IELTS Cue Cards

Describing People

IELTS Cue Cards on Describing People

What is the Describing People Category?

The Describing People category is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test that requires you to talk about a person you know, like, or admire for 1-2 minutes. These topics often test your ability to use adjectives, storytelling skills, and a structured response.

By focusing on personality traits, physical features, and their significance in your life, you can enhance both your IELTS Speaking vocabulary and response structure.

35 Topics

Describe a person you follow on social media.

Describe a singer that you like.

Describe a famous person you're interested in.

Describe A Person Who Likes To Make Things By Hand (E.G., Toys, Furniture)

Describe someone you really like to spend time with

Describe an energetic person that you know

Describe a person from whom others like to ask for advice

Describe A Person Who Contributes To Society

Describe an old person you know who has had an interesting life

Describe An Interesting Neighbour

Describe A Friend You Like To Talk With

Describe a person you only met once and want to know more about.

Describe a TV or radio presenter you like.

Describe a foreigner who is interesting.

Describe a family member you spend a lot of time with.

Describe a person you know who likes to talk a lot.

Describe a person who has strong opinions

Describe a famous person you're interested in.

Describe a polite person you met.

Describe a person who likes to read a lot

Describe a place where you would like to go to relax.

Describe a family member who you admire.

Describe someone popular whom you want to meet.

Describe a polite person you have met.

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting.

Describe someone older than you whom you admire.

Describe a person who has made you feel uncomfortable.

Describe a person you met at a party and enjoyed a conversation with.

Describe an old friend you had lost touch with and got in contact with again

Describe someone else’s room you enjoy spending time in

Describe A Person You Admire

Describe a person who likes to make things by hand (e.g. toys, furniture)

Describe a person who you are happy to know.

Describe a foreigner who speaks your native language (hindi) very well

Describe an interesting person that you have not met in person and would like to know more about

More About IELTS Cue Cards on Describing People

When answering describing people IELTS cue card topic, it’s important to structure your response clearly and cover all the key points mentioned in the prompt.

1. Organise Your Answer Using the ACE Method

A clear way to structure your response is by using the ACE method:

A – Appearance (Describe their physical look or unique features)
C – Character (Talk about their personality traits or qualities)
E – Experience (Share a memory or incident involving the person)

This will give your response direction and help you stay focused on the task.

Learn more about the IELTS Speaking Practice test

2. Use Descriptive Adjectives for a Vivid Picture

Adding the right adjectives makes your description more compelling. Here are some examples:

Trait	Example Adjectives
Confidence	charismatic, fearless, determined
Friendliness	sociable, warm-hearted, cheerful
Intelligence	sharp-minded, knowledgeable, insightful
Kindness	compassionate, generous, selfless

3. Incorporate People-Specific Vocabulary

Using precise adjectives and phrases can improve your fluency and lexical resources. Here’s a table with useful speaking vocabulary:

Word	Meaning	Example
Articulate	Expressing ideas clearly and effectively	She was an articulate speaker, captivating audiences effortlessly.
Charismatic	Having a compelling charm or appeal	He was a charismatic leader who inspired everyone around him.
Diligent	Hardworking and persistent	His diligent nature made him excel in every task he took on.
Empathetic	Understanding and sharing the feelings of others	As an empathetic teacher, she always knew how to support her students.
Generous	Willing to give or share selflessly	She was generous with her time, always helping those in need.
Introverted	Reserved or shy, preferring solitude	As an introverted person, she enjoyed reading more than socialising.
Meticulous	Paying great attention to detail	She was meticulous in her work, ensuring every document was perfect.
Optimistic	Having a positive outlook on life	Despite challenges, he remained optimistic and motivated others.
Resilient	Able to recover quickly from difficulties	He was resilient, never giving up despite numerous setbacks.
Witty	Quick and inventive with words	His witty remarks always made conversations lively and engaging.

Also Read: IELTS Speaking idioms

FAQs

Q. How do you describe a person in a cue card?

Ans. To describe a person in an IELTS cue card, focus on their physical appearance, personality traits, and any notable actions or experiences. Provide specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate these characteristics, ensuring your response is detailed and engaging.

Q. Does IELTS Cue Card repeat?

Ans. While the exact topics in the IELTS Cue Card section don’t repeat, similar themes or questions might appear, as the topics can be grouped by category. It’s useful to prepare for a range of possible topics so you can answer confidently.

Q. Can I take IELTS twice?

Ans. Yes, you can take the IELTS exam as many times as needed. However, it’s important to consider your preparation and whether you’re ready to improve your score before retaking it.

Q. How to end a cue card?

Ans. Conclude your cue card response by summarising the key points you've discussed. You can also share your personal feelings or reflections related to the topic, providing a thoughtful ending to your answer.

Q. How much detail should I give when describing a person?

Ans. Try to provide enough detail to make your description vivid and engaging. Focus on key aspects like physical features, character traits, and significant memories. Aim to speak for the full 1-2 minutes without rushing.