APIEIELTS Speaking: Poverty and Social Support
Poverty, homelessness and social support
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Poverty, Homelessness & Social Support
How to Use This Lesson
👨🏫 For the Teacher:
Guide students through this 30-minute build-up to activate key vocabulary before they speak.
Check their quiz scores instantly on screen and discuss the real-world facts together.
🎓 For the Student:
First, review the 10 core words, match common phrases, and check out the sentence models.
Next, test yourself with the guess-the-number questions before moving on to the speaking tasks.
💬 Let's get your words and ideas ready before speaking.
Part 1: Vocabulary Review
Choose the word that fits each sentence best.
1. Many families faced serious financial _______ when food prices doubled during the winter.
2. If tenants fall behind on their monthly payments, they may face _______ from their landlord.
3. Local shelters open their doors every night to protect _______ people from freezing temperatures.
4. The community clinic received a government _______ to build a warm waiting room for families.
5. She handed over a small cash _______ to help restock the neighbourhood soup kitchen.
Part 2: Match Collocations to Meanings
Match each common phrase to its correct meaning. None of the definitions repeat words from the phrase.
Meaning Options:
1. face hardship
2. pay rent
3. apply for a grant
4. risk eviction
5. emergency assistance
6. make a donation
Part 3: 4 Useful Sentence Patterns
Borrow these everyday structures to make your Speaking answers flow smoothly.
The elderly need ...
Example: "The elderly need regular visits and home care rather than just money."
💡 Why this works: Uses "The elderly" smoothly as a group noun.
The young are more likely to ...
Example: "The young are more likely to move away when living costs rise."
💡 Why this works: Expresses general tendencies without sounding too absolute.
It is hard for people to ...
Example: "It is hard for people to speak up when they run out of money."
💡 Why this works: Sounds natural and sympathetic when explaining human feelings.
A good way to help is to ...
Example: "A good way to help is to drop off spare groceries at a local drop-in place."
💡 Why this works: Gives a direct, practical recommendation without sounding like a lecture.
Part 4: Guess-the-Number Facts
Test your intuition with these two real-world statistics before you see the verified data.
According to Eurostat, what percentage of the EU population was at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024?
By what percentage did the US count of people who were homeless on one night rise between 2023 and 2024?
IELTS Speaking Part 2
1 min prepare
90–120 secs talk
💬 Talk about someone helping others in your local area.
Describe a person or a group in your community who helps other people.
You should say:
- who they are;
- what they do;
- how you know about them;
- and explain why their work matters.
🎙️ Your Recording (AI will assess your response):
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Well, to be honest, I'd say the first person that comes to mind is an elderly neighbour of mine down the road. Every weekend, he runs an informal drop-in table right outside his front gate. He collects spare groceries, fresh bread, and spare household items, and lays them out on a folding table. Anyone who might need them can just stop by and pick them up without feeling judged.
I first got to know about him last winter, when I noticed him handing out warm tea in paper cups to folks waiting out in the cold. It was such a small gesture, but, um, you could tell it made a huge difference to their morning.
His work really matters because it shows that neighbours can look after each other directly. When someone can't make ends meet, asking for help can feel really embarrassing. By being there every weekend with a friendly smile, he makes sure nobody feels ashamed, and everyone stays connected.
📌 Notes on Useful Spoken Phrases:
"the first person that comes to mind"
A natural, conversational way to introduce the person you chose to describe.
"stop by"
Visit a place briefly or informally on your way somewhere else.
"made a huge difference"
Had a genuinely positive impact on a situation or someone's feelings.
"make ends meet"
Have just enough money to pay for basic living necessities like food and rent.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
4 Discussion Questions
Speaking Practice
💬 Share your thoughts on bigger questions about social support.
Why do some people find it hard to ask for help?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Well, to be honest, I think most people feel too proud to ask. Admitting you're in trouble can feel really embarrassing, especially if you've always managed on your own. There's also this constant fear of being judged by neighbours or family. Um, take an everyday situation like falling behind on utility bills—people often keep quiet until it's almost too late because they just don't want to look like a burden to anyone else. It's definitely hard to swallow your pride and speak up.
📌 Notes on Useful Spoken Phrases:
"feel too proud"
Do not want to ask for help because you want to look strong.
"keep quiet"
Say nothing about a problem.
"look like a burden"
Make other people feel you are a problem for them.
"swallow your pride"
Stop being too proud and ask for help.
Who should help people who cannot pay for housing: the government, charities or neighbours?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
I’d say it comes down to teamwork, but the state should definitely carry most of the responsibility. Housing is a basic need, so councils should provide emergency rent grants. However, charities can step in much faster when someone faces immediate eviction, while neighbours can provide warm food or emotional support. Like, if a family next door suddenly loses their home, a neighbour can offer a spare sofa for a few nights, but only authorities can solve the rent issue in the end.
📌 Notes on Useful Spoken Phrases:
"comes down to"
The most important or basic factor in an issue.
"carry most of"
Take on the greatest part of a major burden or duty.
"step in"
Provide immediate help when official support is absent or delayed.
"in the end"
After everything else has been tried.
What can ordinary people do to help neighbours who struggle to pay their bills?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Well, in my view, practical little gestures can go a long way. You don't need huge amounts of money to help out. For instance, people can cook an extra portion of stew or share basic groceries like milk and bread. Um, another simple idea is offering a lift to the shops to help save on transport fares. Checking in for a quick cup of tea also gives folks a safe space to talk, which helps them feel they aren't dealing with hardship all on their own.
📌 Notes on Useful Spoken Phrases:
"go a long way"
Produce a substantial positive result or make a noticeable difference.
"help out"
Do something useful for someone who needs it.
"all on their own"
Completely alone, with no help from anyone.
Do you think rich countries do enough for the elderly?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Personally, I don't think they do enough, even though they definitely have the resources. Sure, most wealthy nations provide pensions, but living costs keep rising and many pensioners still struggle with heating bills. More importantly, public services often fall short when it comes to social care. Um, loneliness is a massive problem. In my area, for example, many older folks live alone and rarely see anyone all week. So while basic financial aid exists, governments really need to step up their game and invest more in day-to-day community support.
📌 Notes on Useful Spoken Phrases:
"fall short"
Fail to reach the required standard or satisfy a real need.
"when it comes to"
Speaking about or regarding a specific topic.
"step up their game"
Increase efforts and improve standards significantly.
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