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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Famous Person That Is A Role Model For Young People: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:30

Overview

The Cue Card round is part of the IELTS Speaking module and is also called the Individual long-turn round. This part of the speaking test evaluates verbal skills and fluency, as well as vocabulary, grammar, and other basic English skills. 

 

Today, we will explore an interesting topic: talking about a famous person who's a role model for young people. 

 

We'll look at what makes someone a role model, share examples of such individuals, and give you tips on how to talk about them effectively. Let's get started on this journey together!

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Famous Person That Is A Role Model For Young People

You should say

  • Who the person is?
  • How long have you known him/her?
  • WWhat qualities does this person have?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • A role model for me and young people everywhere is Malala Yousafzai. 
  • I chose Malala because she believes strongly in making sure all girls can go to school.
  • Her story is incredible and teaches us a lot about being brave and standing up for what's right.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Malala started her journey in Pakistan, where she said no to the Taliban, who don't want girls in school in Pakistan.
  • Even when things got tough, Malala kept showing up at the school. I feel deeply inspired by how courageous this simple act was. 
  • The best thing about her story, and probably the reason many young people look up to her, is that she never gives up, no matter how hard things get.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Malala is dedicated to making things work for women. She started the Malala Fund to help more girls go to school.
  • She has addressed global leaders at the United Nations, authored bestselling books, and received prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • Beyond education, Malala continues to advocate for gender equality and social justice, using her platform to inspire positive change.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, Malala Yousafzai's story is a powerful reminder of the impact any individual can have on the world.
  • Her resilience, courage, and unwavering determination make her a true role model for young people everywhere.
  • We should all draw inspiration from Malala's extraordinary journey and strive to create a brighter, more inclusive future for everyone.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • Today, I want to talk about Sir David Attenborough, a figure who has captured the hearts and minds of young people worldwide.
  • I've chosen Sir David because of his tireless efforts to raise awareness of environmental conservation and wildlife preservation.
  • His passion for the natural world and impactful storytelling make him a compelling role model for the younger generation.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Sir David's journey began with his love for nature, which he shared through his documentaries and TV programmes.
  • His deep respect for the environment and its inhabitants shines through in every project he undertakes.
  • Many young people, including myself, have been inspired by his work to learn more about the world around us and to take action to protect it.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Sir David's documentaries, such as 'Planet Earth' and 'Blue Planet,' have entertained audiences and sparked conversations about conservation.
  • He has used his platform to advocate for urgent action on climate change, urging governments and individuals to take responsibility for the planet.
  • Through his films and books, Sir David has shown us the beauty and fragility of the natural world, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, Sir David Attenborough's dedication to protecting the planet is a powerful example for young people everywhere.
  • His work reminds us of preserving our natural resources for future generations.
  • We should all follow Sir David's footsteps and work together to create a more sustainable and harmonious world for all living beings.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • My role model is Serena Williams, a sporting icon who has inspired millions of young people.
  • I love Serena because of her extraordinary talent, resilience, and determination in tennis.
  • Her journey from a young girl with big dreams to one of the greatest athletes of all time is truly inspiring.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Serena's story began when she picked up a tennis racket at a young age, showing immense talent and dedication.
  • Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Serena never lost sight of her goals.
  • Her passion for the sport and unwavering belief in herself have motivated countless young people to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Serena's list of achievements is extraordinary, with multiple Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals.
  • She has shattered records and defied expectations, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to success.
  • Beyond her on-court achievements, Serena has used her platform to advocate for equality and empowerment, particularly for women and people of colour.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In conclusion, Serena Williams exemplifies the qualities of a true role model, demonstrating strength, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
  • Her story is a source of inspiration for young people everywhere, showing them that anything is possible with determination and dedication.
  • I continually draw inspiration from Serena's journey on and off the court.

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you the cue card, and you'll have one minute to prepare your response. Take this time to gather your thoughts and plan your answer effectively.

 

When you receive the cue card 'Describe a famous person that is a role model for young people,' structure your response. Start with a concise introduction, introducing the famous individual you've chosen and explaining why they are a role model. 

 

Then, discuss the qualities or actions that make them stand out. Finally, conclude with a summary of their impact and significance. Remember, you have just two minutes to deliver your response, so make every word count.
 

Here’s a detailed overview of how to structure your answer: 


Introduction:

 

  • Start by briefly introducing the famous person you've chosen.
  • Mention why you consider them a role model for young people.
  • Provide a brief overview of what you'll be discussing in your response.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Share details about the famous person's background, achievements, and contributions.
  • Talk about how their actions or values have positively impacted young people.
  • Express your opinion or admiration for the role model and explain why you find them inspiring.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Highlight specific examples or anecdotes that illustrate why the person is a role model.
  • Discuss any challenges they may have overcome or initiatives they've undertaken to inspire young people.
  • Emphasise the qualities or values that make them stand out as a positive influence.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise your main points briefly.
  • Reinforce why you believe the chosen person is a role model for young people.
  • End with a closing remark that leaves a lasting impression on the examiner.

Follow-Up Questions

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner typically follows up on the cue card topic with more general questions to gather thoughts and opinions. 

 

The aim is to see how you think and express yourself beyond just the initial topic. Here are some example questions and possible answers to give you an idea. 
 

Don’t memorise these answers; instead, take inspiration from them and form your own answers. 

Q1. Why do you think it's important for young people to have role models?

Answer 1: Young people benefit greatly from having role models as they provide guidance and inspiration. Role models offer a blueprint for success and help shape values and aspirations. For instance, seeing someone achieve their goals through hard work can motivate young individuals to strive for excellence in their own lives.
 

Answer 2: Having role models is crucial for young people navigating life's challenges. Role models are mentors who impart valuable life lessons and instil positive values. When young individuals have someone to look up to, they feel motivated to emulate their success and make positive choices in their own lives.

Q2. How do you believe celebrities influence the behaviour of young people today?

Answer 1: Due to their visibility in the media, celebrities wield significant influence over young people's behaviour. Young individuals often admire celebrities and seek to emulate their lifestyles and choices. Whether it's fashion trends, lifestyle habits, or social causes, celebrities can shape the attitudes and behaviours of their young fans.
 

Answer 2: Celebrities hold considerable sway over young people's behaviour in today's society. Celebrities showcase their lives through social media and traditional media platforms, influencing everything from fashion choices to social attitudes. Many young people idolise celebrities and strive to emulate their actions, sometimes without considering the consequences.

Q3. Do you think there are any negative aspects to young people idolising celebrities?

Answer 1: While idolising celebrities can inspire, it can also have negative repercussions. Young people may be influenced to adopt unhealthy habits or unrealistic standards based on celebrities' actions. Moreover, idolising celebrities can lead to a superficial focus on fame and materialism, detracting from more meaningful pursuits.
 

Answer 2: Yes, there are potential drawbacks to young people idolising celebrities. It can result in unrealistic expectations and a skewed perception of reality. Additionally, idolisation can overshadow the importance of personal growth and self-discovery, as young individuals may strive to mimic celebrities rather than develop their identities.

Q4. In what ways can schools and parents encourage positive role modelling for young people?

Answer 1: Schools and parents can foster positive role modelling by showcasing diverse role models from various backgrounds and professions. Encouraging open discussions about values and character traits can help young people identify admirable qualities in role models. Additionally, providing opportunities for mentorship and community involvement can expose young individuals to positive influences outside of the media.


Answer 2: Schools and parents play vital roles in promoting positive role models for young people. They can achieve this by actively engaging with children and teenagers and highlighting the importance of integrity, empathy, and resilience. Offering extracurricular activities promoting leadership and teamwork can also help young individuals develop into positive role models.

Q5. Can you discuss a time when a famous person influenced your own behaviour or decisions positively?

Answer 1: I recall being inspired by a famous environmental activist whose work motivated me to become more environmentally conscious. Their dedication to preserving the planet inspired me to adopt sustainable practices in my daily life, such as reducing waste and conserving energy. Their influence encouraged me to take action and contribute to environmental causes in my community.

 

Answer 2: I can recall a time when a famous entrepreneur's autobiography profoundly influenced my approach to challenges and setbacks. Reading about their perseverance in adversity inspired me to adopt a more resilient mindset. Their story taught me the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success in my own endeavours.

FAQs

Q. What is the purpose of the IELTS Speaking Part 3?

A. The purpose of the IELTS Speaking Part 3 is to assess your ability to engage in more extended discourse and demonstrate your proficiency in expressing opinions, providing explanations, and discussing abstract concepts. It evaluates their ability to sustain a conversation, use complex language structures, and convey ideas coherently and fluently. Essentially, this section assesses the candidate's overall speaking skills and ability to communicate effectively in English.

Q. How long does the Speaking Part 3 typically last, and how many follow-up questions can one expect?

A. The Speaking Part 3 of the IELTS exam usually lasts for about 4-5 minutes. During this time, you can expect to be asked around 4-6 follow-up questions by the examiner. These questions are designed to probe deeper into the topic introduced in Part 2, allowing you to showcase your ability to discuss ideas, express opinions, and provide detailed explanations. 

Q. Are the follow-up questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3 directly related to the cue card topic, or can they cover a wider range of topics?

A. The follow-up questions in IELTS Speaking Part 3 are usually related to the cue card topic introduced in Part 2. However, they are not limited solely to that topic and can cover a wider range of related themes or concepts. These questions aim to explore different aspects of the main topic, allowing you to demonstrate your ability to discuss various issues, express opinions, and provide relevant examples. 

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