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Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: IELTS Cue Card

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Updated on Mar 20, 2024, 12:05

IELTS Speaking is a common module in the IELTS Academic and General Training tests. The 3-parts remain the same in both tests. The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is, 'Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With.'
 

In this topic, you should discuss the individual's identity and the context of your interaction (whether studying or working together) and highlight their notable achievements or qualities that contribute to their success. Additionally, you can share your observations or experiences working alongside them and how they influenced your perception of success.

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1. Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: How to Answer?

The IELTS Speaking test is a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner. 


 

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2. Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: Sample Answers

Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With IELTS Cue Card here.

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3. Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: Follow-Up Questions

IELTS cue cards are followed by Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, where you are asked questions about your topic. These are general questions, typically probing for your opinions and thoughts on the matter. 

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1.

Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: How to Answer?

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this: 
 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With.
You should say

  • Who this person is?
  • When did you study/work with this person?
  • What did you do together?
  • What did you do to become successful?
  • Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person.

 

The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion. 
 

Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down. 
 

Introduction:

 

  • Introduce the successful person you will be talking about.
  • Briefly mention how you know or met this person.
     

For Example,During my tenure at an IT firm in Bangalore, I had the privilege of working closely with an exceptionally successful colleague named Priya Gupta, whose professionalism and determination left a lasting impression on me.”
 

Who this person is?
 

  • Provide details about the person's identity, such as their name, occupation, and any relevant background information.
  • Highlight their achievements or success in their field.
     

For Example,Priya was a seasoned project manager renowned for her strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver projects ahead of schedule and within budget.”
 

When did you study/work with this person?
 

  • Describe the time when you had the opportunity to study or work with this person.
  • Specify the context, such as a particular project, course, or job role.
     

For ExampleI had the opportunity to collaborate with Priya on a critical client project that required meticulous planning, effective communication, and seamless coordination among team members.”
 

What did you do together?
 

  • Explain the nature of your collaboration with this person.
  • Describe the tasks, projects, or responsibilities you shared.
  • Highlight any significant contributions or achievements resulting from your teamwork.
     

For Example, “Together, we spearheaded the project from its inception to successful completion, conducting regular meetings, delegating tasks, and resolving any challenges that arose along the way.”
 

What did you do to become successful?
 

  • Discuss the qualities, skills, or strategies contributing to the person's success.
  • Provide examples of their hard work, dedication, leadership, or innovative approaches.
     

For Example,Priya's success can be attributed to her exceptional organisational skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach to problem-solving. She fostered a collaborative work environment, encouraged open communication, and led by example to inspire the team to deliver outstanding results.”
 

Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
 

  • Share your feelings or impressions about the experience of studying or working alongside this successful individual.
  • Discuss any lessons learned, inspiration gained, or personal growth resulting from the interaction.
     

For ExampleWorking alongside Priya was both enriching and inspiring. Her leadership style, professionalism, and dedication to excellence motivated me to raise my standards and strive for greater success in my professional endeavours.”
 

Conclusion:
 

  • Summarise the impact of studying or working with a successful person on your personal and professional development.
  • Reflect on the value of learning from accomplished individuals and the importance of surrounding oneself with motivated and talented peers.
     

For ExampleI felt privileged to have the opportunity to learn from her and was grateful for the invaluable insights and guidance she provided throughout our collaboration.”

2.

Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: Sample Answers

Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With IELTS Cue Card here.

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:
 

  • During my university years, I collaborated with an exceptionally successful entrepreneur named Mr. Gupta, who had founded his tech startup.
     

Who this person is?
 

  • Mr. Gupta was a visionary tech industry leader known for his innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. 
  • Despite his young age, he had achieved remarkable success with his startup and was widely recognised as a rising star in the business world.
     

When did you study/work with this person?
 

  • I worked closely with Mr. Gupta during a summer internship at his startup company. 
  • I immersed myself in the fast-paced tech industry for three months and learned directly from him.
     

What did you do together?

 

  • During my internship, I was assigned to Mr. Gupta's project team, tasked with developing a new mobile app for the company. 
  • As part of the team, I had the opportunity to contribute to various aspects of the project, including brainstorming sessions, design meetings, and coding tasks.
     

What did you do to become successful?

 

  • Mr. Gupta's success can be attributed to his unwavering determination, innovative thinking, and relentless pursuit of excellence. 
  • He always encouraged creative thinking and empowered his team members to take risks and push the boundaries of what was possible. 
  • His ability to envision the future of technology and adapt to changing market trends was truly inspiring.

 

Explain how you felt about studying or working with this person:
 

  • Working with Mr. Gupta was an incredibly enriching experience that left a lasting impact on me. 
  • His passion for innovation and his dedication to making a difference in the world were contagious, and I felt privileged to be part of his team. 
  • Collaborating with him taught me valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • Overall, studying and working with Mr. Gupta was a transformative experience that helped shape my career aspirations and goals. 
  • His mentorship and guidance inspired me to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavours and strive for success in whatever I do. 
  • I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such a remarkable individual, and I am confident that his influence will continue to guide me on my journey towards achieving my dreams.
3.

Describe a Successful Person Who You Once Studied or Worked With: Follow-Up Questions

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it! 

 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1: Is money the only measure of success in your country?
 

Answer 1: Due to cultural and societal influences, financial wealth is often equated with success in many parts of India. Individuals who accumulate wealth are often admired and respected in society, leading to the perception that money is the primary measure of success.
 

Answer 2: However, there is also a growing recognition of alternative measures of success beyond monetary wealth. Many people value personal fulfilment, happiness, and positively impacting others as equally important indicators of success. This perspective challenges the notion that one's financial status solely determines success and highlights the significance of holistic well-being and fulfilment in Indian society.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2: How do you define whether one is a successful person?
 

Answer 1: In the Indian context, success can be defined in various ways. Some may consider achieving high levels of education, securing a prestigious job, or earning a substantial income as indicators of success. Conversely, others may define success based on personal happiness, fulfilment in relationships, or positively impacting society.
 

Answer 2: Success can also be measured by overcoming challenges and adversity demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Ultimately, the definition of success varies from person to person and is influenced by cultural, societal, and individual values and beliefs.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: Is there a contradiction between success and happiness?
 

Answer 1: In the Indian context, some people believe that success and happiness are interconnected and lead to happiness. They argue that achieving one's goals and ambitions can bring a sense of fulfilment and joy. 
 

Answer 2: Conversely, others argue that success does not always guarantee happiness and that people can be successful in their careers or endeavours but still feel unfulfilled or unhappy in other aspects of their lives. Therefore, while success can contribute to happiness for some individuals, it may not necessarily equate to overall contentment and well-being for everyone.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: What is the standard of success in your country?
 

Answer 1: In the Indian context, success is often measured by various factors, including financial stability, social status, and professional achievements. For some, success means attaining a high-paying job, owning a luxurious house, and driving expensive cars, reflecting material wealth and prosperity. 
 

Answer 2: On the other hand, others consider success to be more about personal fulfilment, happiness, and making a positive impact on society, regardless of financial gains or social recognition. Thus, while material wealth and social status are commonly associated with success, personal fulfilment and social contribution are equally valued by many individuals as standards of success in India.

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FAQs

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

A. Some of the common mistakes made during the IELTS Speaking test are:
 

  • Poor pronunciation: Make sure you pronounce words clearly with proper pronunciation. 
  • Lack of vocabulary: Do not use the exact words. Instead of repeating the same term, replace it with synonyms to display your vocabulary.
  • Taking too many pauses: Do not take too many pauses between your answers. This might look like you are stammering for words. 
  • Lack of Confidence: Answer confidently and calmly. 
  • Being inaudible: Make sure your answers are audible. 
Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

A. The three parts of your IELTS Speaking test are not marked separately. You will receive a band score for your overall IELTS Speaking test performance. Make sure your ideas are organised logically. Link and explain your ideas using more lexical resources, such as new words and phrases. 

Q. Can I use idioms in my IELTS Speaking test?

A. Yes, you can use idioms and phrases in your IELTS speaking test. Using popular idioms relevant to your topic will give a positive impression on your examiner. Idioms are words or phrases that have figurative, non-literal meanings attached to them. Some examples of idioms are ‘beating around the bush,’ ‘the early bird catches the prey,’ and ‘from A to Z.’ 

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

A. The lowest score you can get in your IELTS Speaking test is 0. The band score range for your IELTS Speaking test is 0-9. Here, 0 is the lowest score, and 9 is the highest score. The probability of getting a zero is relatively lower. Generally, a score above 6 and 6.5 is considered good. 

Q. Can I change the topic in IELTS speaking?

A. No, you cannot divert from your topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Try to stick to your topic and cover all the related subtopics or points. The examiner is not checking your awareness of the subject. Instead, the focus is on your language usage and how well you frame it. Even if you do not know much about the topic, try to frame it properly and deliver it confidently.

Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

A. Proper preparation and constant practice are the quickest ways to achieve a higher score on your IELTS Speaking test. Some good practices you can obey are:
 

  • Start with a catchy and pleasant introduction
  • Give definitions, examples, and scenarios for your answer
  • Stick to your topic
  • Use a variety of words
  • Use proper pronunciation
  • Maintain eye contact and speak confidently
Q. Is there any dress code for speaking in IELTS?

A. No, there isn’t any specific dress code for your IELTS speaking test. You can wear any clothes that make you comfortable and look confident. Formal clothes are not necessary. However, make sure you do not dress too casually. Making a good first impression is always better. 

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

A. Improving your speaking skills is a long-term process. Some good habits to ensure this are:
 

  • Listen to daily podcasts, movies, news, and other videos in english
  • Interact with native english speakers
  • Listen to a variety of accents and try them
  • Try to watch movies without subtitles and try to figure out the words on your own
  • Try learning new words and applying them in your speech 
Q. What are some tips for performing better in the IELTS Speaking test?

A. Some good practices to improve your performance for your Speaking test are:
 

  • Understand the task properly
  • Use the preparation time wisely
  • Do not by-heart your answers
  • Speak clearly and fluently
  • Check Vocabulary and Grammar
Q. What is the duration of the IELTS cue card section?

A. The duration of your cue card section is 3-4 minutes. The first minute is the preparation time. You can use this to prepare and structure your answer well. Later, you will be given 2-3 minutes to speak. Speak confidently and make sure your speech is audible, clear, and concise. 

Q. What if I fail my IELTS speaking test?

A. If by chance you fail your IELTS Speaking test, you can apply for a retake. The IELTS One-skill retake facility allows you to retake just one IELTS module at a time. If your score is low for a single module, then you do not need to retake the entire test. Make sure you prepare well for your retake. 

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

A. The IELTS speaking test is only 11-14 minutes long. You have three parts in your IELTS Speaking test. The duration of each part is as follows:
 

  • Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
  • Part 2:  Long turn or Cue Card (3–4 minutes)
  • Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)