IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a person you know who likes to help others

Describe a person you know who likes to help others (or, who often helps others).

You should say:

• Who this person is

• How you know them (= him or her)

• When you knew or when you first met this person

• Where this person lives

• What kind of person he or she is

And explain why this person (likes to help) helps others.

Ideas for the IELTS Speaking Question:

1. Family Member: A sibling, parent, or cousin who is always ready to help.
2. Friend: A close friend known for their generosity and willingness to assist others.
3. Colleague: A coworker who frequently volunteers for charity events or offers support.
4. Neighbor: Someone in your neighborhood always available to lend a helping hand.
5. Community Leader: A person involved in community service or volunteer work.
6. Mentor: An individual who mentors others and provides guidance and support.

Useful Expressions:

1. Introducing the Person:
   • “I’d like to talk about someone I know who is truly dedicated to helping others.”
   • “The person I have in mind is…”
   • “This individual is someone known for their altruistic nature and eagerness to assist.”
2. How You Know Them:
   • “I became acquainted with this person through…”
   • “We first met when…”
   • “Our paths crossed during…”
3. When You First Met:
   • “I first met this person…”
   • “Our initial encounter happened…”
   • “It was during a [specific event] that we crossed paths.”
4. Where This Person Lives:
   • “Currently, they reside in…”
   • “They call [city/region] their home.”
   • “Their place of residence is in the heart of…”
5. What Kind of Person They Are:
   • “Known for their kindness and compassion, this person is…”
   • “They have a reputation for being…”
   • “Their character is defined by…”
6. Why They Help Others:
   • “The motivation behind their eagerness to help is…”
   • “For them, helping others is a way of…”
   • “Their commitment to assisting others stems from…”

Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a friend of mine named Emily, who stands out as someone truly dedicated to helping others. I first met Emily during our college orientation, and our friendship has grown ever since.

Emily currently resides in a small town in the countryside. Despite the distance, we’ve remained close friends, and I’ve had the opportunity to witness her incredible commitment to assisting those around her. Emily is the kind of person who would drop everything to lend a helping hand.

Known for her kindness and compassion, Emily regularly volunteers at local charities and community events. She has this innate ability to connect with people and understand their needs. Whether it’s offering support to friends going through tough times or actively participating in community service projects, Emily’s altruistic nature shines through.

What sets Emily apart is her genuine belief in the power of community and helping one another. She often mentions that she finds fulfillment in making a positive impact on people’s lives. Emily’s dedication to helping others has inspired those around her, including myself. Her actions remind us of the importance of empathy and generosity in building a strong and supportive community.”