A time you helped a stranger
IELTS Speaking Part 2 · cue card
Describe a time when you helped someone you didn't know.
You should say:
- who the person was
- where it happened
- how you helped them
- and explain how you felt afterwards
You have one minute to prepare and should speak for one to two minutes.
Free account required for the live AI partner.
Band 7+ sample answer
About 251 words, roughly two minutes spoken. Use it for ideas and language, not to memorise: examiners notice rehearsed answers.
About six months ago I helped an elderly man I'd never met before at Kamalapur railway station in Dhaka.
I was waiting for a train to Chattogram when I noticed him walking up and down the platform looking very confused. He was probably in his seventies, carrying a cloth bag and holding a printed ticket. I hesitated for a moment, because you're never sure whether people want help, but eventually I asked if he was okay.
It turned out his ticket was for a train that left from a different platform, and the display board had changed at the last minute. He couldn't read the small English text on the screen, and the announcements were too fast for him to follow. His train was due to leave in about ten minutes. So I carried his bag, walked him across the footbridge to the right platform and found his coach and seat number. I also called his son, whose number was written on the ticket, to tell him his father was on board.
Afterwards I felt really good, honestly better than I expected. He held my hands and said a long prayer for me, which was quite touching. But it also made me think about how difficult modern public systems can be for older people who aren't comfortable with technology or written English. Since then I've paid more attention to people around me in public places, because a few minutes of my time can make a big difference to someone else's day.
Useful vocabulary
- hesitated
- paused before acting because of uncertainty
- at the last minute
- just before the planned time
- due to leave
- scheduled to depart
- on board
- on the train
- touching
- emotionally moving
- make a big difference
- have an important effect
Part 3 follow-up questions
- Are people less willing to help strangers today?
- Should children be taught to help others?
- Why do some people volunteer their time?
- How can public transport be made easier for older people?
- Is it the government's job or the public's job to help people in need?
Tip: in Part 3, give an opinion, a reason and an example, and consider another point of view. Aim for 3–5 sentences per answer.
How to practise this card
- Set a one-minute timer and write keywords for each bullet, not full sentences.
- Speak for two minutes and record yourself on your phone.
- Listen back: did you cover every bullet and the "explain" part? Note one phrase from the vocabulary list to use next time.
- Answer two Part 3 questions out loud, then try the card again with the AI Speaking Partner.