Ashore for webTry a mock test
Part 2 cue card · People · Retained in September–December 2026

Describe a person who often helps others.

Describe a person who often helps others.

You should say:

  • ·who this person is
  • ·how often he or she helps others
  • ·how/why he or she helps others

and explain how you feel about this person.

One minute to prepare, up to two minutes to talk. Then Part 3 asks the questions below.

Sample answers

Two answers to the same card

Same story, two levels. Both were written by Ashore, then checked against the public band descriptors in a separate pass. The bands are practice estimates, not official IELTS results.

A simpler answer

Checked at band 6.5 · 166 words

I'd like to talk about my neighbour, Mrs. Chen. She lives on the same floor as me, and she's a retired primary-school teacher. She's in her early sixties, but she's still active and friendly.

She helps people in our building several times a week. For example, she often carries shopping bags for older residents, and she collects parcels for people who aren't at home. She also checks on an elderly woman who lives alone.

She does these things because she knows many people are busy, and some older residents need a little extra help. She doesn't make a big deal of it. If she sees someone having a problem, she just offers help.

I feel very grateful to have her as a neighbour. She helped me when I was ill last winter by bringing me some food, and that was very kind. I also respect her because she helps without asking for anything. I hope I can be as helpful as she is in the future.

  • Frequency phrase · “several times a week”
  • Expressing feelings · “I feel very grateful”

A stronger answer

Checked at band 7.5 · 235 words

I'd like to talk about my neighbour, Mrs. Chen, who lives just one floor below me. She's a retired primary-school teacher in her early sixties. Even though she no longer works, she keeps a pretty full routine and is still very active around our building.

She helps people several times a week, often in small, practical ways. If an older resident has heavy shopping, she'll carry the bags up the stairs. She also takes in parcels for people who are out during the day. One thing I find especially thoughtful is that she checks on an elderly woman who lives alone. She'll knock on her door and ask if she needs anything from the shops.

I think Mrs. Chen helps because she understands that people can be busy or need a hand, particularly older residents. She doesn't wait to be asked; if she notices someone struggling, she simply steps in. For instance, last winter, when I was ill and couldn't go out, she brought me some food and asked if I needed medicine as well.

I'm really grateful to have her as a neighbour. Her help made a difficult few days much easier, and I admire how she does these things without expecting anything in return. If more people took that kind of interest in their neighbours, I think our building would feel much more welcoming. She makes me want to be more helpful too.

  • Specific summary · “in small, practical ways”
  • Action detail · “She'll knock on her door”
  • Highlighting character · “She doesn't wait to be asked”
  • Conditional extension · “If more people took that kind”
Angles

2 ways to answer it

  1. 1A neighbour who carries shopping for older residents and fixes small things in the building
  2. 2A classmate who shares weekly notes and explains difficult points before exams
Expressions

4 expressions that fit this card

lend a hand
help someone with a task
go out of his way to help
make an extra effort to help
without expecting anything in return
without wanting a reward
someone I can count on
someone I can depend on
Part 3

The questions that follow

After the long turn, Part 3 asks bigger questions on the same theme. Each one comes with two points you can build an answer from.

  1. 1

    What can children do to help their parents?

    • ·Children can organise belongings, set the table or put clothes away according to age.
    • ·Small responsibilities can reduce the everyday workload for parents.
  2. 2

    Should children help their parents with household chores?

    • ·Sharing chores teaches responsibility and prepares children for independent living.
    • ·Tasks should be safe and manageable without crowding out rest or study.
  3. 3

    What kind of help do people need when looking for a new job?

    • ·Jobseekers may need help with applications, interviews and industry information.
    • ·Emotional support also matters, especially after repeated rejection.
  4. 4

    Who should people ask for help, colleagues or family members?

    • ·Colleagues know workplace procedures, while family understand personal pressures.
    • ·The right person depends on the problem, and several perspectives can help.
Stories

One story, many cards

This card fits this story. Prepare the story once and you can bend it to every card listed with it on the season page.

  • A close friend and a night out

    A friend since school: what they are like, a birthday or a night you spent together, a time you helped them.

Say it out loud and get a band score