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Describe a Popular/Well-Known Person in Your Country – IELTS Cue Card

Updated on 15 March, 2025

Sunita Kadian

Sunita Kadian

IELTS Expert

The IELTS Speaking test is your chance to showcase fluency and confidence in English. One frequently asked cue card topic is “Describe a popular person in your country.” Whether it’s a celebrated leader, a sports icon, or a Bollywood star, knowing how to frame your response effectively can boost your score.

According to IELTS data, over 3.5 million people take the test annually, making it crucial to practice common cue card topics. This blog provides sample answers, key vocabulary, and expert tips to help you structure your response effectively and boost your IELTS Speaking score. Let’s dive into the format and strategies!

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Understanding the IELTS Cue Card:

Aspect Details
Cue Card Topic Describe a popular person in your country
Part of IELTS Test IELTS Speaking test – Part 2 (Cue Card)
Time to Prepare 1 minute
Speaking Duration Up to 2 minutes/question
Evaluation Criteria Fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation
Key Points to Cover Who the person is, why they are famous, why they are popular, your opinion
Common Mistakes Speaking too little, using basic words, going off-topic, hesitating too much
How to Score Well Use descriptive words, give structured answers, speak naturally

Also Read: IELTS Speaking Test Format: Tips For Speaking Test

Sample Answers for IELTS Cue Card- Describe a Popular Person in Your Country 

Talking about a well-known person in your country can be exciting yet challenging. The key is to structure your answer well and speak with confidence. You don’t have to pick a global celebrity; your chosen person can be a famous leader, athlete, or even a social activist.

When describing them, focus on who they are, why they are famous, why people admire them, and your personal opinion. Below are some well-structured sample answers to help you prepare. Choose the one that resonates with you or use them as inspiration to craft your own response!

Sample Answer 1: Describe a Popular Person in Your Country – Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

If I had to describe a popular person in my country, I would choose Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. He was an aerospace scientist, author, teacher, and the 11th President of India. Despite coming from a humble background, he achieved remarkable success and became an inspiration for millions, especially students and young professionals.

Who he is:

Dr. Kalam was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, in 1931. He had a keen interest in science and engineering, which led him to work with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation). Due to his contributions to India’s missile technology, he was nicknamed the “Missile Man of India.” Later, in 2002, he became the President of India, where he was known as the “People’s President” due to his humble nature and approachability.

Why he is famous/popular:

Dr. Kalam made immense contributions to India's nuclear and space programs. He played a major role in India’s first satellite launch (SLV-III) and the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, which helped India strengthen its defense capabilities. Apart from his scientific achievements, he was also a prolific author. His autobiography, Wings of Fire, and other books like Ignited Minds continue to inspire people worldwide. He was a firm believer in education and youth empowerment, dedicating his post-presidency years to teaching and mentoring students.

How you feel about him:

For me, Dr. Kalam is not just a historical figure; he is a role model. His famous quote, “Dream is not what you see in sleep, but the thing that does not let you sleep,” always inspires me to push my limits and strive for excellence. I admire his positive attitude, humility, and unwavering optimism. His journey from selling newspapers as a young boy to becoming the President of India proves that hard work, knowledge, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success.

Sample Answer 2: Describe a Famous Person in India – Virat Kohli

If I had to describe a famous person in India, I would choose Virat Kohli. He is one of the most well-known and respected cricketers in the world. His exceptional skills, dedication, and leadership have made him a role model for millions of sports enthusiasts.

Who he is:

Virat Kohli is an Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian national team. He was born in Delhi in 1988 and started playing cricket at a young age. His talent was recognized early, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of India’s most successful batsmen. Over the years, he has been a key player in all formats of the game; Test, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20s.

Why he is famous/popular:

Kohli is famous for his aggressive playing style, consistency, and strong leadership skills. He has broken several records, including being one of the fastest players to score 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, and 11,000 runs in ODIs. His fitness and discipline have also set new standards in Indian cricket. Under his captaincy, India achieved historic Test series wins in Australia and other major victories worldwide.

How you feel about him:

I admire Virat Kohli for his discipline, mental strength, and never-give-up attitude. His ability to perform under pressure and lead by example is truly inspiring. He has shown that hard work, consistency, and self-belief are the keys to success. His journey from a young boy with a dream to one of the world’s greatest cricketers is proof that dedication can turn dreams into reality.

Sample Answer 3: Describe a Famous Person in India – Sudha Murty

If I had to describe an inspiring and famous person in India, I would choose Sudha Murty. She is a well-known author, philanthropist, and the chairperson of Infosys Foundation. Her selfless contributions to society, simplicity, and wisdom make her an extraordinary personality.

Who she is:

Sudha Murty was born in Karnataka in 1950 and is a highly respected social worker and writer. She was the first female engineer at Tata Motors, a significant achievement in an era when women were rarely seen in the engineering field. She later co-founded Infosys with her husband, Narayana Murthy, and played a crucial role in shaping India’s IT industry.

Why she is famous/popular:

She is famous for her humanitarian work and inspiring books. As the chairperson of Infosys Foundation, she has led multiple initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, and women's empowerment. Her books, written in simple yet powerful language, focus on moral values, life lessons, and Indian culture, making them widely loved by readers of all ages.

How you feel about her:

I deeply admire her intelligence, kindness, and dedication to social causes. She proves that success is not just about wealth but also about giving back to society. Her famous words, “Vision without action is merely a dream,” remind me that we must take action to bring about change.

Sudha Murty’s life and values inspire me to be a better person and contribute positively to society. Her work continues to impact millions, and I believe she will always be remembered as one of India’s most inspiring personalities.

Also Read: Connectors for IELTS Speaking Test: All You Need To Know

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IELTS Vocabulary to Describe a Popular Person in Your Country

Choosing the right words can make your IELTS Speaking response engaging and memorable. Here are some powerful words and phrases to describe a well-known person effectively.

1. Words for Popularity & Fame

Word Meaning Example Sentence
Renowned Famous and widely respected Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was a renowned scientist and leader.
Well-respected Admired by many people He is a well-respected figure in Indian history.
Iconic Highly recognized and celebrated Virat Kohli is an iconic cricketer known for his aggressive batting.
Household name Someone everyone knows Sudha Murty is a household name in India for her social work.
Influential Having a strong impact on people His speeches have been highly influential among the youth.

2. Words for Personality & Character

Word Meaning Example Sentence
Charismatic Charming and inspiring She is a charismatic leader who inspires people.
Humble Modest despite great achievements Despite his success, he remains humble and down-to-earth.
Visionary Someone with forward-thinking ideas He was a visionary who changed the future of technology.
Compassionate Showing deep care for others She is a compassionate philanthropist helping the needy.
Determined Showing strong will and dedication His determined attitude helped him overcome struggles.

3. Words for Achievements & Impact

Word Meaning Example Sentence
Trailblazer A person who is the first to do something new He was a trailblazer in the field of artificial intelligence.
Pioneer Someone who leads in a new field She is a pioneer in promoting women’s education in India.
Record-breaking Achieving something never done before He holds several record-breaking achievements in sports.
Revolutionary Bringing major positive change His revolutionary ideas changed the way people think.
Inspiration A person who motivates others She is an inspiration to millions of young women.

Tips to Answer IELTS Cue Card Effectively

To score well in IELTS Speaking Part 2, you need to present a structured and fluent response. Here are some expert tips to help you answer effectively:

1️. Understand the Cue Card Prompt: 

  • Read the question carefully and identify the key points.
  • Focus on Who, Why, and How to organize your response.
  • Stick to the given prompts to stay relevant.

2.  Use a Simple & Structured Approach: 

  • Start with an Introduction – Briefly introduce the person and their significance.
  • Explain Their Achievements – Why are they famous? What impact have they made?
  • Describe Their Personality – Use strong adjectives like humble, inspiring, visionary.
  • Share Your Opinion – Talk about why you admire them and how they inspire you.

3. Manage Your Speaking Time (1-2 Minutes): 

  • First 20 seconds: Introduction (Who they are)
  • Next 40 seconds: Their popularity, achievements, and impact
  • Final 40-60 seconds: Your personal opinion and conclusion

4. Use Good Vocabulary & Connectors: 

  • "One of the most renowned figures in my country is..."
  • "He/She is highly respected for..."
  • "What makes them truly inspirational is..."
  • "Personally, I admire them because..."

5. Speak Naturally & Avoid Pauses

  • Practice aloud to improve fluency.
  • Use linking words like moreover, in addition, besides that.
  • Don’t memorize answers; focus on natural storytelling.

Must Read: Speaking Tips For IELTS: How to Prepare For IELTS Speaking

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Describing a Popular Person in IELTS

Speaking about a well-known person seems easy, but many test-takers make small mistakes that affect their scores. Some speak too fast, others go off-topic, and many use basic vocabulary that doesn’t impress the examiner. 

To perform well in the IELTS Speaking test and confidently describe a popular person in your country, it's crucial to structure your response correctly and use strong vocabulary. 

To help you avoid these pitfalls, here’s a quick guide to common mistakes and how to fix them!

❌ Mistake 🔍 Why It's a Problem ✅ Solution
Speaking Too Little or Too Much Finishing in less than 1 minute or rambling beyond 2 minutes Structure your answer and aim for 1.5 to 2 minutes
Going Off-Topic Talking about irrelevant details instead of focusing on the person Stick to the cue card points: Who, Why, How, and Your Opinion
Using Overly Simple Language Limited vocabulary can lower your score Use words like renowned, visionary, influential to sound more fluent
Speaking Too Fast or Too Slow Can affect clarity and fluency Maintain a steady pace and use natural pauses
Memorizing Answers Sounds unnatural and robotic Practice speaking naturally with a structured approach
Lack of Personal Opinion Makes your answer generic and less engaging Share why you admire or connect with the person

Follow-up Questions for IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a Popular/Well-Known Person in Your Country

In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask follow-up questions based on your cue card topic. These questions test your ability to express opinions, analyze topics, and provide well-structured answers. 

Below are some common follow-up questions with sample responses.

1. Why do people admire famous personalities?

Answer: People admire famous personalities because of their achievements, influence, and contributions to society. For example, leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam are respected for their vision and dedication. Celebrities like Virat Kohli inspire youth through their hard work and perseverance.

2. Do you think celebrities have a positive impact on society?

Answer: It depends on the person. Some celebrities use their fame for good, supporting social causes and charities. However, others may set unrealistic lifestyle standards. Overall, public figures have the power to influence millions, so their actions matter.

3. Should famous people be role models?

Answer: Ideally, yes. Since they are in the public eye, many people, especially children, look up to them. A role model should inspire with their ethics, dedication, and hard work. However, not all celebrities set a good example.

4. Do you think fame is always a good thing?

Answer: Fame brings recognition and success, but it also comes with challenges like lack of privacy and public scrutiny. Some celebrities struggle with mental health issues due to constant media attention. So, while fame has benefits, it also has downsides.

5. How has social media changed the way people become famous?

Answer: Social media has made it easier for people to gain fame quickly. Earlier, fame was limited to actors, politicians, or athletes, but now anyone with talent can become popular through YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. However, online fame can be short-lived.

Also Read: IELTS Common Speaking Topics With Questions And Answers

Conclusion

Mastering the IELTS Speaking test requires confidence, fluency, and a structured approach. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing effectively, you can easily describe a popular person in your country in a compelling way.

If you're looking for expert guidance to enhance your IELTS preparation, upGrad offers comprehensive courses designed by industry experts. Learn from top educators, get personalized feedback, and boost your band score with structured practice sessions.

Start your IELTS journey with upGrad today and achieve your dream score!

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Important IELTS Exam Resources

IELTS Exam Overview

IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details./

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IELTS Exam Syllabus

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IELTS Syllabus

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The IELTS exam pattern encompasses four major sections, i.e. listening, speaking, writing, and reading. /

IELTS Exam Pattern

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose any person to describe in the IELTS Cue Card?

Yes, you can describe any well-known person, including celebrities, historical figures, sports personalities, or political leaders. However, make sure you can provide enough details about their life, achievements, and why they are admired. Choosing someone you genuinely know about will help you speak confidently.

How long should my response be when describing a popular person?

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you are expected to speak for 1-2 minutes. The examiner will give you one minute to prepare before you start speaking. If you speak for less than a minute, your answer may seem incomplete. If you exceed two minutes, the examiner may interrupt you. Practicing with a timer can help maintain the right balance.

Is it okay to describe a fictional character in the IELTS speaking test?

No, it is advisable to describe a real person. The IELTS cue card topics are designed to assess your ability to discuss real-life situations. Describing a fictional character might not fully demonstrate your ability to talk about real people and their contributions.

How can I structure my answer if I don’t know much about a famous person?

If you’re unfamiliar with a well-known person, you can still create a structured response by focusing on general aspects:

  • Mention a popular figure you have heard about.
  • Talk about their profession and contributions.
  • Describe why they are admired by others.
  • Add some personal opinions or hypothetical details to make your response sound natural.

What should I do if I forget details while speaking?

If you forget details during your response, don’t panic. Focus on describing the person using general facts, and use fillers like “As far as I remember” or “I believe” to sound more natural. You can also talk about their impact on society rather than specific events.

How can I improve my fluency while describing a person?

To improve fluency:

  • Practice speaking about different famous people before your test.
  • Use simple sentence structures to avoid hesitation.
  • Record yourself and analyze your speaking speed and clarity.
  • Avoid overthinking; just focus on expressing your thoughts naturally.

What type of vocabulary should I use to describe a famous person?

Use a mix of adjectives and descriptive words related to personality, achievements, and influence. Words like inspirational, charismatic, influential, visionary, and dedicated can make your response more engaging. Avoid repeating the same words and try to use synonyms.

Can I use personal opinions when describing a well-known person?

Yes, adding personal opinions makes your answer more engaging. You can say, “I admire this person because…” or “In my opinion, they have contributed significantly to society.” However, ensure your answer remains objective and fact-based.

Is it necessary to follow a specific format while answering?

While there’s no strict format, structuring your answer logically helps:

  • Introduction (Who the person is)
  • Why they are famous (Achievements, contributions)
  • Why they are admired (Influence, personal impact)
  • Conclusion (Summarize why they are well-known and respected)

What are common mistakes students make in this cue card topic?

Some common mistakes include:

  • Speaking too fast or too slow.
  • Using very basic vocabulary and missing out on descriptive words.
  • Going off-topic and not answering all parts of the question.
  • Struggling to think of a well-known person and hesitating too much.

How can I practice this topic effectively before my IELTS exam?

  • Choose different famous personalities and practice speaking about them.
  • Use cue cards or flashcards to simulate the real test scenario.
  • Record yourself and assess areas where you need improvement.
  • Get feedback from teachers or language partners to refine your response.

Sunita Kadian

IELTS Expert

Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview prep, and corporate soft skills training, she has adapted these programs for the Yuno platform. Her dedication and commitment earned high praise from students, especially for her public speaking and advanced speaking English courses. Sunita's mastery of language nuances and articulation makes her a favorite among IELTS students. She holds a Postgraduate degree in English Literature, a B.Ed., and a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Relations.

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