Describing a time when you helped someone else is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, express empathy, and showcase your English language skills. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about helping others. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you often help other people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I try to help people when I can. It’s usually small things, like giving directions or helping a classmate with homework.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to assist others whenever possible. This can range from volunteering at local charities to simply lending an ear to a friend in need. I believe that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.”
- What kind of people need help in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“In my country, elderly people and poor families often need help. There are also homeless people who need support.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“In my country, various demographics require assistance. This includes underprivileged families struggling to make ends meet, elderly individuals who may lack proper care, and refugees adapting to a new environment. Additionally, there’s a growing need to support people with mental health issues, as this area is often overlooked in our society.”
IELTS Speaking Interview on Helping Others
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you helped someone else.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What you did to help them
- Why they needed help
- How you felt about helping them
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I want to talk about a time I helped my neighbor. She’s an elderly lady who lives alone. One day, I saw her struggling with heavy grocery bags. I offered to help carry them to her apartment. She needed help because she has arthritis and finds it hard to lift things. I felt good about helping her because it was a simple thing for me to do, but it made a big difference for her.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to recount an instance when I assisted a fellow student during my university years. This individual, a international student from South Korea, was grappling with the intricacies of academic writing in English.
Recognizing his struggle, I volunteered my time to help him improve his essay writing skills. We met regularly over the course of a semester, during which I explained the nuances of academic English, helped him structure his arguments more coherently, and provided constructive feedback on his drafts.
His need for assistance stemmed from the significant differences between Korean and English writing styles, coupled with the high stakes of academic performance in a foreign education system.
The experience was immensely rewarding. Witnessing his gradual progress and growing confidence was incredibly fulfilling. Moreover, it broadened my own perspective on the challenges faced by international students and enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of peer support and the importance of creating an inclusive academic environment.”
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think people are less willing to help others these days?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think it depends on the situation. Some people are still very helpful, but others might be too busy or afraid to get involved.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“While it may appear that way on the surface, I believe the reality is more nuanced. The rapid pace of modern life and increased individualism in many societies might create an impression of decreased willingness to help. However, we’re also seeing new forms of assistance emerge, particularly through social media and online platforms. These digital channels have facilitated large-scale crowdfunding efforts and connected volunteers with causes globally. So, while traditional forms of community support might be less visible, people are finding innovative ways to extend help in our interconnected world.”
- What qualities should a person have to be helpful?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think helpful people should be kind, patient, and willing to listen. They should also be able to understand others’ problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“A truly helpful individual should possess a combination of emotional and practical qualities. Empathy is paramount – the ability to put oneself in another’s shoes and understand their perspective. Patience and good listening skills are crucial, as helping often involves allowing others to express themselves fully.
Resourcefulness and problem-solving abilities are also important, as effective assistance often requires creative solutions. Additionally, a non-judgmental attitude and respect for others’ autonomy are essential. It’s about offering support without imposing one’s own views or making others feel indebted.
Lastly, reliability and follow-through are key. Being consistently present and fulfilling commitments builds trust and ensures that the help provided has a lasting impact.”
IELTS Speaking Cue Card on Helping Others
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to helping others. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How has technology changed the way people help each other?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Technology has made it easier for people to help each other. We can use social media to share information about people who need help, and we can donate money online to charities.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Technology has revolutionized the landscape of altruism in numerous ways. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for raising awareness about various causes and mobilizing support rapidly. We’ve seen this in action during natural disasters, where real-time information sharing has facilitated more efficient and targeted relief efforts.
Crowdfunding platforms have democratized philanthropy, allowing individuals to directly contribute to causes or help people in need, bypassing traditional charitable organizations. This has enabled many grassroots initiatives to gain traction and make significant impacts.
Moreover, technology has expanded the scope of volunteering. Virtual volunteering opportunities now allow people to contribute their skills and time remotely, breaking down geographical barriers. This has been particularly evident in fields like online tutoring or providing professional services to non-profits globally.
However, it’s important to note that while technology has expanded our capacity to help, it also presents challenges. The ease of online giving might lead to ‘slacktivism‘, where people feel they’ve contributed by simply sharing a post. Additionally, the digital divide means that some demographics might be left out of these new helping paradigms. Therefore, striking a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining genuine, impactful human connections in our efforts to help others remains crucial.”
- Do you think governments should provide more support to volunteer organizations?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think governments should support volunteer organizations more. These organizations do important work and often need money and resources to help people effectively.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, government support for volunteer organizations is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, these organizations often fill gaps in social services that governments may struggle to address directly. They possess grassroots knowledge and can respond more flexibly to community needs.
Increased government support could take various forms. Financial assistance is obvious, but equally important are policies that encourage volunteering, such as tax incentives for donors or programs that recognize volunteer work in education and employment contexts.
However, it’s essential to strike a delicate balance. While government support can significantly enhance the capacity and reach of volunteer organizations, it shouldn’t come at the cost of their autonomy or ability to advocate for their causes. There’s also the risk of over-reliance on volunteers for essential services, which should primarily be the government’s responsibility.
A collaborative approach where governments provide resources and enabling policies, while respecting the independence and expertise of volunteer organizations, would be ideal. This could create a more robust civil society capable of addressing diverse social needs more effectively.”
Government Support for Volunteer Organizations
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases into your responses:
Altruism /ˈæl.tru.ɪ.zəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “Her altruism was evident in her tireless efforts to help the homeless.”Empathy /ˈem.pə.θi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Showing empathy towards others is crucial when offering help.”To go above and beyond (phrase): To do more than is required or expected.
Example: “The volunteer went above and beyond by working extra hours to complete the project.”To make a difference (phrase): To have a significant effect on a person or situation.
Example: “Even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life.”Philanthropic /ˌfɪl.ənˈθrɒp.ɪk/ (adjective): Seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.
Example: “Many successful entrepreneurs engage in philanthropic activities to give back to society.”To lend a hand (idiom): To give someone help or assistance.
Example: “When my neighbor was sick, I offered to lend a hand with her household chores.”Mutual support (noun phrase): The practice of people or groups helping each other.
Example: “In times of crisis, communities often come together in mutual support.”To pay it forward (phrase): To respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.
Example: “After receiving help during a difficult time, she decided to pay it forward by volunteering at a local charity.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing helping others:
Use personal anecdotes: Draw from your own experiences to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
Demonstrate reflection: Show that you’ve thought about the impact and importance of helping others, not just the actions themselves.
Varied vocabulary: Use a range of words and phrases to describe different aspects of helping, avoiding repetition.
Discuss broader implications: Connect your personal experiences to wider social issues or trends when appropriate.
Show balanced thinking: Acknowledge both the positive aspects and potential challenges of helping others or volunteer work.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, especially when describing complex ideas about social responsibility and community support.
By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of helping others in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your band score significantly.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might want to explore topics like describing a time when you managed to stay motivated or describing an experience that changed your life positively. These topics can help you further develop your ability to articulate personal experiences and reflections, which is crucial for success in the IELTS Speaking test.