In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about personal experiences, including times when they’ve helped others. One common topic is describing a situation where you assisted someone in achieving their goal. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and key strategies to boost your score.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Our focus will be on Parts 2 and 3, where the topic of helping someone achieve their goal is most likely to appear.
IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
While the main topic is more suited for Parts 2 and 3, you might encounter related questions in Part 1. Here’s an example:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy helping others?”
Sample answer: “Absolutely, I find great satisfaction in assisting others. Whether it’s helping a colleague with a challenging project or supporting a friend in achieving their personal goals, I believe in the power of collaboration and mutual support. It not only benefits the person I’m helping but also gives me a sense of fulfillment and helps me grow as an individual.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll receive a cue card with a topic and points to cover. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a time when you helped someone achieve their goal.
You should say:
- Who you helped
- What their goal was
- How you helped them
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my younger sister achieve her goal of improving her public speaking skills.
My sister had always been shy and reserved, but she aspired to become more confident in presenting her ideas in front of an audience. Her immediate goal was to deliver a compelling speech at a school event, which was scheduled to take place in two months.
To assist her, I devised a comprehensive plan that involved regular practice sessions and constructive feedback. We started by selecting a topic she was passionate about – environmental conservation. I guided her through the process of structuring her speech, ensuring it had a strong introduction, clear main points, and a memorable conclusion.
We set up a routine where she would practice her speech daily, gradually increasing the audience size from just me to include our family members and close friends. I provided tips on body language, voice modulation, and engaging the audience through eye contact and rhetorical questions.
As the event approached, we organized mock presentations where she could experience speaking in front of a larger group. I also taught her relaxation techniques to manage her nervousness.
On the day of the event, I was there to offer moral support. Watching her deliver her speech with confidence and poise filled me with an immense sense of pride and joy. The audience’s positive reaction and the praise she received from her teachers were incredibly rewarding.
This experience was profoundly fulfilling for me. Not only did I help my sister overcome her fear and achieve her goal, but I also strengthened our bond. It reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the impact of supportive mentorship. Seeing her growth and newfound confidence was truly inspiring, and it motivated me to continue helping others in similar ways.”
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- How did helping your sister impact your own public speaking skills?
- Did you face any challenges while helping her?
Sample answers:
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“Interestingly, the process of helping my sister significantly enhanced my own public speaking abilities. As I guided her through various techniques and strategies, I found myself becoming more aware of the nuances of effective communication. It prompted me to reflect on my own speaking style and identify areas for improvement. Moreover, explaining concepts to her required me to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, which further honed my skills.”
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“Indeed, we encountered a few challenges along the way. The main hurdle was helping my sister overcome her initial nervousness and self-doubt. There were moments when she felt discouraged and wanted to give up. To address this, I had to adapt my approach, focusing more on building her confidence through positive reinforcement and celebrating small victories. Another challenge was finding ways to make the practice sessions engaging and not monotonous, which required creativity and patience on my part.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: “Why do you think some people are more inclined to help others achieve their goals?”
Sample answer: “I believe that the inclination to help others is often rooted in a combination of personal values, empathy, and life experiences. People who are naturally empathetic may find it easier to understand and support others’ aspirations. Additionally, those who have received help in achieving their own goals might be more motivated to pay it forward.
Cultural and societal factors also play a significant role. In some cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on community and mutual support, which can foster a greater tendency to help others. Moreover, individuals who have been raised in environments that value cooperation and altruism are likely to develop these traits themselves.
From a psychological perspective, helping others can be intrinsically rewarding. It often leads to a sense of fulfillment and can boost one’s self-esteem. Some people might also see it as an opportunity for personal growth or a way to expand their own skills and knowledge.
However, it’s important to note that the capacity to help others can also be influenced by one’s own circumstances. Those who are struggling with their own challenges might find it more difficult to extend help, regardless of their inclination to do so.”
Examiner: “How has technology changed the way people help each other achieve goals?”
Sample answer: “Technology has revolutionized the ways in which people can assist each other in achieving their goals, making support more accessible and diverse than ever before.
Firstly, online platforms and social media have created vast networks where people can connect with mentors, experts, or peers who share similar goals. This has democratized access to knowledge and support, allowing individuals to find help regardless of geographical limitations.
Secondly, specialized apps and software have emerged to facilitate goal-setting and progress tracking. These tools often incorporate features that allow users to share their progress with friends or mentors, creating a system of accountability and encouragement.
Moreover, online courses and webinars have made it possible for experts to share their knowledge and skills with a global audience. This has opened up new avenues for learning and skill development, enabling people to acquire the expertise needed to achieve their goals.
Crowdfunding platforms have also transformed the landscape of goal achievement, especially for projects or aspirations that require financial support. These platforms allow individuals to garner support from a wide audience, making many goals more attainable.
However, it’s worth noting that technology also presents challenges. The overwhelming amount of information available online can sometimes lead to confusion or misguided advice. Additionally, the virtual nature of many interactions might lack the personal touch and nuanced understanding that face-to-face support can provide.
In conclusion, while technology has greatly expanded our capacity to help others achieve their goals, it’s important to leverage these tools thoughtfully and in conjunction with traditional forms of support.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for a high band score, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Empathy /ˈempəθi/ (noun): The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
Example: “Demonstrating empathy is crucial when helping others achieve their goals.” -
Collaborative effort /kəˈlæbərətɪv ˈefərt/ (noun phrase): Work done by two or more people or groups working together.
Example: “Achieving the goal was a collaborative effort between my sister and me.” -
To devise /dɪˈvaɪz/ (verb): To plan or invent a complex procedure or system.
Example: “I devised a comprehensive plan to help her improve her public speaking skills.” -
Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: “Her perseverance in practicing daily was key to her success.” -
To bolster confidence /ˈboʊlstər ˈkɒnfɪdəns/ (verb phrase): To support and strengthen one’s self-assurance.
Example: “My encouragement helped bolster her confidence before the presentation.” -
Intrinsic reward /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk rɪˈwɔːrd/ (noun phrase): A reward that comes from within, such as satisfaction or enjoyment.
Example: “The intrinsic reward of seeing her succeed was immeasurable.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing how you helped someone achieve their goal:
- Be specific: Provide concrete details about the goal and your actions to help.
- Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses as appropriate.
- Show reflection: Discuss how the experience affected you and what you learned.
- Employ varied vocabulary: Use synonyms and avoid repetition.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly.
- Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of helping others achieve goals.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.
IELTS Speaking Success Tips
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated language, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss how you helped someone achieve their goal in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
