Talk about a person you know who always helps people
This IELTS speaking test features the cue card topic: Talk about a person you know who always helps people.
Part 2
Describe a person you know who always helps people
You should say:- who this person is
- what they're like (their personality)
- why they help people
Sample Response
A few years ago, I met a very friendly lady who, together with her daughter, run a small business. Their business is in a town in my province.
Both of them are extremely attentive when they serve and people go to their store for the good treatment they offer. They also have fair prices and the quality of their products is very good.
She and her daughter are very similar to look at, they almost look like sisters. The mother is short and very thin, the daughter is taller, and she must weigh the same as her mother.
Both women are known for helping people in their community, which is low-income. The way they do it is by selling their products in installments to people without asking them to pay the entire cost immediately. So customers give them money each week or month. It's like a small-scale local credit scheme for their customers.
This is of great help for families who have literally nothing to put into their mouths. The poverty of that community is very serious. It suffers from grave economic depression.
Another way in which they help is, in winter, they collect clothes and blankets, which they later distribute among families living in extreme poverty.
They do all this despite the fact that they are not wealthy. They live very modestly, working long hours in their small business. Personally, I think they are good people. We should recognize them for their effort of collaborating with what few resources they have.
The solidarity that they show goes hand in hand with a feeling of empathy and understanding for the great needs of other people.
Currently, the world is governed by selfishness, anger, and lack of cooperation towards others, as if the word community had never existed. But we all need each other. If other people do badly, sooner or later, this might have repercussions for the welfare of the entire population. I think they are an example of good citizenship and good principles.
Part 3
How do you help other people?
I help my mother in her efforts. She is turning seventy this month. My father was a man who always had an excellent financial position, and so he bore most of the household expenses. Because of this, the money from my mother's pension is hers to do with what she likes. And with that money we decided to help the people who have urgent needs. For example, we buy food or clothes or other essential items, and we distribute them to those in need. That way we help people with what we can.
Why do we need to help people?
I believe that to the extent that you help others, you also help yourself as a person. It is a mutual rescue. The world is very cruel on many occasions, and we need to look out for each other.
In many cases, the government is slow to respond, or just doesn't recognize the need. It's our local communities that understand the difficulties we face, the sense of urgency, and what needs to be done to solve local problems.
Everyone needs encouragement and a hand some time in life. So we should all be ready to help those in need in whatever way we can, depending on the circumstances. Whether it's helping them with food, or giving them a lift to visit the doctor or simply chatting and listening to their problem.
We can all help make the lives of others a little better, no matter the situation, especially those less fortunate than ourselves.
Some people ask for something in return when they’re helping others, what about you?
No, I don't ask for or expect anything in return if I choose to help someone. I help them because I believe it's the right thing to do. That's all. I don't do it because I want something from them or want other people to know that I helped someone.
A friend in need is a friend indeed”, what is your opinion about this saying?
I think it's true, a friend who asks for help clearly trusts you and believes that you won't ignore their request for help. It's almost like a way of demonstrating how close the friendship is. You wouldn't ask for help from just anybody. Normally you ask someone you trust and who knows you, a family member or close friend.
Some people believe it is a choice to help people, not an obligation. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It might not be a legal obligation, but I think it's a human obligation to help someone if we can. There are many ways that we can help people, either through financial or emotional support. Or maybe we can help them overcome or solve their problems in another way.
Apart from that, even if you think you are a selfish person, the most selfish thing you can do is help someone else. Because the feeling you get when you help someone is amazing. You feel good about yourself, and the help you gave.
So it's good for the person who receives the help, and for the person who gives help. This solution is a win-win situation. So the message should be to help someone as the first step to helping everyone.
You don't need to be a therapist or work on a suicide helpline to help people. You can share whatever you have and alleviate some sadness in the world. I would urge everyone to examine their own behavior and their role in the community. One tip or suggestion I would make is to task yourself with maintaining a positive mood every day.