IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample: Volunteer

Volunteering in IELTS Speaking Part 1 may not be a common topic in the IELTS exam, but thorough preparation can significantly boost your confidence. Below are sample answers and Band 7 vocabulary for this topic. Let’s take a look!

1. Have you ever done any voluntary work?

Yeah, I’ve done some voluntary work here and there. I remember I used to help out at a local food bank and pitch in at a community clean-up event. Those were really rewarding experiences. You know, it feels good to know you’re making a positive impact, even if it’s just a small one.

food bank (noun): an organization that stores basic food supplies for distribution to people in need. The food is often passed on to local food pantries, which give it to the people who need it.

2. Would you volunteer to help people outside your community?

Definitely! If there’s a chance to lend a hand to people beyond my local community, I’d be up for it. I think about maybe participating in international projects, you know, perhaps going abroad to different countries to help with education or healthcare. It’s a way to make a global impact and learn about different cultures in the process.

lend a hand (idiom): to help someone
be up for something (informal): to want to do something
going abroad (collocation): to go to a foreign country or countries

3. What types of voluntary work would be unpleasant for you?

Well, personally, I’d find it unpleasant to do voluntary work that involves handling insects or snakes. I’ve got a bit of a phobia when it comes to those types of animals, so I’d probably be better suited for other types of volunteer work.

insect (noun): a type of very small animal with six legs, a body divided into three parts, and usually two pairs of wings, or, more generally, any similar very small animal
phobia (noun): a type of anxiety disorder (= a mental illness that makes someone very worried and affects their life) that involves an extreme fear of something

4. What situations need voluntary workers?

Well, I think voluntary workers are needed in all sorts of situations. It could be during natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, in community projects, at local shelters, or even in healthcare settings. Anywhere there’s a need for a helping hand, voluntary workers can step in.

natural disasters (noun): a natural event such as a flood, earthquake, or tsunami that kills or injures a lot of people
step in (phrase verb): to become involved in a difficult situation or argument to help find a solution

5. What could you do to help if you had no money?

Even without financial resources, there are still many ways to contribute. One can offer their time, skills, or expertise. For instance, providing mentorship or assisting in community projects can be just as valuable as monetary donations.

contribute (verb): to give something, especially money, in order to provide or achieve something together with other people
expertise (noun): a high level of knowledge or skill

6. Why do you think people volunteer?

People volunteer for various reasons. Some do it to give back to their community, others want to make a positive impact, and many find it personally rewarding. It’s a way to connect with others, develop new skills, and create a sense of fulfillment while making the world a better place.

give back (phrase verb): to return something
community (noun): the people living in one particular area or people who are considered a unit because of their common interests, social group, or nationality
sense of fulfillment: refers to a deep feeling of satisfaction, contentment, and achievement that comes from knowing that you have met your goals, made a meaningful impact, or lived in alignment with your values and desires

Here are some reference answers for the IELTS Speaking part 1 topic Volunteer. Please use your own hobbies and ideas to provide the most suitable responses. Remember to practice speaking a lot to boost your confidence for the upcoming exam.

Wishing you all the best of success!