Tell me about a time a stranger showed you unexpected kindness while you were travelling.

B Natural answer

I remember getting lost in Tokyo after I left a museum late in the afternoon. My phone battery was low, I was tired, and I couldn’t read the signs, so I was just wandering around trying not to panic. A woman at a convenience store saw me struggling and gave me directions in careful English. When she realized I didn’t have enough cash for the subway card, she paid for my ticket without making a big deal out of it. I kept telling her I could repay her, but she just smiled and wouldn't let me say no. That moment stayed with me because she didn’t just solve a small problem; she made me feel welcome in a city that had seemed huge and intimidating a few minutes earlier. I still think about how much confidence that little kindness gave me for the rest of the trip.

Key phrases in this answer

• gave me directions — told me how to get somewhere“A stranger gave me directions to the nearest subway entrance.”
• paid for my ticket — covered the cost of my ticket“She paid for my ticket when I didn’t have enough cash.”
• wouldn't let me say no — refused to accept my refusal“He wouldn’t let me say no and insisted on buying me coffee.”
• helped me out — helped me in a practical way“The clerk helped me out when my card stopped working.”
• walked me to the station — accompanied me on foot to the station“A local walked me to the station so I wouldn’t get lost again.”
• noticed I was lost — realized I didn’t know where I was“A woman noticed I was lost and came over to help.”