Discuss an instance where you assisted a friend | IELTS Speaking Part 2

Part 2: Discuss an instance where you assisted a friend

Describe a time when you helped a friendYou should say:When it wasHow you helped him/herWhy you helped him/herAnd how you felt about it

Here's a sample essay for the topic “Discuss an instance when you assisted a friend“.

1. Sample Essay (Sample)

2. Vocabulary (Vocabulary)

• kind-hearted (adj) tốt bụng
• give someone a hand (v) giúp đỡ ai
• go way back (idiom) biết nhau từ lâu lắm rồi
• got on like a house on fire (idiom) hợp cạ lắm luôn
• return the favor (idiom) trả ơn
• strong suit (n) thế mạnh sở trường
• goof off (idiom) chểnh mảng, làm lãng phí thời gian
• cut class (idiom) cúp học
• nothing short of (idiom) rất, thật sự, không khác gì
• frantic (adj) hoảng loạn, nháo nhào
• anxious (adj) lo lắng
• walk someone through smt (idiom) dẫn dắt, dạy cho ai biết cái gì
• bone up on (idiom) học gấp, nhồi nhét cái gì đó
• water off a duck’s back (idiom) nước chảy đầu vịt
• astonished (adj) sửng sốt, ngạc nhiên
• suffuse (v) ngập tràn
• elated (adj) vui sướng

Part 3

1. What are the typical ways people assist each other?

I believe that assistance can manifest in various forms, such as offering advice, easing financial burdens, or helping neighbors with gardening. These actions, though simple, can be incredibly beneficial to those in need.

• to take a variety of forms: có nhiều hình thức
• financial burden (n) gánh nặng tài chính
• the needy person: người đang cần được giúp

2. What distinguishes online assistance from real-life assistance?

In my view, there are distinct differences between online assistance and real-life help. For instance, online advice often comes from strangers, making it less reliable compared to advice from friends or family who better understand your situation and experiences.

• to differ from: khác với
• realiable (adj) đáng tin cậy

3. Should schools take responsibility for teaching students cooperation?

Undoubtedly, schools play a crucial role in fostering teamwork among students. They provide an ideal environment for students to learn how to cooperate. In the school setting, students regularly interact with peers, which greatly facilitates the development of teamwork skills. Moreover, teachers closely monitor students' collaborative efforts, providing timely feedback to enhance learning outcomes. Schools are unmatched in their ability to facilitate such development.

• inculcate: làm cho ghi nhớ, khắc sâu
• on a daily basis: hằng ngày
• to facilitate: làm cho việc gì/quá trình gì trở nên dễ dàng, dễ thành công hơn

4. What are the distinctions between assistance from friends and family?

In my view, fundamentally, there are no disparities between support from a friend and that from a close family member. Both friends and family hold a significant place in our lives, understanding us deeply and offering unconditional support for our fulfillment. However, if I were to highlight any differences, I would note that friends often provide advice on school matters or relationships, as it's easier to confide in someone of a similar age and mindset. Conversely, we typically seek parental guidance for major decisions such as choosing a university or embarking on a career path.

• dissimilarity: sự khác biệt
• to get things of someone’s chest: trút bầu tâm sự
• grand issue (n) những chuyện lớn, đại sự
• to embark on: bắt đầu tam gia, dấn thân làm gì đó