Describe some encouragement given by other people other people

Model Answer for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic:

Describe some encouragement given by other people other people.

You should say:
When and where did this happen
Who gave this encouragement
What that person did to you
Explain how you feel about it

(When and where did this happen) Everyone has to experience ups and downs in their lives, and I am not an exception. I have fallen down many times. However, the biggest upset I’ve gone through in my life is being refused my entry clearance by the Home Office of the U.K. This occurred 2 years ago after I went to great lengths to be selected for a 6-month volunteer position in Scotland.

(Who gave this encouragement) Fortunately, while everyone else was casting doubts on my ability, John, a great friend of mine, stood by me and did his best to encourage me to overcome such a big failure.

(What that person did to you) Hardly had I received the refusal letter when I contacted John. He was as nervous, as well as disappointed, as I was. After reaching his place, all I could do was to burst into tears and couldn’t say a word. John, however, was calm as always and he asked what he could do to help me. I was down in the dumps but he was so helpful that he bought me milk tea, which was my favourite drink. After the milky tea, I started to be myself again and explained everything clearly to him. John was all ears and started giving me solutions and incentives to start a new plan instead of chasing the European dream.

(Explain how you feel about it) Of course, John’s encouragement was instrumental in pulling me out of the dumps. I felt so fortunate that I have such a caring and kind friend as John.

1. Ups and downs (idiom): a variety of situations and experiences that are sometimes good and sometimes bad
Like most married couples we’ve had our ups and downs, but life’s like that.

2. Fall down (phrase):  fail
Where do you think the plan falls down?

3. Go through (phrase): to experience something difficult or unpleasant
She’s been going through a difficult time since her brother’s illness.

4. To be down in the dumps (phrase): very sad
She’s down in the dumps because she failed one of her exams.

5. To go to great lengths (phrase): try one’s best
Some people go to great lengths to make their homes attractive.

6. To cast doubts on something (phrase): doubt about something
Witnesses have cast doubt on the accused’s innocence.

7. All ears (phrase): listen attentively
I’m all ears – tell us what they had to say.

8. Instrumental (adj):  involved in an important way in making something happen
She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.