Describe a famous person you're interested in.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who is it?
How do you know him/her?
Why do you think he/she is interesting?

36 unique answers with expert feedback

What qualities do you admire most in Lisa?

I admire her confidence and positivity. She has a unique stage presence that captivates audiences. Her ability to connect with fans through her personality and performances is truly inspiring. I also appreciate her versatility in both singing and dancing.

How has Lisa influenced your taste in music?

Lisa has broadened my appreciation for K-pop and its diverse styles. Her unique approach to music and dance has made me explore more of Blackpink's songs and other K-pop artists. I find myself drawn to songs that carry meaningful messages and showcase strong performances.

Are there any other celebrities you admire for similar reasons?

Yes, I admire other K-pop artists like BTS members for their talent and positive influence. I also look up to international artists like Beyoncé for her empowerment and stage presence. Each of them brings something unique to the industry, much like Lisa does.

Band 7

00:00

So my famous person I particularly can think of now is Shreya Ghoshal. She is a singer from my country, particularly sings Hindi songs. I know her because she has sung so many beautiful songs in all the movies. Her melodious voice is what makes her different from other singers and sets her apart among the crowd. She has a voice that transports you completely into a different world where you can connect with yourself, listen to her songs and there is nothing else you would need. So she had started her career as a really young child from a reality show on the TV. That time no one would have imagined her to be so famous and achieve such great success but only her skills and the talent has enabled her to achieve such great heights. She is also a very humble person from what I have observed and that is the reason I really adore her and admire the work that she does.

Follow up questions

What impact has Shreya Ghoshal had on the music industry?

Shreya Ghoshal has significantly influenced the music industry by bringing a fresh sound to Hindi music. Her unique voice and emotional delivery have inspired many aspiring singers. She has also collaborated with various artists, helping to bridge different musical styles and cultures.

How do you think her background influenced her music?

Shreya Ghoshal's background in classical music has greatly influenced her singing style. Growing up in a musical family, she was exposed to various genres, which helped her develop a versatile voice. This foundation allows her to infuse traditional elements into contemporary music.

What qualities do you think make her a role model?

Shreya Ghoshal exemplifies hard work, humility, and dedication. Despite her fame, she remains grounded and approachable. Her journey from a reality show contestant to a celebrated artist showcases perseverance, making her a relatable role model for many aspiring musicians.

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Band 7

00:00

So, the person I find interesting is A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. He was an Indian scientist and researcher who built the first space rocket for India. He came from a very poor background and his family was not so prosperous and wealthy, but his love towards science and his curiosity led the way for him. He has been an inspiration for many students and many children. He had a very kind and loving personality. He used to love spending time with children and telling them fascinating stories. His book, The Wings With Fire, is an autobiography which is very inspirational.

Follow up questions

What impact did A. P. J. Abdul Kalam have on Indian youth?

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam inspired countless young people in India to pursue careers in science and technology. His emphasis on education and innovation motivated many students to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

How did his background influence his achievements?

Abdul Kalam's humble beginnings instilled in him a strong work ethic and determination. His struggles made him relatable to many, and he often shared his journey to encourage others to overcome obstacles and strive for success.

What lessons can we learn from his autobiography?

In 'Wings of Fire', Abdul Kalam shares valuable lessons about perseverance, hard work, and the importance of dreaming big. His life story teaches us that with dedication and passion, we can achieve our aspirations regardless of our circumstances.

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Band 7

00:00

My favorite celebrities are BTS, a South Korean music group. I discovered them during the COVID-19 lockdown and they had a huge impact on me during that time. I first came across BTS when I heard their song Blood Sweat & Tears. I was feeling lonely and the song really resonated with me. I ended up listening to it on repeat and decided to learn more about them. As I explored their work, I realized they're not just incredible musicians, but also amazing performers. I found their music, solo projects, and even the content they create for their fans, like their variety show, Run BTS. Watching that show made me feel like I had 7 best friends during the lockdown. Their content became an escape for me, whether it was their travel show, Born Viage, behind the scenes videos, or award show performances. Everything they did made me feel connected to them. Despite not having many friends at that time, BTS made me feel like I belonged to a community. What I admire most about them is how genuine and hardworking they are. There's something so familiar and comforting about them that makes them special to me. Their music and content help me get through a difficult time, and for that, I'll always look up to them. In conclusion, BTS is more than just a group of celebrities to me. They're like a source of comfort and inspiration. Their music and content helped me feel less lonely during the lockdown. And they continue to be a big part of my life.

Follow up questions

What specific qualities do you admire in BTS?

I admire their dedication to their craft, their authenticity, and how they connect with their fans. They are not just talented musicians but also role models who promote positivity and self-love, which is inspiring.

How has BTS influenced your taste in music?

BTS has broadened my musical horizons. Their diverse genres and meaningful lyrics have encouraged me to explore more K-pop and international music. I now appreciate different styles and messages in songs, which has enriched my overall music experience.

Have you attended any BTS concerts or events?

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend any concerts yet, but I hope to in the future. Watching their performances online is exhilarating, and I dream of experiencing the energy of a live concert with fellow ARMY members.

Band 6-7

00:00

I am really fond of watching professional chess as I am a chess player myself. So I consider Magnus Carlsen to be my favourite celebrity as he is just an outstanding chess player with his brilliant plays and outmatched performances. His rapid rating in chess are just mind-blowing. Those numbers that he has attained in his career have never been attained by anyone and in fact he is 5 times continuous world champion and he is just so remarkable that even the FIDE, the world chess organization, they consider him to be the best player yet born on the planet and even I think so because Magnus Carlsen is on a whole league of his own because of the difference between him and his opponent. He just don't make any mistakes while he is in a game. He is just flawless. His plays are like of a 99% accuracy which is remarkable actually. Nobody has been able to attain that much of an accuracy in a chess game ever and I know him since my childhood because ever since I was a kid, I used to play chess and somewhere I heard that Magnus Carlsen is a player who won 5 continuous world chess championships. So I was really interested in knowing who is he and knowing more about him but the more I knew, the more I became fond of him because he is just that great. And I would like to conclude that by saying that even though other plays are good and maybe in upcoming generations somebody might be better than him but the way he plays and his style of playing, it's very impressive.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make Magnus Carlsen a great chess player?

Magnus Carlsen's exceptional strategic thinking, ability to remain calm under pressure, and his deep understanding of the game contribute to his greatness. His flawless execution and high accuracy in moves set him apart from other players, making him a role model for aspiring chess enthusiasts.

How has Magnus Carlsen influenced your own chess playing style?

Magnus Carlsen's style has inspired me to focus on precision and strategic planning in my games. I try to emulate his ability to remain composed and make calculated decisions, which has improved my overall performance and enjoyment of chess.

Do you think chess will become more popular in the future? Why?

Yes, I believe chess will gain more popularity due to the rise of online platforms and streaming services. Events like the World Chess Championship and the success of players like Magnus Carlsen attract new audiences, making chess more accessible and appealing to younger generations.

Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:Who is it?

Begin by stating the name of the famous person and their profession.
Include a brief background about their achievements or contributions.

Example

The famous person I am interested in is Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who was an eminent scientist and the 11th President of India. He is widely known for his role in India's space and missile programs.

Cue 2:How do you know this person?

Mention how you became aware of this person, such as through books, media, or personal experiences.
Discuss any specific events or works that made a significant impact on you.

Example

I first learned about Dr. Kalam during my school days when we studied his book 'Wings of Fire'. His inspiring life story and dedication to education motivated me to pursue my studies with more passion.

Cue 3:Why do you find this person interesting?

Explain the qualities or achievements that you admire in this person.
Share how their life or work has influenced your own aspirations or values.

Example

I find Dr. Kalam interesting because of his humility and vision for a developed India. His belief in the power of youth and education resonates with me, and it inspires me to contribute positively to society.

Conclusion

Summarize your main points about the person and your interest in them.
End with a personal reflection on how this person has impacted your life.

Example

In conclusion, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is not just a famous personality but a role model for many, including myself. His life teaches us the importance of hard work, perseverance, and giving back to the community.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague descriptions of the famous person. Not providing specific details can make your answer less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include interesting facts or anecdotes about the person to make your response more vivid and memorable.

2: Overly Simple Answers

Giving very short or simple answers can limit your score. It's important to elaborate on your thoughts and provide depth.

Tip

Expand on each cue by explaining your feelings or experiences related to the person, which will enrich your answer.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain how you know the person or your personal connection can make your response feel impersonal.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience that highlights your connection to the person, making your answer more relatable.

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Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.