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.
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