65. Topic: A Time You Helped Someone
– Question 65: Describe a time when you helped someone in need.
– You should say:
– Who did you help, and what was the situation?
– How did you offer assistance, and why?
– What was the outcome of your help?
– How did this experience affect you?
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
One instance that stands out when I helped someone in need was when I assisted a colleague at work who was struggling with a particularly challenging project. This was about a year ago, during a time when we were tasked with meeting a tight deadline for a major client. My colleague, who was relatively new to the job, had been feeling overwhelmed with the pressure and was having difficulty managing the workload on her own.
Upon noticing that she was drowning in tasks and stressed out, I decided to step in and offer my help. I knew that if we didn’t pull together, we might end up missing the deadline. I started by breaking down the tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks, and we prioritized them based on urgency. I also lent a helping hand with some of her more complex tasks, offering guidance where needed. Since I had experience with the project, I was able to offer solutions to the challenges she faced. This also helped her gain confidence, as she could see things moving forward more smoothly. I offered my assistance because I believed in the power of teamwork and felt that helping others when they’re struggling is not only the right thing to do but also strengthens relationships in the long run.
The outcome was quite rewarding. We managed to complete the project on time, much to the satisfaction of our client. My colleague was immensely grateful and told me that my support made a huge difference in her ability to cope with the situation. Her confidence grew after that experience, and she started managing her tasks more efficiently in subsequent projects. Our team became more cohesive as a result, and this experience made me realise the importance of mutual support in the workplace.
This experience had a lasting impact on me as well. It taught me that lending a hand not only helps others but also fosters a sense of fulfilment within oneself. It also reaffirmed my belief in the power of collaboration and how important it is to look out for each other, especially during tough times. By helping my colleague, I was reminded of the value of empathy and generosity, and how small acts of kindness can make a world of difference, both professionally and personally.
List of vocabulary used:
- Colleague – A person who works with you, often in the same organisation or profession.
- Overwhelmed – Feeling stressed or unable to cope due to a large volume of work or pressure.
- Drowning in tasks – A metaphor used to describe being overwhelmed by the amount of work or responsibilities.
- Breaking down the tasks – Dividing a complex task into smaller, more manageable parts to make it easier to complete.
- Prioritized – Arranged tasks in order of importance or urgency.
- Guidance – Advice or information aimed at helping someone to understand or navigate a situation.
- Offer solutions – Provide answers or approaches to solve problems or challenges.
- Teamwork – The collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal.
- Helping others when they’re struggling – Offering support to someone who is facing difficulty or hardship.
- Rewarding – Something that brings a sense of satisfaction or accomplishment.
- Outcome – The result or consequence of an action or process.
- Cohesive – Describes a team or group that works well together in a harmonious manner.
- Mutual support – Assistance provided by two or more people for each other, creating a balanced exchange.
- Lending a hand – Offering help or assistance to someone.
- Fosters a sense of fulfillment – Encouraging or creating feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment.
- Collaboration – The process of working together with others to achieve a goal.
- Look out for each other – To take care of and be considerate towards others, especially in difficult situations.
- Empathy – The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
- Generosity – The willingness to offer help, kindness, or resources to others, often selflessly.
- Acts of kindness – Small or significant gestures that show care or concern for others.
- Professionally and personally – Refers to both one’s career life and personal life or relationships.
Idioms and Phrases
- Stands out – Is memorable or notable.
- Struggling with – Facing difficulty or challenges.
- Drowning in tasks – Overwhelmed by an excessive amount of work.
- Step in – Intervene or offer help.
- Pull together – Work collaboratively or unite for a common goal.
- Breaking down the tasks – Dividing tasks into smaller, more manageable parts.
- Prioritized based on urgency – Organised tasks according to their importance or time sensitivity.
- Lent a helping hand – Offered assistance or support.
- Guidance where needed – Help or advice given when required.
- Gained confidence – Became more self-assured or capable.
- Moving forward more smoothly – Progressing with fewer obstacles or complications.
- Power of teamwork – The strength that comes from collaborating with others.
- Strengthens relationships in the long run – Builds stronger connections over time.
- Quite rewarding – Highly satisfying or fulfilling.
- Immense gratitude – A deep sense of thankfulness.
- Made a huge difference – Had a significant positive impact.
- Confidence grew – Became more self-assured or capable.
- Managing her tasks more efficiently – Organising and handling responsibilities more effectively.
- Team became more cohesive – The group became more unified and harmonious.
- Made me realise – Helped me understand or come to a new conclusion.
- Fosters a sense of fulfilment – Encourages or promotes a feeling of personal satisfaction.
- Reaffirmed my belief – Reinforced or strengthened my conviction.
- Look out for each other – Take care of and support one another.
- Tough times – Challenging or difficult situations.
- Value of empathy and generosity – The importance of understanding others and being kind.
- Small acts of kindness – Minor gestures of goodwill.
- Make a world of difference – Have a very significant positive impact.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Time
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Snacks
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Photography
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Help
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History
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Handwriting
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Music
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Colours
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Teachers
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Friends
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Climate Change
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Transportation
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Sustainable Transportation
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Space Exploration
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Shopping
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Modern Technology
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Technology
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Globalisation
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Global Warming
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Gender Equality
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Health and Fitness
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Cultural Traditions in Your Country
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Education System
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Traditional Cuisine
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