How to Excel in IELTS Speaking: Discussing a Time You Helped a Friend Solve a Problem

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to be ready for a variety of topics. One common theme that often appears is discussing personal experiences, such as helping a friend solve a problem. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express emotions, and reflect on past experiences. Let’s explore how you can effectively tackle this subject and maximize your speaking score.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before we dive into the specific topic, it’s important to understand the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
2. Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Let’s examine how the topic of helping a friend solve a problem might be addressed in each part.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about friendship, problem-solving, or helping others. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Sample Question 1: Do you often help your friends with their problems?

Sample Answer:
Yes, I frequently offer assistance to my friends when they’re facing difficulties. I believe that being supportive is an essential aspect of friendship. Whether it’s lending an ear to listen or actively helping them brainstorm solutions, I always try to be there for my friends in times of need.

Sample Question 2: What kinds of problems do your friends usually come to you for help with?

Sample Answer:
My friends often approach me with various issues, but the most common ones are related to academic challenges, career decisions, and personal relationships. I think they value my objective perspective and problem-solving skills. For instance, I recently helped a friend navigate a difficult situation at work by offering advice on how to communicate more effectively with their colleagues.

Friends helping each other

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you’ll need to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Sample Cue Card:

Describe a time when you helped a friend solve a problem.
You should say:

• Who the friend was
• What the problem was
• How you helped them
• And explain how you felt about helping your friend

Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about a time when I helped my close friend, Sarah, solve a significant problem she was facing at work. Sarah had recently started a new job at a marketing firm and was struggling to adapt to the company’s fast-paced environment.

The main issue was that Sarah felt overwhelmed by the numerous projects she was assigned and had difficulty managing her time effectively. This was causing her a great deal of stress and affecting her performance.

To help her, I first listened attentively to her concerns and helped her identify the root causes of her struggles. Then, we brainstormed together to come up with practical solutions. I shared some time management techniques that I had found useful in my own career, such as the Pomodoro Technique and prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix.

We also role-played some scenarios to help Sarah practice communicating her concerns to her supervisor and requesting clearer guidelines for project deadlines. Additionally, I encouraged her to network with her colleagues to learn how they managed their workload.

Helping Sarah made me feel incredibly fulfilled. It was gratifying to see her gradually regain her confidence and start thriving in her new role. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of friendship and the importance of supporting one another through challenging times.

Potential Follow-up Questions:

1. How did helping your friend affect your relationship?
2. Did you learn anything from this experience that you’ve applied to your own life?

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:

Question 1: In what ways do you think people can effectively help their friends with problems?

Sample Answer:
I believe there are several effective approaches to helping friends with their problems. Firstly, active listening is crucial. Often, people just need someone to hear them out without judgment. Secondly, offering a fresh perspective can be invaluable. Sometimes, when we’re too close to a problem, we can’t see potential solutions that might be obvious to an outsider.

Another important aspect is empowering friends to solve their own problems rather than solving the problems for them. This could involve guiding them through a problem-solving process or helping them identify their own strengths that they can apply to the situation.

Lastly, I think it’s important to follow up and provide ongoing support. Problem-solving is often a process, and showing that you’re there for the long haul can be incredibly reassuring to a friend in need.

Question 2: Do you think modern technology has changed the way people help each other with problems?

Sample Answer:
Absolutely, I believe modern technology has significantly impacted how people assist each other with problems. On one hand, technology has made it easier for us to stay connected and offer support regardless of physical distance. Social media platforms and messaging apps allow us to reach out instantly when we need help or want to offer assistance.

Moreover, the internet has become a vast resource for problem-solving. People can now easily access information and seek advice from a wider community, not just their immediate circle of friends. Online forums and support groups have created spaces where people can share experiences and solutions for specific problems.

However, there’s also a potential downside. The ease of digital communication might sometimes lead to less meaningful interactions. It’s easier to send a quick message of support than to have a deep, face-to-face conversation. There’s also the risk of information overload or receiving conflicting advice from too many sources.

Despite these challenges, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Technology has expanded our capacity to help each other, making it possible to offer support and resources in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s essential to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:

1. Empathize (verb) /ˈempəθaɪz/ – to understand and share the feelings of another
   Example: “I always try to empathize with my friends when they’re going through tough times.”

2. Perspective (noun) /pəˈspektɪv/ – a particular way of considering something
   Example: “Sometimes, all a friend needs is a fresh perspective on their problem.”

3. Brainstorm (verb) /ˈbreɪnstɔːm/ – to produce an idea or way of solving a problem by holding a spontaneous group discussion
   Example: “We spent an hour brainstorming possible solutions to her dilemma.”

4. Navigate (verb) /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/ – to find a way through a difficult situation
   Example: “I helped my friend navigate the complexities of his new job.”

5. Objective (adjective) /əbˈdʒektɪv/ – not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts
   Example: “I tried to offer an objective viewpoint on her situation.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Engage in conversations on various topics to improve your fluency and confidence.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics and practice using them in context.

3. Use personal examples: Incorporate real-life experiences into your answers to make them more authentic and engaging.

4. Focus on coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically and use appropriate linking words to connect your thoughts.

5. Embrace paraphrasing: If you’re unsure of a specific word, try to explain the concept using different words.

6. Reflect on your experiences: After each practice session, think about what you did well and areas for improvement.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about perfect grammar or extensive vocabulary, but also about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss how you helped a friend solve a problem and tackle any other topic that comes your way in the IELTS Speaking test.

For more guidance on handling different IELTS Speaking topics, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict with a friend or how to describe a person who is very good at resolving conflicts. These resources can provide additional insights and strategies to enhance your speaking skills.