The topic of describing an act of kindness is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about kindness and helping others. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think people are generally kind to each other in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe most people in my country are generally kind. We often see people helping each other in daily life, like giving directions to strangers or assisting elderly people on public transport.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d say that, by and large, people in my country demonstrate a commendable level of kindness towards one another. It’s not uncommon to witness spontaneous acts of generosity, such as strangers offering assistance during emergencies or communities rallying together to support those in need. That being said, like any society, we do have our fair share of indifference, particularly in bustling urban areas where the fast-paced lifestyle can sometimes overshadow our innate desire to help others.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe an act of kindness you witnessed recently
You should say:
- What the act of kindness was
- Where and when you saw it
- Who performed the act of kindness
- How you felt when you saw it
And explain why you think this act was important.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to share a heartwarming incident I witnessed last month at a local supermarket. It was a busy Saturday afternoon, and I was waiting in a long queue at the checkout counter.
In front of me was an elderly woman who seemed to be struggling with her groceries. When it came time for her to pay, she realized she had forgotten her wallet. The cashier had already scanned all her items, and the woman looked visibly distressed and embarrassed.
Just as she was about to ask the cashier to cancel her purchase, the young man standing behind her stepped forward without hesitation. He offered to pay for her groceries, which amounted to about $50. The elderly woman was initially reluctant, but the young man insisted kindly, saying it was his pleasure to help.
Witnessing this spontaneous act of generosity left me feeling incredibly moved and optimistic about human nature. It was a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on someone’s day and restore our faith in humanity.
This act was particularly important because it demonstrated how a simple gesture can transcend age barriers and create a moment of connection between strangers. It also set a positive example for everyone present, including myself, inspiring us to be more considerate and helpful in our daily lives.
Act of kindness at supermarket checkout
Follow-up Questions:
- Do you think the person who performed the act of kindness expected anything in return?
Band 6-7 Answer:
No, I don’t think so. The young man seemed to help out of genuine kindness, without expecting anything back. He probably just wanted to make the elderly woman’s day better.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m inclined to believe that the young man’s actions were driven by pure altruism rather than any expectation of reward or recognition. His spontaneous response to the situation and the way he graciously insisted on helping suggest that his primary motivation was simply to alleviate the elderly woman’s distress. This kind of selfless behavior often stems from a person’s innate compassion and desire to make a positive difference, however small, in someone else’s life.
- How has witnessing this act of kindness influenced your own behavior?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Seeing this act of kindness has made me more aware of opportunities to help others. I try to be more observant of people around me who might need assistance, especially elderly individuals.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Witnessing this magnanimous gesture has had a profound impact on my outlook and behavior. It has heightened my awareness of the opportunities for kindness that surround us daily. I find myself more attuned to the needs of others, particularly those who may be vulnerable or struggling. This experience has catalyzed a shift in my mindset, encouraging me to be more proactive in offering assistance, whether it’s helping someone carry heavy bags or simply being more patient with others in stressful situations. It’s a constant reminder that even small acts of kindness can ripple outwards, creating a more compassionate community.
Describe a time when you witnessed an act of kindness can be a great way to showcase your ability to narrate personal experiences and express emotions effectively in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to kindness and its impact on society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think acts of kindness are becoming less common in modern society? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think acts of kindness are becoming less common, but they might be less visible. Social media often highlights negative news, which can make it seem like kindness is rare. However, I believe people are still helping each other in their daily lives.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I would argue that acts of kindness are not necessarily becoming less common, but rather, our perception of them may have shifted in the modern context. The rapid pace of urban life and the increasing digitalization of our interactions can sometimes create an illusion of disconnection, making acts of kindness less immediately apparent.
However, I believe that kindness continues to manifest itself in both traditional and novel ways. We’re seeing a surge in online communities dedicated to supporting one another, crowdfunding initiatives for those in need, and volunteer organizations leveraging technology to mobilize help more efficiently. These examples suggest that kindness is adapting to our changing social landscape rather than diminishing.
That being said, the oversaturation of negative news in media and the tendency for sensationalism on social platforms can skew our perception, making acts of kindness seem rarer than they actually are. It’s crucial to recognize that small, everyday kindnesses often go unnoticed or unreported, yet they continue to form the fabric of our social interactions.
Q: How can societies encourage more acts of kindness among their citizens?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Societies can encourage kindness by teaching it in schools and recognizing kind acts publicly. They can also create volunteer programs and community events that bring people together to help others.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Fostering a culture of kindness within societies requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses various aspects of community life and individual behavior.
Firstly, education plays a pivotal role. Integrating empathy and kindness into school curricula from an early age can help instill these values as fundamental societal norms. This could involve practical empathy exercises, community service programs, and lessons on emotional intelligence.
Secondly, public recognition of kind acts can serve as a powerful motivator. Implementing community awards or media spotlights on individuals or groups who have made significant contributions through acts of kindness can inspire others and create positive role models.
Moreover, governmental and corporate policies that incentivize kindness and community engagement can be effective. This might include tax incentives for charitable donations, paid volunteer days for employees, or grants for community improvement projects.
Creating accessible platforms for people to connect and help each other, such as community apps or local support networks, can also facilitate more frequent acts of kindness by making it easier for people to identify and respond to needs in their community.
Lastly, promoting mindfulness and self-reflection through public campaigns or community programs can help individuals become more aware of their impact on others and encourage them to act with greater kindness in their daily interactions.
By implementing these strategies, societies can create an environment that not only values kindness but actively nurtures and amplifies it, leading to a more compassionate and cohesive community.
Community kindness initiative
Describe a time when you stood up for someone else is another topic that allows you to demonstrate your ability to discuss moral and ethical situations, which can be related to acts of kindness.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing acts of kindness, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Altruism /ˈæltruːɪzəm/ (noun): The belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Example: “The young man’s actions were a perfect example of altruism in everyday life.”Benevolence /bɪˈnevələns/ (noun): The quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
Example: “Her benevolence was evident in the way she always looked out for her neighbors.”Compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/ (adjective): Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: “The compassionate stranger offered to help the lost child find his parents.”Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Developing empathy is crucial for creating a more kind and understanding society.”Magnanimous /mægˈnænɪməs/ (adjective): Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
Example: “It was magnanimous of her to offer help to someone who had previously criticized her.”Philanthropic /ˌfɪlənˈθrɒpɪk/ (adjective): Seeking to promote the welfare of others; generous and benevolent.
Example: “Many successful business people engage in philanthropic activities to give back to society.”To go out of one’s way (idiom): To make a special effort to do something.
Example: “He went out of his way to ensure the elderly neighbor had everything she needed during the lockdown.”To pay it forward (phrase): To respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.
Example: “Inspired by the help she received, she decided to pay it forward by volunteering at a local charity.”
Using these words and phrases appropriately in your responses can demonstrate a sophisticated command of English and help you achieve a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like acts of kindness:
- Practice narrating personal experiences with detail and emotion.
- Develop a range of advanced vocabulary related to kindness and social interactions.
- Work on expressing your opinions clearly and supporting them with relevant examples.
- Improve your fluency by regularly discussing abstract topics related to society and human behavior.
- Record yourself speaking and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas coherently, fluently, and with relevance to the question asked.