To answer "Describe a situation when you helped someone" effectively, follow the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How structure. This ensures a clear, well-organized response that meets IELTS evaluation criteria.
1. Who – Identify the person you helped (friend, family member, stranger, or colleague).
2. What – Describe the problem or situation they faced.
3. When – Mention when the incident occurred (recently or in the past).
4. Where – Specify the location (home, school, workplace, or public place).
5. Why – Explain your reason for helping (empathy, responsibility, or necessity).
6. How – Detail the actions you took and their impact.
Key Tips for a High-Scoring Answer
- Use past tense – Since it’s a past event, proper verb usage is crucial.
- Be specific – Provide clear details instead of generic statements.
- Express emotions – Share how the experience made you feel (proud, happy, relieved).
Pro Tip: Want to improve your IELTS Speaking skills with expert guidance? Check out upGrad’s IELTS Speaking Preparation Guide for tips, strategies, and practice resources.
IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers: Describe a Situation When You Helped Someone
In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a situation when you helped someone. This topic assesses your ability to recall past experiences, structure your response clearly, and express emotions effectively.
To give a strong answer, focus on who you helped, what the situation was, how you assisted, and how you felt afterward. Below are two well-structured sample answers that demonstrate fluency, coherence, and natural storytelling.
Sample Answer 1: Helping a Lost Child
- Who you helped: A young child lost in a shopping mall.
- What the situation was: The child was crying and unable to find their parents.
- How you helped them: I approached the child, calmed them down, and informed mall security.
- How you felt after helping: I felt relieved and happy after reuniting the child with their parents.
Sample Answer:
One day, while shopping at a busy shopping mall, I noticed a young child, around five years old, standing alone near the escalator. The child looked extremely anxious and had tears streaming down their face. It was evident that they had lost their parents, as they kept looking around helplessly. Seeing their distress, I immediately felt concerned and knew I had to do something.
I walked up to them calmly and gently introduced myself, saying, "Hi, are you okay? Do you need help?" The child, though hesitant at first, nodded and said they couldn’t find their mom. To reassure them, I knelt to their level and asked for their name, what their mother looked like, and where they had last seen her. As I spoke softly, they began to calm down a little.
Instead of moving them around, I stayed right where they were and quickly alerted the mall security team. Within moments, a security officer arrived and made a public announcement over the speaker system. Meanwhile, I continued to talk to the child to keep them from panicking. After about five minutes, a woman rushed toward us, looking visibly worried. The moment the child saw her, they ran into her arms. It was clear she was the mother.
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and thanked me repeatedly. Seeing the relief on her face made me feel immensely happy and fulfilled. I realized that a small act of kindness and quick thinking can make a huge difference. This experience taught me that helping others, even in small ways, can be incredibly rewarding.
Sample Answer 2: Assisting a Friend with Exam Preparation
- Who you helped: A close friend struggling with mathematics.
- What the situation was: They were feeling stressed before their final exams.
- How you helped them: I tutored them daily, shared study tips, and boosted their confidence.
- How you felt after helping: I felt proud when they passed with good marks.
Sample Answer:
During my school years, one of my closest friends had a hard time with mathematics. They had struggled with the subject for a long time, and as the final exams approached, their stress levels increased. They often told me how they felt hopeless and frustrated, believing they wouldn’t be able to pass. Seeing their anxiety, I decided to help them prepare in the best way possible.
Since I was confident in math, I offered to tutor them daily after school. We first identified the topics they found most difficult, such as algebra and trigonometry, and focused on breaking them down into simpler concepts. Instead of rote memorization, I encouraged them to understand the logic behind each formula and apply it in real-life situations.
To make studying fun, I introduced different learning techniques. For example, we created flashcards for formulas, used online quizzes, and even made real-life examples to explain abstract concepts. At times, they felt discouraged, but I constantly motivated them by setting small goals and praising their progress. Over time, I noticed a huge improvement in their confidence and problem-solving skills.
A few days before the exam, we took mock tests to help them get familiar with the time pressure. Though they were still a bit nervous, I reassured them that they had prepared well. When the results came out, my friend was overjoyed—they had passed with higher marks than they ever expected.
Seeing their happiness and gratitude made me feel incredibly proud and fulfilled. This experience not only strengthened our friendship but also made me realize that teaching others is a great way to reinforce my own knowledge. I learned that a little guidance and encouragement can change someone’s mindset and boost their confidence.
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