IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a time you helped someone

Describe a time you helped someone

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose a specific person and situation to make your narrative authentic and easy to follow.
  2. Use chronological order to cover the bullet points naturally within your two-minute speaking time.
  3. Focus on your personal emotions to provide the required depth for a higher band score.

Band 8 model answer

A couple of months ago, I was working in a local community library when I noticed an elderly regular named Mr. Henderson struggling with a stack of tax documents. He was clearly flustered, peering through thick spectacles at a complex digital portal he couldn't quite navigate. I had noticed him coming in every Tuesday for years to read the newspapers, so I felt a natural urge to step in. I approached him gently and asked if he needed a hand. It turned out he was terrified of missing a deadline for his pension application because he wasn't particularly tech-savvy. I sat with him for over an hour, patiently walking him through the identification verification process and helping him upload the necessary scanned documents. I made sure to explain each step clearly so he wouldn't feel like I was just doing it for him; I wanted him to feel empowered rather than dependent. We even shared a thermos of tea while the files were uploading, which was a lovely, unexpected bonus. When the final confirmation screen appeared, the relief on his face was palpable. He was genuinely touched and kept thanking me profusely, which honestly made my entire week. Helping him gave me a profound sense of satisfaction because it wasn't just about technical assistance; it was about preserving his independence. Seeing him walk out of the library with his head held high, knowing his affairs were in order, left me feeling incredibly fulfilled. It reinforced my belief that small acts of kindness often have a significant impact on someone’s well-being.

260 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

flustered
feeling agitated, confused, or nervous in a situation
tech-savvy
well-informed and proficient in using modern technology
palpable
a feeling so intense it seems almost physical
profusely
to a great degree or in large amounts
profound
very great, intense, or showing deep insight
fulfilled
feeling happy and satisfied with your life
independent
not requiring or relying on help from others
navigating
finding a way through a complex digital system

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

Say it out loud and get a band

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a time you helped someone"?

Choose a specific person and situation to make your narrative authentic and easy to follow.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: an experience