Describe a time you helped someone
Describe a time you helped someone.
You should say:
- who you helped
- what the situation was
- how you helped them
And explain how you felt about helping this person.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
A small, specific act of help is perfect. Spend time on the situation so the help has context.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| Who you helped | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What the situation was | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How you helped them | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain how you felt about helping this person. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I'd like to talk about a time I helped an elderly neighbour of mine, a retired teacher who lives alone in the flat below mine.
The situation was that, during a very cold winter about a year ago, she slipped on some ice and broke her wrist. Her children live in another city, so suddenly she couldn't do simple things like carrying shopping or opening jars, and she was too proud to ask anyone for help.
I noticed she hadn't been out for a few days, so I knocked on her door. After that, for about six weeks, I did her grocery shopping twice a week, took her to her hospital appointments and helped her set up video calls with her grandchildren, which she'd never done before.
I felt really good about it, though honestly I got as much out of it as she did. She told me fascinating stories about teaching in the seventies, and we've stayed friends since. It also reminded me how easily people around us can be struggling without anyone noticing.
About 175 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- too proud to ask
- I noticed she hadn't
- set up video calls
- got as much out of it as
- stayed friends since
- without anyone noticing
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- Why do some people volunteer to help strangers?
- Should schools require students to do community service?
- Do people help their neighbours less than in the past?
- Who should be responsible for helping the elderly: families or the government?
- How can technology help people support each other?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.