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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe a Person Who Has Done a Lot of Work To Help People: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 12, 2024, 07:51

Overview

In this IELTS Speaking topic, “Describe a Person Who Has Done a Lot of Work To Help People”, you are expected to talk about an individual who has made significant contributions to others' lives through their efforts. This task, which is part of the second round or individual long turn, requires you to elaborate on the person's work, their impact, and why their efforts stand out. Key factors to consider include the nature of their work, the challenges they faced, and the outcomes of their contributions.

 

Practising this topic enhances your ability to organise and present information clearly and coherently. It helps in building your fluency and confidence by requiring you to provide detailed descriptions and personal reflections. By discussing such a meaningful subject, you also develop skills in expressing complex ideas and emotions, which are crucial for achieving a high score on the IELTS Speaking Test.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Person Who Has Done a Lot of Work To Help People

You should say

  • Who this person is/was?
  • Where does this person lives/live?
  • What has he/she done to help people?
  • How do you know about this person?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is/was?)

 

  • The person I want to talk about is Dr. Prakash Amte, a renowned social worker from Maharashtra. He is known for his extensive work in healthcare and education in rural areas.
  • Dr. Amte and his wife, Dr. Mandakini Amte, run the Lok Biradari Prakalp in Gadchiroli district. This initiative focuses on improving the lives of tribal communities.
  • Dr. Amte has dedicated his life to providing medical care and education to underprivileged groups in remote parts of India. His work has earned him national and international recognition.
  • I have chosen to talk about Dr. Amte because his contributions to society are remarkable and deeply inspiring.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where does this person lives/live?)

 

  • Dr. Amte resides in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, where he runs his healthcare and educational initiatives. His base is in this remote area, reflecting his commitment to serving rural communities.
  • I have followed Dr. Amte’s work through various news articles and documentaries that highlight his efforts in healthcare and education.
  • I am particularly impressed by his dedication to working in challenging environments, which shows his deep commitment to social causes.
  • His approach to integrating traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices piques my interest and admiration.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she done to help people?)

 

  • Dr. Amte has established a hospital and school in Gadchiroli that provides free medical care and education to tribal people. This has significantly improved the quality of life in the region.
  • He has faced numerous challenges, including limited resources and difficult terrain, but he has consistently overcome these obstacles through innovative solutions and unwavering dedication.
  • His efforts have led to the successful treatment of many patients who otherwise would have had no access to medical care. This has made a lasting impact on the community.
  • Dr. Amte’s work has been recognised with several awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, which highlights his exceptional contributions.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you know about this person?)

 

  • I learned about Dr. Amte through documentaries and news reports that showcased his work in rural India. His story was shared widely, which made me aware of his remarkable contributions.
  • His work is significant because it addresses critical needs in underserved communities, demonstrating the impact of dedicated social work.
  • I find his efforts inspiring as they reflect a profound commitment to improving others' lives despite numerous challenges.
  • Dr. Amte’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the positive changes that one person can make through sheer dedication and compassion.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is/was?)

 

  • The person I’d like to describe is Dr. Sunita Krishnan, a well-known social worker based in Hyderabad. She is renowned for her work in combating human trafficking and supporting survivors.
  • Dr Krishnan is the founder of the organisation Prajwala, which provides shelter and rehabilitation for victims of trafficking and abuse.
  • Her efforts focus on rescuing, rehabilitating, and empowering survivors, particularly women and children. Her work has had a significant impact across India.
  • I chose to talk about Dr. Krishnan because her dedication to such a critical cause is both impressive and inspirational.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where does this person lives/live?)
 

  • Dr. Krishnan operates from Hyderabad, where Prajwala is based. Her work takes her across various states in India, but her main base is in this city.
  • I have learned about Dr. Krishnan through news reports and social media, which frequently highlight her work and the stories of the survivors she has helped.
  • I am deeply moved by her relentless effort to fight human trafficking and the personal sacrifices she makes to support survivors.
  • Her innovative approaches to rehabilitation and her focus on education and empowerment are aspects of her work that particularly interest me.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she done to help people?)
 

  • Dr. Krishnan’s organisation, Prajwala, has rescued thousands of women and children from trafficking. They provide comprehensive care, including medical, psychological, and educational support.
  • Despite facing numerous challenges, such as legal hurdles and societal resistance, she has managed to make a substantial difference in many lives.
  • Her work includes awareness campaigns and lobbying for stronger laws against trafficking, which have contributed to significant policy changes.
  • Dr. Krishnan’s achievements have been recognised with numerous awards and accolades, reflecting her outstanding contributions to social justice.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you know about this person?)

 

  • I first learned about Dr. Krishnan through various documentaries and articles that covered her work with human trafficking survivors. Her story was compelling and eye-opening.
  • Her contributions are vital because they address the urgent issue of human trafficking, offering hope and a fresh start to many survivors.
  • I find her work incredibly inspiring due to her courage and determination to tackle such a serious issue, often at great personal risk.
  • Dr. Krishnan’s impact serves as a powerful example of how dedicated individuals can affect meaningful change in society.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is/was?)

 

  • I’d like to talk about Dr. Shyam Sundar, a dedicated social worker from Chennai known for his work in rural education. He has made significant strides in improving educational access in remote areas.
  • Dr. Sundar runs an organisation called “Learning Horizons,” which focuses on setting up schools and training teachers in underdeveloped regions.
  • His commitment to education has transformed the lives of many children who previously had no access to schooling. His work is highly regarded in the field of rural education.
  • I chose to discuss Dr. Sundar because his efforts in education reflect a profound dedication to making a difference in the lives of disadvantaged children.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where does this person lives/live?)

 

  • Dr. Sundar operates primarily from Chennai but has expanded his work to various rural locations across Tamil Nadu. His base is in the city, where he coordinates his initiatives.
  • I became familiar with Dr. Sundar’s work through news stories and local community events that highlighted his contributions to education in rural areas.
  • I am impressed by his determination to improve educational opportunities for children in remote areas, which shows his strong commitment to social causes.
  • His innovative methods in teaching and community involvement are aspects of his work that I find particularly compelling.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she done to help people?)
 

  • Dr Sundar’s organisation, Learning Horizons, has established numerous schools in rural areas, providing free education and resources to children who would otherwise not attend school.
  • He has faced challenges such as limited funding and logistical issues but has successfully managed to overcome these obstacles through community support and creative solutions.
  • His efforts have led to a noticeable increase in literacy rates and educational attainment in the regions where his schools operate.
  • Dr. Sundar’s work has been recognised with several awards for his contributions to education, underscoring the impact of his initiatives.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you know about this person?)

 

  • I first learned about Dr. Sundar through various media reports and community outreach programmes that showcased his work in improving rural education.
  • His contributions are crucial as they address the lack of educational resources in remote areas, offering children a better future through education.
  • I find his dedication inspiring because he is committed to making a positive change despite numerous challenges.
  • Dr. Sundar’s impact highlights the significant difference one person can make by focusing on education and community development.

 

Also Read: Best IELTS Cue Cards for 7+ Band Score

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a cue card titled "Describe a Person Who Has Done a Lot of Work To Help People." 


You will have one minute to prepare your response. During this preparation time, you can make notes and organise your thoughts. After one minute, you’ll need to speak for up to two minutes on the topic.


The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. To structure your response effectively, you can explore various tips and tricks for the IELTS speaking test.

 

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is/was?)

 

  • Identify the person you are describing, including their name and general role.
  • Provide a brief background on who they are or were.
  • Mention their main area of work or focus.
  • State why you have chosen to talk about this person.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where does this person lives/live?)

 

  • Describe where this person lives or lived.
  • Share your personal opinion about their contributions.
  • Mention any aspects of their work that you find particularly impressive.
  • Explain your general interest in their achievements or efforts.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What has he/she done to help people?)

 

  • Detail the specific actions or projects the person has undertaken to help others.
  • Discuss any notable challenges they faced and how they overcame them.
  • Explain the impact of their work on the community or individuals.
  • Highlight any recognitions or achievements related to their efforts.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How do you know about this person?)

 

  • Summarise how you became aware of this person and their work.
  • Reflect on the significance of their contributions.
  • Mention why you find their work important or inspiring.
  • Conclude with any final thoughts on their overall impact.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also Read:

 

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, follow-up questions, also known as Round 3, come after the cue card section. These questions delve deeper into the topic you’ve discussed, requiring you to elaborate and reflect on broader issues related to the cue card subject. 

 

Expect to answer questions that challenge you to think critically and provide your opinions on related matters. This round tests your ability to discuss topics in a more general context and articulate your thoughts clearly.

Q1. Some people say that people help others in the community more now than they did in the past. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Answer 1: I believe people do help others more now than in the past. With the rise of social media and greater awareness of global issues, there is more encouragement for community support. Modern technology has also made it easier for people to connect with and assist those in need, whereas, in the past, such support was limited by geographical and social barriers.

 

Answer 2: I disagree with the notion that people help others more now than before. In the past, communities were often more tightly knit, with people relying heavily on each other for support. While today’s global awareness is high, personal connections and local support may not be as strong as they once were, making it seem like there’s less community involvement.

Q2. What are some of the ways people can help others in the community? Which is most important?

Answer 1: People can help their community in various ways, such as volunteering at local charities, organising community events, or providing support to those in need. Donating time and resources to local schools or shelters can also make a significant difference. I think the most important way to help is through direct involvement, like volunteering, as it allows for personal connection and immediate impact.

 

Answer 2: Helping others in the community can be done through activities like fundraising events, participating in local clean-up drives, or offering mentorship to young people. Providing emotional support and practical assistance to those facing difficulties are also crucial. Personally, I believe that offering direct, hands-on support, such as volunteering, is the most impactful because it fosters strong, personal connections.

Q3. Why do you think some people like to help other people?

Answer 1: I think some people enjoy helping others because it gives them a sense of fulfilment and purpose. Helping others can be deeply rewarding and often leads to personal satisfaction. Additionally, people might feel a moral or ethical responsibility to give back to their community and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

 

Answer 2: Helping others often appeals to people because it creates a sense of connection and community. Many find joy in seeing the positive effects of their actions on others' lives. There’s also a personal benefit, as helping others can enhance one’s own well-being and create a feeling of accomplishment and meaning.

Q4. Which groups of people generally need the most support in a community? Why?

Answer 1: In a community, the most support is usually needed by vulnerable groups such as the elderly, low-income families, and people with disabilities. These groups often face financial, physical, or social challenges that make it harder for them to access necessary resources. Providing support helps to address these disparities and improve their quality of life.

 

Answer 2: Groups that generally need the most support include children from underprivileged backgrounds, the unemployed, and those with health issues. These individuals often struggle with barriers that impact their well-being and opportunities. Offering targeted assistance to these groups can help alleviate some of their difficulties and promote a more equitable community.

 

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FAQs

Q. Can I ask for clarification if I don’t understand a cue card topic?

Ans. Yes, you are allowed to ask for clarification if you don’t fully understand the topic. However, try to do so briefly and without disrupting the flow of the test. The examiner might give a brief explanation, but it’s essential to manage your time effectively. Use the additional time to think about how you can address the prompt based on your understanding. Avoid dwelling too long on clarification to stay within the time limit.

Q. Are there any specific phrases or vocabulary I should use in my cue card response?

Ans. Using a range of vocabulary and specific phrases can enhance your response. Incorporate linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly. Use descriptive language to elaborate on your points and make your response more engaging. Avoid overusing basic vocabulary and aim to demonstrate your language proficiency. Practise using varied expressions to articulate your ideas clearly.

Q. How important is it to follow the exact order of points on the cue card?

Ans. Following the order of points on the cue card helps ensure that you cover all required aspects of the topic. It helps structure your response logically and keep it coherent. However, slight deviations are acceptable if you maintain the overall structure and address all parts of the prompt. Prioritise clarity and completeness over strict adherence to the order. Ensure your response remains relevant to the cue card.

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