Are you preparing for the IELTS Speaking test and wondering how to tackle questions about supporting someone during challenging moments? This guide will help you craft impressive responses to showcase your English language skills and achieve a high band score. We’ll explore sample questions, provide model answers, and offer valuable tips to boost your performance in all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners assess your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. When describing a time you supported someone during a difficult period, it’s crucial to demonstrate these skills while providing relevant and detailed responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Here’s a sample question related to supporting others:
Examiner: Do you often help your friends when they face difficulties?
Sample answer: “Absolutely, I make it a point to be there for my friends during tough times. I believe that mutual support is the foundation of strong friendships. Whether it’s lending an ear to listen, offering advice, or providing practical assistance, I always strive to be a reliable source of support. Recently, I helped a close friend through a challenging job loss by reviewing their resume and practicing interview techniques with them.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this part, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a time when you supported someone during a difficult time
You should say:
- Who you supported
- What the difficult situation was
- How you supported them
- And explain how you felt about providing this support
Sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I supported my younger sister during a particularly challenging period in her life. A couple of years ago, she was going through a rough patch in her final year of university. She was struggling to balance her academic commitments with her part-time job and was feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
The situation was quite serious as her grades were slipping, and she was on the verge of burnout. She confided in me that she was considering dropping out of university altogether, which would have been a huge setback for her future career prospects.
To support her, I took a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I lent a sympathetic ear, allowing her to vent her frustrations and concerns without judgment. I also helped her create a detailed study schedule to manage her time more effectively. Additionally, I reached out to my network and found her a more flexible part-time job that better accommodated her study needs.
Moreover, I offered practical assistance by helping her revise for exams and proofread her assignments. I also encouraged her to prioritize self-care, reminding her to take breaks and engage in activities she enjoyed to maintain her mental well-being.
Providing this support made me feel incredibly fulfilled and grateful. It was rewarding to see my sister gradually regain her confidence and get back on track. The experience strengthened our bond and reminded me of the importance of being there for loved ones during tough times. It also gave me a sense of purpose, knowing that my actions had made a tangible difference in someone’s life.
This experience reinforced my belief in the power of empathy and practical support. It taught me valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the impact of consistent encouragement. Overall, it was a deeply meaningful experience that I’ll always cherish.”
supporting-a-friend-during-difficult-times|Supporting a Friend|A warm and comforting image depicting a person offering support to a friend who is going through a tough time. The image should convey empathy, compassion, and a sense of togetherness.
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your relationship with your sister?
Sample answer: “This experience significantly deepened our bond. We became much closer as a result of going through this challenging time together. It fostered a sense of trust and openness between us that has continued to this day. Now, we’re more comfortable sharing our struggles and successes with each other, which has led to a more supportive and understanding relationship.”
- What did you learn about yourself from this situation?
Sample answer: “This experience was quite eye-opening for me. I discovered that I have a natural inclination for problem-solving and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It also highlighted my capacity for empathy and patience, traits I hadn’t fully recognized in myself before. Moreover, I learned the importance of balancing emotional support with practical assistance, which I believe is crucial in effectively helping someone through difficult times.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Examiner: How has the concept of support changed in modern society?
Sample answer: “The concept of support has evolved significantly in modern society, largely due to technological advancements and changing social dynamics. In the past, support was often limited to immediate family and close friends within physical proximity. However, today, we see a much more expansive and diverse support network.
Social media and online platforms have revolutionized the way we offer and receive support. People can now connect with others facing similar challenges across the globe, forming virtual support groups and communities. This has broadened the scope of emotional support available to individuals.
Moreover, there’s been a shift in societal attitudes towards mental health and well-being. The stigma around seeking help has decreased, leading to more open conversations about personal struggles and the importance of support systems. This change has fostered a more empathetic and supportive culture in many parts of the world.
However, this evolution also presents challenges. The quality and depth of support in online interactions may not always match that of in-person relationships. There’s also a risk of becoming overly dependent on digital forms of support, potentially neglecting real-world connections.
In essence, while modern society offers more avenues for support, it also requires us to be more discerning about the types of support we seek and offer, balancing digital connections with meaningful personal interactions.”
Examiner: Do you think people are less supportive of others nowadays compared to the past?
Sample answer: “I don’t believe that people are inherently less supportive today than in the past. Rather, the nature and expression of support have transformed. In many ways, our capacity for support has expanded tremendously.
Today, we have unprecedented access to information and resources that enable us to offer more informed and effective support. For instance, if a friend is struggling with a specific issue, we can quickly research and connect them with professional help or specialized support groups.
Additionally, there’s been a growing awareness of mental health issues and the importance of emotional support. This has led to more people being open about their struggles and willing to offer help, creating a culture of mutual support in many communities.
However, it’s true that modern life presents challenges that can impact our ability to provide support. Busy schedules, increased mobility, and the fast pace of life can make it difficult to maintain deep, supportive relationships. The rise of social media, while connecting us globally, can sometimes create a sense of superficial connection that lacks the depth of traditional support systems.
Furthermore, in some societies, there’s been a shift towards individualism, which might be perceived as a decrease in supportiveness. However, I’d argue that this has been counterbalanced by the rise of volunteer organizations and online communities dedicated to supporting others.
In conclusion, while the ways we offer support have changed, I believe people today are equally, if not more, capable of being supportive. The key lies in consciously nurturing our support networks and finding a balance between digital and in-person connections to ensure we’re providing and receiving meaningful support.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions into your responses. Here are some examples:
To make it a point (phrase) – /meɪk ɪt ə pɔɪnt/ – to do something intentionally
Example: I make it a point to check in on my friends regularly.Mutual support (noun) – /ˈmjuːtʃuəl səˈpɔːt/ – support given and received by each person
Example: Mutual support is crucial for maintaining strong relationships.To strive (verb) – /straɪv/ – to make great efforts to achieve something
Example: I always strive to be a reliable friend in times of need.To go through a rough patch (idiom) – /ɡəʊ θruː ə rʌf pætʃ/ – to experience a difficult period
Example: She went through a rough patch after losing her job.On the verge of (phrase) – /ɒn ðə vɜːdʒ əv/ – very close to experiencing something
Example: He was on the verge of giving up when his friend stepped in to help.To take a multi-faceted approach (phrase) – /teɪk ə ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – to address a problem from multiple angles
Example: We took a multi-faceted approach to solve the complex issue.To vent frustrations (phrase) – /vent frʌˈstreɪʃənz/ – to express negative feelings openly
Example: She allowed her friend to vent frustrations about work stress.To prioritize self-care (phrase) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz self keə/ – to put one’s own well-being first
Example: It’s important to prioritize self-care during challenging times.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, here are my top tips for excelling in this part of the test:
Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics and practice answering questions out loud.
Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses.
Provide specific examples: Support your answers with personal experiences or observations to make them more engaging and authentic.
Maintain fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly, even if you make minor grammatical errors. Fluency is key to achieving a high score.
Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner’s questions and respond appropriately.
Develop your ideas: Expand on your initial responses to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex thoughts in English.
Stay calm: Remember that the examiner is there to assess your English skills, not to trick you. Stay relaxed and confident throughout the test.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to describe how you supported someone during a difficult time and excel in your IELTS Speaking test overall.
For more tips on acing your IELTS Speaking test, check out our guide on describing a person who is very supportive in your life and describing a situation when you felt very grateful for something. These resources will help you further develop your speaking skills and expand your vocabulary on related topics.