Secondly, I recognized that Sarah’s ideas were genuinely insightful and could significantly benefit our project. Lastly, I felt a moral obligation to challenge the subtle discrimination I was witnessing, as silence in such situations often perpetuates the problem.

This experience was eye-opening for the entire team. It sparked a broader discussion about respect and equal participation in our meetings. Subsequently, I noticed a positive shift in our team dynamics, with everyone becoming more mindful of giving each other space to contribute.

Describe a time when you stood up for yourself is a related topic that can help you prepare for similar questions in the IELTS Speaking test.

Follow-up Questions

Q: Do you think it’s always necessary to stand up for others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it’s important to stand up for others when we see injustice, but it’s not always necessary. Sometimes people can handle situations themselves, and interfering might make things worse. We should judge each situation carefully before deciding to step in.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While advocating for others is generally commendable, the necessity to do so can vary greatly depending on the context. It’s crucial to gauge the situation astutely before intervening. In some cases, our intervention might be indispensable in preventing harm or injustice. However, there are instances where standing up for someone might inadvertently undermine their autonomy or escalate the situation unnecessarily. The key is to strike a balance between offering support and allowing individuals to develop their own resilience and problem-solving skills.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: What are some challenges people might face when standing up for others?

Band 6-7 Answer:
When standing up for others, people might face several challenges. They could be worried about getting into trouble themselves or making the situation worse. Sometimes, they might not know the full story and could misunderstand the situation. There’s also the risk of damaging relationships with other people involved.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Standing up for others can present a multifaceted set of challenges. Firstly, there’s the risk of misreading the situation – what appears to be injustice might be a more complex scenario than initially perceived. Additionally, intervening can sometimes exacerbate the problem, especially if done without tact or full understanding of the context.

Another significant challenge is the potential for personal repercussions. This could range from social ostracism to professional consequences, particularly in workplace scenarios. There’s also the psychological toll of confrontation, which can be daunting for many individuals.

Moreover, there’s the delicate balance of empowerment versus overstepping. Well-intentioned interventions can sometimes inadvertently disempower the very person one is trying to support, robbing them of the opportunity to develop their own coping mechanisms and assertiveness.

Lastly, standing up for others often requires navigating complex social dynamics. It may involve challenging established hierarchies or confronting deeply ingrained biases, which can be both emotionally and socially taxing.

Person Standing Up for Others in a Group Setting

Describe a person who helped you through a tough time is another topic that can help you practice discussing supportive relationships in your IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. To stand up for (phrasal verb) – /tə stænd ʌp fɔːr/ – to defend or support someone or something
   Example: It’s important to stand up for your beliefs, even when it’s difficult.

2. Advocate (verb) – /ˈædvəkeɪt/ – to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
   Example: She has always advocated for equal rights in the workplace.

3. Intervene (verb) – /ˌɪntərˈviːn/ – to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it
   Example: The teacher had to intervene when the argument between students got heated.

4. Assertive (adjective) – /əˈsɜːrtɪv/ – having or showing a confident and forceful personality
   Example: Being assertive in a professional setting can help you get your ideas heard.

5. Tactfully (adverb) – /ˈtæktfəli/ – in a way that shows sensitivity and skill in dealing with others
   Example: He tactfully suggested changes to the project without offending anyone.

Describe a time when you had to rely on others for help can provide additional context for discussing interpersonal relationships and support systems.

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a time you stood up for someone:

1. Structure your answer clearly, following the cue card prompts.
2. Use a range of vocabulary related to conflict resolution and interpersonal relationships.
3. Demonstrate your ability to use various tenses accurately, especially when narrating past events.
4. Include your thoughts and feelings about the situation to add depth to your answer.
5. Practice describing different scenarios where you or others have stood up for someone to improve fluency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

Describe a time when you had to cancel plans unexpectedly is another topic that can help you practice narrative skills for the IELTS Speaking test.