Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Effectively Describe Helping Someone Solve a Problem

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences, including times when we’ve helped others. One common topic is describing an experience where you helped someone solve a problem. This theme allows candidates to showcase their problem-solving skills, empathy, and ability to articulate complex situations in English. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions related to helping others or problem-solving in general. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Question: “Do you often help others with their problems?”

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I frequently lend a hand to people facing difficulties. I believe in the importance of supporting others, whether it’s offering advice to a friend struggling with a career decision or assisting a colleague with a challenging project at work. It’s gratifying to see how a little help can make a significant difference in someone’s life.”

Describe a childhood game that you still remember is another common topic in IELTS Speaking. While discussing problem-solving, you might draw parallels to childhood experiences that taught you valuable skills.

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe an experience where you helped someone solve a problem

You should say:
- Who the person was
- What the problem was
- How you helped them solve it
- And explain how you felt about the experience

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger sister overcome her fear of public speaking. Sarah, who’s in high school, was terrified of giving presentations in class. This anxiety was affecting her grades and confidence.

To address this issue, I devised a step-by-step plan. First, we identified the root causes of her fear through open conversations. Then, I introduced her to breathing exercises and visualization techniques to manage her anxiety. We practiced her presentations together, starting with just me as the audience and gradually including more family members.

The most effective strategy was recording her presentations and reviewing them together. This helped Sarah realize that her performance wasn’t as bad as she imagined, boosting her self-assurance. We also worked on her body language and vocal variety to enhance her delivery.

After weeks of practice, Sarah successfully delivered a presentation in class, receiving positive feedback from her teacher. This experience was immensely rewarding for me. Seeing her overcome her fear and grow in confidence was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and supportive guidance. Moreover, it strengthened our bond as siblings, as she now sees me as a trusted mentor she can turn to in challenging times.”

Helping sister overcome public speaking fear

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this experience change your relationship with your sister?
2. What skills did you develop while helping your sister?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience significantly strengthened our bond. Sarah now views me as a reliable mentor, which has fostered a deeper level of trust and openness between us. As for skills, I honed my ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps and developed greater empathy. I also improved my own public speaking skills through demonstrating techniques to Sarah.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to helping others and problem-solving. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: “Why do you think some people are hesitant to ask for help when they have problems?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There are several reasons why individuals might be reluctant to seek assistance. Firstly, there’s often a societal stigma attached to asking for help, as it can be perceived as a sign of weakness or incompetence. This is particularly prevalent in cultures that value self-reliance and individualism. Additionally, some people may fear judgment or rejection, worrying that others will think less of them if they admit to struggling.

Another factor is pride. Many individuals prefer to maintain an image of self-sufficiency and may view asking for help as a blow to their ego. This can be especially true in professional settings where people might feel that seeking assistance could jeopardize their career prospects or reputation.

Furthermore, past negative experiences can play a role. If someone has previously asked for help and been dismissed or received unhelpful advice, they might be wary of putting themselves in a vulnerable position again.

Lastly, some individuals may simply lack the self-awareness to recognize when they need help or the communication skills to effectively articulate their problems. This can create a barrier to seeking assistance, even when they’re struggling.”

Describe a situation where you were forced to think outside the box is another topic that can relate to problem-solving, as it often involves creative solutions to challenges.

Question: “How can societies encourage people to be more helpful to one another?”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Fostering a culture of mutual support and assistance requires a multi-faceted approach. At the societal level, governments and organizations can implement policies that incentivize and recognize acts of kindness and community service. This could include tax benefits for charitable donations or volunteer work, or public recognition programs that celebrate individuals who make significant contributions to their communities.

Education plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes towards helping others. Schools can incorporate empathy and social responsibility into their curricula, teaching children from a young age about the importance of supporting one another. This could involve practical experiences like community service projects or mentoring programs.

Media and popular culture also have a powerful influence. By highlighting stories of everyday heroes and the positive impact of helping others, we can normalize and celebrate these behaviors. Social media platforms could amplify these narratives, creating viral campaigns that inspire people to engage in acts of kindness.

Moreover, businesses can foster a culture of collaboration rather than competition, encouraging employees to support one another and recognizing teamwork as much as individual achievement. This approach can spill over into broader society, promoting the idea that success is collective rather than purely individual.

Lastly, creating more opportunities for community engagement, such as neighborhood groups or volunteer organizations, can provide structured ways for people to help one another. By making it easier and more accessible to get involved in community support, we can lower the barriers to helping and create a more interconnected, supportive society.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, especially when discussing helping others solve problems, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. To lend a hand (phrasal verb) – to help or assist
   Example: “I’m always ready to lend a hand to my colleagues when they’re overwhelmed with work.”

2. Empathy (noun) – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
   Pronunciation: /ˈempəθi/
   Example: “Developing empathy is crucial for effectively helping others with their problems.”

3. To devise (verb) – to plan or invent (a complex procedure, system, or mechanism) by careful thought
   Example: “We need to devise a strategy to address this recurring issue in our community.”

4. To overcome (verb) – to succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty)
   Example: “With perseverance, she was able to overcome her fear of public speaking.”

5. Perseverance (noun) – persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
   Pronunciation: /ˌpərsəˈvirəns/
   Example: “His perseverance in the face of numerous setbacks was truly admirable.”

Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it is a topic where these vocabulary items could be particularly useful.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing experiences of helping others solve problems:

1. Practice articulating complex situations clearly and concisely.
2. Develop a range of personal anecdotes that demonstrate problem-solving skills and empathy.
3. Work on incorporating advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses.
4. Focus on providing specific details and examples to support your points.
5. Practice speaking on abstract topics related to helping others and societal issues.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversational style while showcasing your language skills and thoughtful insights.

Describe a technology you find difficult to use and describe an online course that you would like to take are other topics where problem-solving skills and the ability to articulate complex ideas can be demonstrated. By practicing a wide range of topics, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever comes up in your IELTS Speaking test.