In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions that require them to describe personal experiences. One such topic that has gained prominence in recent years is “describe a time when you stood up for someone else.” This theme not only tests your English language skills but also your ability to narrate a personal story with conviction and clarity. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions related to helping others or standing up for what’s right. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you think it’s important to help others?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I believe helping others is crucial for building a compassionate society. It not only benefits the person receiving help but also gives the helper a sense of fulfillment. In my experience, even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card on the theme:
Describe a time when you stood up for someone else
You should say:
- Who you stood up for
- What the situation was
- Why you decided to help
- And explain how you felt afterward
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I stood up for my younger sister at school. It happened when she was in middle school and was being bullied by some classmates. They were making fun of her appearance and spreading rumors about her.
I decided to help because I couldn’t bear to see my sister so upset. She was coming home crying every day, and it was affecting her studies and self-esteem. As her older brother, I felt responsible for protecting her.
I approached the bullies during lunch break and firmly told them to stop harassing my sister. I explained how their actions were hurtful and warned them about the consequences of bullying. I also spoke to the school counselor about the situation.
Afterward, I felt a mix of emotions. I was relieved that I had taken action and proud that I had the courage to confront the bullies. However, I was also a bit anxious about potential retaliation. Ultimately, the situation improved, and I felt satisfied knowing I had made a difference in my sister’s life.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount an incident where I stood up for a colleague at work. This particular situation unfolded during a crucial team meeting where we were discussing the allocation of responsibilities for an upcoming project.
The colleague in question, Sarah, had recently returned from maternity leave and was being subtly sidelined by some team members who assumed she wouldn’t be able to handle significant responsibilities. Despite her stellar track record, she was being assigned menial tasks that didn’t match her expertise or experience.
I decided to intervene because I strongly believe in workplace equality and fair treatment. It was evident that Sarah was uncomfortable but hesitant to speak up, possibly fearing it might jeopardize her position.
During the meeting, I tactfully highlighted Sarah’s past achievements and suggested that her skills would be invaluable for one of the project’s core components. I emphasized how her unique perspective as a new parent could actually benefit our target demographic.
In the aftermath of this incident, I experienced a profound sense of satisfaction. It was immensely gratifying to see Sarah’s relieved expression and the subsequent shift in the team’s attitude. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment and the power of speaking up against implicit biases.
Moreover, it led to a broader discussion about work-life balance and unconscious biases in our organization, ultimately resulting in more equitable policies. This incident not only helped Sarah but also contributed to a more positive and inclusive workplace culture.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did the person you stood up for react?
- Do you think it’s always necessary to stand up for others?
- What are some challenges people might face when standing up for someone?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s reaction was a mixture of relief and gratitude. Initially, she seemed surprised by my intervention, but I could see a visible change in her demeanor as the meeting progressed. Afterward, she approached me privately to express her appreciation, mentioning that my support had given her the confidence to assert herself more in future meetings. This experience seemed to reinvigorate her enthusiasm for the project and her role in the team.”
Describe a time when you gave up something important for a friend can be another challenging topic in IELTS Speaking. It requires similar skills in narrating personal experiences and expressing emotions.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Question: “Why do you think some people are reluctant to stand up for others?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several reasons why people might hesitate to stand up for others. Firstly, fear of confrontation plays a significant role. Many individuals avoid conflict to maintain peace, even if it means overlooking injustice. Secondly, there’s often a fear of repercussions, whether social or professional. People worry about becoming targets themselves or facing negative consequences in their workplace or social circles.
Additionally, some may feel it’s not their place to intervene, especially in situations where they’re not directly involved. This bystander effect can be quite powerful, leading people to assume someone else will take action. Lastly, in some cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on minding one’s own business, which can discourage people from speaking up for others.”
Question: “Do you think social media has changed how people stand up for others?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Social media has undoubtedly revolutionized the way people stand up for others, bringing both positive changes and new challenges. On the positive side, it has provided a powerful platform for amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard. Movements like #MeToo or Black Lives Matter gained tremendous momentum through social media, allowing individuals to stand up for marginalized groups on a global scale.
However, this ease of participation has also led to some negative consequences. The rise of ‘slacktivism’ – where people support causes through low-effort actions like sharing posts – can create a false sense of accomplishment without driving real change. There’s also the risk of online mob mentality, where standing up for someone can quickly escalate into harassment of the perceived wrongdoer.
Moreover, the permanence of online actions means that standing up for someone on social media can have long-lasting implications, both positive and negative. This has made some people more cautious about publicly supporting others, fearing potential backlash or future repercussions.
Despite these challenges, I believe social media has overall enhanced our ability to stand up for others by providing a global platform for solidarity and support. The key lies in using these tools responsibly and complementing online activism with real-world actions.”
Describe a time when you had to cancel plans unexpectedly is another topic that tests your ability to discuss personal experiences and decision-making processes, much like describing standing up for someone else.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:
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To intervene /ˌɪntəˈviːn/ (verb): to become involved in a situation in order to improve or help it
Example: “I felt compelled to intervene when I saw the injustice happening.” -
To advocate for /ˈædvəkeɪt fɔːr/ (phrasal verb): to publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy
Example: “As a team leader, I always advocate for fair treatment of all employees.” -
To take a stand /teɪk ə stænd/ (idiom): to express one’s opinion or belief forcefully
Example: “It’s important to take a stand against discrimination in all its forms.” -
Moral obligation /ˈmɒrəl ˌɒblɪˈɡeɪʃn/ (noun phrase): a duty or responsibility based on moral or ethical considerations
Example: “I felt a moral obligation to speak up when I witnessed the bullying incident.” -
To challenge the status quo /ˈtʃælɪndʒ ðə ˈsteɪtəs kwəʊ/ (phrase): to question or disrupt the existing state of affairs
Example: “By standing up for my colleague, I was challenging the status quo of our workplace culture.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice narrating personal stories: Regularly practice telling stories about your experiences, focusing on clear structure and engaging details.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use sophisticated words and phrases related to social issues, ethics, and personal interactions.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in depth. Use examples to illustrate your points.
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Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure your responses sound natural and genuine.
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Stay relevant: Always address the question directly and stay on topic throughout your response.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about language proficiency, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance and achieve a higher band score.
Describe a time when you gave a speech is another topic that can help you practice articulating personal experiences clearly and concisely, which is crucial for describing instances of standing up for others as well.