Describe a Situation When You Helped Someone: How to Answer?
Here is how the cue card with our topic will look like:
Every topic has some key points that should be discussed while discussing it. In our context, we have the 4 key areas we should describe to create a clear understanding for the examiner.
This is how we can cover the above-related questions within this topic:
Introduction:
- You should provide an overview of the situation you are going to discuss.
- Briefly discuss the particular challenges and the person who was facing such issues.
Example: ‘I’d like to share a similar experience when I had to support my friend facing academic difficulties actively. A couple of months back, my friend, Sam, was battling with his studies due to personal reasons.’
What was the situation where you helped someone?
- Describe how the situation arose.
- Introduce how this situation has impacted the person.
Example: ‘This situation came during the final semester examination. It was a crucial time for all of us. It was a bit more challenging for Sam as he had to deal with some family issues. As his best friend, I realised his situation was very stressful and I should do something about it.’
How did you come to know about the need for help?
- Elaborate the instance where you learned that he/she needs urgent help.
- Describe what encouraged you to take action.
Example: ‘One evening, Sam and I discussed the final exam. He was very frustrated and demotivated. So, finding him in such a stressful situation, I decided to provide every possible support to him.’
What did you do to help?
- Explain what sort of actions you took to provide support to the person.
- Mention any challenges that you encountered and how you dealt with them.
Example: ‘I decided to help Sam with his studies by preparing a study calendar and making strategies to cover the syllabus. Besides preparing for my examination, I decided to study with him to bring him on track.’
What was the outcome of your help?
- Describe how your active support has helped the person.
- Focus on some positive aspects which happened due to your support.
Example: ‘With our active collaboration, Sam has successfully managed his academics and gained his motivation back. He also performed well in the examination, which was a beautiful end to this situation. With this, our friendship grew stronger, and he was always ready for me whenever I needed his support.’
Conclusion
- Now, conclude all the points of the situation.
- Discuss the outcomes of the whole experience and the lessons learnt from it.
Example: ‘This scenario taught me a valuable lesson about being there for others in times of need and the value it adds to their lives. This encourages me to provide more support to the people who need it in any way I can.’
Describe a Situation When You Helped Someone: Sample Answers
Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Situation When You Helped Someone IELTS Cue Card here.
Introduction:
- I would like to share one of my experiences helping a needy stranger.
- This event occurred last summer when I walked near the city market.
When was the situation where you helped someone?
- Last August, I was going to a cafe to meet an old school friend.
- While walking on the busy street, I found a worried lady sitting alone.
How did you come to know about the need for help?
- Finding her in such a disturbance, I asked her whether everything was alright. She nodded and then explained that she had just visited the city.
- But she couldn’t locate the hotel and her phone was always off.
What did you do to help?
- She was experiencing so much stress, which was reflected in her face, so I decided to help her.
- I took the address and assured her that I would make her reach the hotel.
What was the outcome of the help?
- After walking together for a few minutes, we finally found the hotel. Her face was filled with happiness and gratitude.
- She thanked me multiple times, which made me feel satisfied that, yes, I was able to help someone and locate them in the right direction.
Conclusion
- This experience has taught me how important it is to understand and help people in need.
- We can significantly support others by devoting little time to our lives.
Describe A Situation When You Helped Someone: Follow-Up Questions
For every IELTS Speaking Cue Card topic, the examiner asks specific questions. In our topic ‘Describe a Situation When You Helped Someone,’ here are the possible questions which the examiner might ask you during the test:
