The speaking section of the IELTS test is a comprehensive assessment of one’s understanding of the English language. Getting a good score in IELTS helps students, as well as individuals, move abroad for their future endeavours. The speaking section of the IELTS test start with an introduction, followed by a cue card round, and finished with a dialogue round. In this blog, let’s look at the example of “Describe a time you helped a child” so that you can ace the speaking section.
Model Answer 1: Describe a time when you helped a child
Introduction
I enjoyed the fresh air and the sound of kids playing in a neighborhood park one lovely day. I had no idea that this laid-back excursion would soon give me an unforeseen chance to assist a needy young person.
When did it happen?
Families and kids were having a great time at the park on this sunny Saturday afternoon as they participated in a variety of activities. I decided to relax and enjoy the nice weather by taking a stroll.
Why did you help him/her?
I saw some kids playing close to the playground as I strolled along the route. A tiny kid who appeared to be in some discomfort was among them. His face was expressionless as he fiddled with a knotted kite string. I went to him out of curiosity and concern and offered to help.
How did you help him/her?
I walked over to the young child, smiled broadly, and asked if he needed assistance flying his kite. He nodded shyly, and I picked up the knotted mess with care. I started to untie the knot gently and patiently while walking the youngster through each step. We worked together to straighten the string, untangling the mess, and soon enough, the kite was ready to take flight.
How did you feel about it?
Seeing the boy’s face light up when his kite took up into the sky was quite satisfying. I felt so fulfilled by his delight that it reminded me of my childhood. It served as a reminder of the enormous positive effects that even seemingly insignificant deeds of kindness can have. Most importantly, I came to realise how important it is to keep the child within you alive.
Model Answer 2: Describe a time when you helped a child
Introduction
I was going out to watch a movie with a friend. Little did I know that this Sunday outing would lead to such an adventurous and dangerous experience. Luckily, I managed to help a child that day and I am grateful that no harm was caused to anyone.
When did it happen?
This incident took place on a Sunday when I and my friend had planned to go out to watch a movie. We were pretty excited and started early from our place. On our way, we saw some people gathered around in a place and decided to stop and check. We were shocked after seeing a child stuck in a drain and decided to help him.
Why did you help him/her?
We got to know that the kid was riding his bicycle when his brakes failed and he couldn’t stop it and fell straight into the drain. He was continuously crying and shouting for help. His leg was stuck between the pipes and no one was able to help him. So we decided to help the poor soul and take him out of the drain.
How did you help him/her?
We got a rope from a nearby store tied it to the pipe and pulled it so that the pipe was lifted and the leg could be released. Luckily, we were able to lift it and pull the child out. I also got him some water and biscuits as I could see that he was starving.
How did you feel about it?
It felt nice helping the kid as he was in tremendous pain and I couldn’t see him in that situation. We missed our movie but I have no regret for stopping and helping the poor soul. The entire day I kept thinking about the incident and was grateful to god for letting me save the child. That day I realized that helping someone without expectations of any return plays a vital role in shaping our character and making this society a better place to live.
Model Answer 3: Describe a time when you helped a child
Introduction
I am a person with a very helpful nature, and I never miss any opportunity to help people in need. One such incident happened recently when I was in a position to help a child who was in big trouble and my skills were beneficial in that situation.
When did it happen?
There was one incident in which I helped a child who was in great trouble. Every evening, my friends and I go to the playground to play cricket. One day, when we were playing, I heard a child cry. All of us rushed to find out what had happened and saw a kid on the ground crying and shouting for help.
Why did you help him/her?
We discovered that the boy had suffered an ankle dislocation when we went to talk to him. He was sobbing vehemently and in excruciating pain. He had fallen while playing on the swing and his ankle was dislocated.
How did you help him/her?
Fortunately, I was trained to provide first aid in situations like these, so I assisted the kid right away. I got a crepe band-aid from a nearby pharmacy and tied it on his ankle. No one usually carries a cell phone to a playground, so it was not possible to contact the child’s parents.
However, we took him to the nearest hospital to get him proper treatment. The doctor applied a large plaster on his ankle and gave him some painkillers. I made a call to his parents who rushed to the hospital. After some time the child was feeling better and the parents were relieved.
How did you feel about it?
It felt really good after helping the child. His parents thanked us for providing first-aid and bringing the child to the hospital. We took his parents’ number and were constantly in touch with them and the child. I felt a sense of satisfaction after helping the kid and am grateful to god for helping the kid through me.
Model Answer 4: Describe a time when you helped a child
Introduction
Several months ago, I found myself as a volunteer at a function hall where a charity event was taking place. Little did I know that this day would unfold with an opportunity to lend a helping hand to a child in need.
When did it happen?
The purpose of the charity event was to help poor kids by giving them access to a variety of resources and a fun-filled day of activities. A young boy named Rahul caught my attention as I gave my time at the event. He appeared to be a little disoriented and confused in the middle of the busy throng.
Why did you help him/her?
When I went to speak with Rahul, I saw that he had lost contact with his family in the commotion of the celebration. Tears filled his eyes, and it was obvious that he needed help to get back to his family. I immediately felt obligated to assist him out of empathy and wanted to make sure he was safe and okay.
How did you help him/her?
I lowered down to his eye level and gave him a reassuring smile, telling him that everything would be fine. To make his family’s identification easier, I politely asked for their name and described how they looked. Grasping his hand, we jointly made our way through the throng, glancing at faces and shouting out the name of his family. Not too long after, we noticed his anxious parents, who ran over relieved to discover Rahul unharmed.
How did you feel about it?
I felt a deep feeling of fulfillment when Rahul was securely reunited with his family. It was very satisfying to see the relaxation on Rahul’s face and the thankfulness in her parents’ eyes. The act of helping a distressed child transformed an otherwise upsetting circumstance into a touching moment of comfort.
Follow up Questions: Describe a time when you helped a child
Do you believe that individuals nowadays are doing better work than they were in the past?
Not exactly. Earlier life used to be slower and simpler. There was a great deal of mutual aid. Everyone is currently involved in a money- and material-driven rat race. No one has time to lend a helping hand.
Do you enjoy helping others?
I do, indeed. I adore lending a hand to people. I’ve come to know how much mental contentment and delight it brings and I will continue helping anyone to the best of my ability and hope that I can contribute to making society a better place.
Should parents instill in their kids the value of helping others?
Yes. Since parents brought their children into the world, it is their responsibility to raise them to be law-abiding citizens in the future. To achieve this, parents don’t need to take any further steps. All they need to do is set an example. Youngsters will inevitably take after them. The world would become a pleasant place to live if all people were kind and helpful.
Do you believe that Indians should assist foreign visitors to the country who are in need?
Yes, without a doubt. India is renowned for its friendliness and helpfulness. Visitors are regarded as gods. We have visitors as guests. Tourists ought to receive assistance if they require it. Future visits from an increasing number of visitors will be prompted by their good memories.
Other Cue Card to Practise:
Describe A Person You Know Who Is From A Different Culture IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Bag You Want to Own IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Course That Impressed You A Lot IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Talk About a Special Day Which Was Not That Expensive IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Chocolate You Didn’t Like IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Thing You Cannot Live Without IELTS Cue Card
Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.
