Study Abroad
IELTS
Sign in
Sign Up
Updated on Sep 11, 2024, 11:14
In the IELTS Speaking test, you'll encounter a cue card in Part 2, where you're asked to speak on a specific topic for one to two minutes. This part tests your ability to organise your thoughts and speak fluently on a given subject. The cue card will present a topic along with some prompts to guide your response.
One such topic you might encounter is "Describe a Person You Admire." This task requires you to talk about someone who inspires you, whether they are a public figure, a family member, or a friend. On this page, we'll explore sample answers to help you structure your response effectively and confidently.
Introduction (Covers: Who is he or she?):
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he or she do for a living?):
Key Highlights (Covers: What characteristics does this person have?):
Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you admire this person?):
Introduction (Covers: Who is he or she?):
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he or she do for a living?):
Key Highlights (Covers: What characteristics does this person have?):
Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you admire this person?):
Introduction (Covers: Who is he or she?):
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he or she do for a living?):
Key Highlights (Covers: What characteristics does this person have?):
Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you admire this person?):
Also Read:
Knowing how to effectively answer IELTS cue card topics is crucial for achieving a high score in the Speaking test. It helps you to structure your thoughts, stay on topic, and use your time wisely. When you know how to approach these questions, you can speak more confidently and clearly, ensuring that you cover all the necessary points within the time limit.
When the cue card section begins, the examiner will give you a card with a topic and a minute to prepare your answer. The best way to approach this is by breaking your response into small, manageable pieces: an introduction, a description of your experience or opinion, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Here’s how you can structure your response:
Introduction (Covers: Who is he or she?):
Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: What does he or she do for a living?):
Key Highlights (Covers: What characteristics does this person have?):
Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you admire this person?):
In the IELTS Speaking test, after you finish your cue card response in Part 2, you'll enter Part 3, which is a two-way discussion with the examiner. This section lasts 4-5 minutes and involves answering follow-up questions related to the topic you spoke about. It’s designed to assess your ability to discuss ideas and express opinions in greater depth. You’ll be expected to expand on your initial response, providing more detailed explanations and discussing broader aspects of the topic.
Here’s how you can answer some common follow-up questions for the cue card topic "Describe a Person You Admire"
Answer 1: To be respected, a person should possess integrity, empathy, and reliability. Integrity ensures that they act with honesty and uphold strong moral principles. Empathy allows them to understand and connect with others on a personal level, while reliability ensures they follow through on their commitments, earning the trust of those around them.
Answer 2: Essential qualities for a respected person include fairness, humility, and consistency. Fairness ensures that they treat everyone equally and justly, while humility helps them remain grounded despite their achievements. Consistency in their actions and beliefs builds a solid reputation and makes them dependable in the eyes of others.
Answer 1: I believe authors deserve more admiration because they have the power to influence and inspire through their writing. They tackle complex ideas and convey profound messages that can shape societies and cultures. Their work often goes unnoticed compared to more glamorous professions, yet their impact can be lasting and significant.
Answer 2: Athletes are often underappreciated despite their dedication and discipline. They train for years, pushing their physical limits to achieve excellence. Their achievements not only bring pride to their country but also inspire others to pursue their own goals with determination and perseverance.
Answer 1: Yes, scientists deserve more praise because their work leads to breakthroughs that can transform lives, from medical advancements to technological innovations. Their contributions often go unnoticed despite their crucial role in advancing society and solving global challenges.
Answer 2: Soldiers also deserve significant praise for their bravery and sacrifice. They put their lives on the line to protect their country and uphold peace, often dealing with extreme conditions. Their courage and commitment to their duties are deserving of greater recognition and appreciation.
Answer 1: Sometimes, famous people receive more admiration due to their visibility and the influence they have on public opinion. Their achievements are often highlighted in media, leading to greater recognition and respect, although it doesn’t always reflect their true contributions or character.
Answer 2: Fame can indeed lead to more admiration, but it doesn’t always equate to genuine respect. While famous individuals might attract more attention, true admiration is often reserved for those who demonstrate real impact and integrity, regardless of their public profile.
Ans. To make effective notes for a cue card, briefly jot down key points from the prompts. Use keywords or short phrases to capture your main ideas and structure your response. Focus on including an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. Keep your notes organised and concise to help you speak smoothly and stay on track during your one to two-minute response.
Ans. Yes, eye contact is important in IELTS Speaking. It demonstrates confidence and engagement with the examiner, helping you to appear more fluent and natural. Maintaining good eye contact also shows that you are actively listening and responding to the questions, which can positively impact your overall speaking score.
Ans. Common mistakes in IELTS Speaking include speaking too briefly without elaborating on answers, using incorrect grammar or vocabulary, and failing to address all parts of the question. Additionally, speaking too fast or too slow can affect clarity, and over-reliance on memorised answers may come across as inauthentic. Practising fluency and coherence can help avoid these issues.
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the IELTS Prep App
4.2
1M+ Installs
Get the app link on your phone
Or download app from
IELTS Exam
IELTS Exam Date
IELTS Exam Fee
IELTS Modules
IELTS Listening Practice Test
IELTS Speaking Practice Test
IELTS Reading Practice Test
IELTS Writing Practice Test
IELTS Test Centres
IELTS Results
Types of IELTS
IELTS Pattern
IELTS Exam Eligibilty
IELTS Slot Booking
IELTS Band Score
IELTS Registration
IELTS Books
IELTS Preparation
IELTS Practice Test
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Hyderabad
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Bangalore
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Chennai
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Amritsar
IELTS Centre and Dates in Ludhiana
IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Mumbai
IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Ahmedabad
IELTS Centre and Dates in Delhi
IELTS Test Centres and Dates in Chandigarh
IELTS Center and Dates in Pune
Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
Describe a Place you Visited Where the Air was Polluted
Describe a Famous Person that you are Interested in
Describe a Course That You Want to Learn
Describe a Person who Solved a Problem in Smart Way
Describe a Prize That You Received
Describe a Volunteering Experience You Have Had
Describe a Piece of Good News
Describe Something you Taught to Your Friend
Talk About an Interesting Old Person you Met Recently
Describe a Daily Routine That You Enjoy