IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Asking for Help
IELTS Speaking Part 1 (Asking for Help)
Topic: Asking for Help
Difficulty: Medium
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Asking for Help
- When was the last time you asked for help?
- What kinds of help do you often ask for?
- Why are teachers always willing to help students?
- Do you ask for help when you have a problem?
When was the last time you asked for help?
Aya (High School Student):
“The last time I asked for help was a few weeks ago, when I was studying for an English exam. I didn’t understand some grammar rules, especially how to use articles like ‘a’ and ‘the.’ I felt confused and didn’t want to get it wrong, so I asked my English teacher to explain it to me. She gave me extra examples and exercises, which really helped. I also talked to one of my friends after class to go over the material again. I usually feel shy about asking for help, but this time, I realized it was necessary, and I’m glad I did.”
Minho (University Student):
“Just last week, I asked for help in my finance class. We were working on a complex project that involved calculating different financial ratios, and I got stuck on one part. After spending hours trying to figure it out, I reached out to one of my classmates who is really good at finance. We met at the library, and she walked me through the steps. I don’t like asking for help right away because I prefer trying to solve things on my own, but I knew I wouldn’t make the deadline without some assistance. It’s always better to ask before it’s too late.”
Linh (Office Worker):
“The last time I asked for help was at work during a big marketing campaign. We were on a tight deadline, and I needed to create a series of graphics for our social media posts. Design is not my strong suit, so I reached out to the design team for their expertise. They provided me with the templates and guidelines, which made the process much smoother. I’m not afraid to ask for help when I know that others can offer a skill or perspective that I lack. Collaboration is key in the workplace, and I always appreciate the support from my colleagues.”
Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher):
“Recently, I asked for help when I was setting up new technology at home. I’m not very tech-savvy, and I was having trouble connecting my new laptop to the Wi-Fi. After trying to troubleshoot it myself, I decided to call my son, who is much more knowledgeable about these things. He walked me through the steps over the phone, and we solved the issue together. Even though I’ve always been quite independent, I’ve learned that asking for help is not a weakness, especially when someone else can offer valuable expertise. It was a good reminder that we never stop learning.”
What kinds of help do you often ask for?
Aya (High School Student):
“I often ask for help with schoolwork, especially in subjects like math and English. When I don’t understand something, like how to solve a math problem or use correct grammar, I ask my teachers or classmates for help. I also ask for advice from my friends if I’m unsure about personal things, like what to do when I feel stressed about exams. Sometimes, I need help with my hobbies, like learning new anime drawing techniques. Overall, I tend to ask for help when I don’t understand something fully or when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed.”
Minho (University Student):
“I mostly ask for help related to my studies and projects. For example, if I’m struggling with a business concept or a difficult assignment, I ask my professors or classmates for clarification. I also reach out for help when I’m working on group projects, especially if someone has a particular skill, like coding or graphic design, that I don’t have. Outside of school, I occasionally ask for help with daily life, like if I need advice on internships or career planning. It’s important to ask for help when needed because it can save time and improve the quality of your work.”
Linh (Office Worker):
“At work, I often ask for help when it comes to technical tasks, like using design software or managing analytics tools. I’m more focused on strategy and communication, so I rely on my colleagues who specialize in those areas to assist me. Outside of work, I ask for advice from friends or family when I need guidance on personal decisions or when I face challenges in my life. I believe that asking for help is a great way to collaborate and learn from others, and it’s something I do regularly, especially when I want to improve in a specific area.”
Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher):
“These days, I tend to ask for help when it comes to technology. Since I’ve retired, I find that I need assistance with things like setting up new devices, using new apps, or understanding how certain online platforms work. I often turn to my family for guidance in these areas. In addition, I occasionally ask for help with household repairs, as I no longer have the physical ability to handle some tasks myself. Although I’ve been independent most of my life, I recognize that there’s always value in seeking help from others who have the knowledge or strength that I may lack.”
Why are teachers always willing to help students?
Aya (High School Student):
“I think teachers are willing to help students because they want us to learn and do well in school. They know that some subjects can be difficult, and they understand that we might not understand everything the first time. Teachers want to make sure we feel comfortable asking questions, so they try to be patient and explain things clearly. For example, my English teacher always encourages us to ask for help if we don’t understand something. I think teachers care about our success and want us to feel confident in our studies.”
Minho (University Student):
“Teachers are always willing to help students because they see it as part of their responsibility to ensure we succeed. They understand that not everyone learns at the same pace, and they want to provide extra support when necessary. Also, teachers are passionate about their subjects, and they want to see students develop the same interest and understanding. When students ask for help, it shows that they are engaged, and I believe teachers appreciate that. In my experience, most professors are happy to give additional guidance, whether it’s after class or during office hours.”
Linh (Office Worker):
“Teachers are always willing to help students because they take pride in their role as educators. Their job isn’t just to present information but to make sure that students truly understand the material. When students ask for help, it shows that they care about learning, and teachers want to encourage that curiosity. I think teachers also enjoy seeing students improve, so they are happy to offer guidance when needed. In my experience, good teachers always make time for students, whether they need help with a specific subject or advice on how to approach their studies in general.”
Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher):
“As a former teacher, I can say that we are always willing to help students because it’s deeply rewarding to see them grow and succeed. Teaching is not just about delivering content; it’s about ensuring that students grasp the material and develop the confidence to apply it. When a student asks for help, it indicates that they are engaged in their learning, which is something every teacher values. Moreover, we understand that every student has different needs and learning styles. By offering help, we ensure that no one gets left behind, and that’s what makes teaching so fulfilling.”
Do you ask for help when you have a problem?
Aya (High School Student):
“I usually ask for help when I have a problem, but sometimes I hesitate because I don’t want to bother anyone. If I have trouble with schoolwork, like not understanding a lesson, I ask my teacher or my friends for help. When I have personal problems, like feeling stressed about exams, I talk to my parents or close friends. I find that asking for help makes me feel less anxious because it’s nice to know someone else understands what I’m going through. It’s hard for me to ask sometimes, but I try to remind myself that it’s okay to ask when I need support.”
Minho (University Student):
“Yes, I ask for help when I have a problem, but only after I’ve tried to solve it on my own. I like to be independent, so I usually spend some time figuring things out before I reach out. When it comes to academic problems, I don’t hesitate to ask my professors or classmates for help, especially if the issue is complex. If it’s something more personal, like stress from balancing school and social life, I turn to my friends for advice. I believe that asking for help is important because it shows that you’re willing to learn and grow.”
Linh (Office Worker):
“I definitely ask for help when I have a problem, especially if it’s something I know I can’t solve on my own. In the workplace, I often ask for input from colleagues if I’m unsure about a decision or need additional expertise. Outside of work, I’m comfortable asking friends or family for advice when I face personal challenges. I believe that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you’re willing to learn from others and that you value collaboration. Problems are easier to solve when you have the support of people around you.”
Mr. Wong (Retired English Teacher):
“Absolutely, I ask for help when I encounter a problem, particularly when it’s something beyond my expertise. These days, I often need help with technology or physical tasks that I can’t manage on my own. In the past, I used to solve problems independently, but I’ve learned that there’s no shame in seeking assistance. I believe asking for help is a wise choice because it often leads to quicker
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Ian Tanpiuco is an ESL and virtual assistant. With a decade of experience, he has become an expert in his field. Dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, Ian works tirelessly in the classroom or as a virtual assistant.
