Describe a time when you helped a child

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 579 with Model Answer:

Describe a time when you helped a child.

You should say:

• when it was
• who this child was
• why and how you helped this child

and explain how you felt about helping this child.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

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Model Answer:
I am so happy to have been given this topic to talk about. I know exactly what I want to talk about, and I'd like to thank you for the time and opportunity to let me talk about this topic. Well, one memorable occasion when I helped a child stands out vividly in my memory. It was during a summer camp volunteering programme a couple of years ago when I had the opportunity to mentor and assist children from underprivileged backgrounds.

A child who caught my attention was a young boy named Michael. Michael was about 8 years old, with a bright smile but a shy demeanour. Throughout the camp activities, I noticed that he struggled with some of the physical challenges and seemed hesitant to participate in group games.

One day, during a hiking excursion, I noticed Michael lagging behind the group, looking tired and discouraged. Sensing that he needed encouragement and support, I decided to stay back and walk alongside him. As we walked, I engaged him in conversation, asking about his interests and sharing stories of my own experiences. Gradually, Michael opened up, sharing his fears and insecurities. He confided in me about his struggles at school and his difficulties making friends. I listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and reassurance.

As we continued our hike, I encouraged Michael to set small goals for himself and praised him for his efforts. Whenever he hesitated or expressed doubt, I offered gentle guidance and reminded him of his strengths. By the end of the hike, Michael's spirits had lifted, and he was walking with newfound confidence. He even volunteered to lead the group for the last leg of the journey. Seeing the transformation in Michael filled me with a sense of fulfilment and joy.

Helping Michael reminded me of the profound impact that small acts of kindness and support can have on a child's life. It reaffirmed my belief in the importance of mentorship and reminded me of the value of empathy, patience, and understanding when working with children.