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Describe Your Favourite Person IELTS Cue Card

Updated on 15 March, 2025

Sunita Kadian

Sunita Kadian

IELTS Expert

The IELTS Speaking Cue Card section requires candidates to speak on a given topic for up to two minutes. One common cue card topic is "Describe your favourite person." This could be a family member, a friend, or even a public figure.

To answer effectively, you need to structure your response well, use a range of vocabulary, and speak confidently. In this blog, we will provide sample answers and useful tips to help you deliver a well-organized and fluent response, ensuring a higher IELTS Speaking score.

How to Approach the "Describe Your Favourite Person" Cue Card Topic

The IELTS Speaking Cue Card section requires you to speak on a given topic for up to two minutes. One common topic is "Describe your favourite person." This could be a family member, a friend, a mentor, or even a public figure. To answer effectively, you need to structure your response well, use a range of vocabulary, and speak confidently.

1. Understanding the Cue Card

Before speaking, take a moment to analyze the cue card. It usually includes prompts such as:

  • Who the person is
  • How you know them
  • What makes them special
  • Why they are your favourite person

Make sure you address all aspects of the question to provide a complete response.

2. Structuring Your Answer

A well-organized answer follows this simple structure:

  • Introduction: Briefly introduce the person and their significance in your life.
  • Body: Describe their personality, qualities, and any memorable experiences with them. Provide specific examples to make your response engaging.
  • Conclusion: Summarize why they are important to you and how they have influenced you.

3. Using a Wide Range of Vocabulary

To impress the examiner, try to include a variety of adjectives, adverbs, and idiomatic expressions. For example:

  • Positive traits: kind-hearted, compassionate, inspiring, supportive
  • Personality descriptions: optimistic, determined, charismatic, down-to-earth
  • Idiomatic expressions: "a pillar of strength," "a guiding light in my life," "someone I look up to"

4. Speaking Fluently and Naturally

  • Avoid memorizing entire answers—focus on key points and speak naturally.
  • Use connectors like "Moreover," "In addition," "Because of this" to create smooth transitions.
  • Practice with a timer to ensure you can speak continuously for two minutes.

You can also check this guide out: IELTS Cue Cards Samples with Answers 2024 (LATEST)

Sample Answer 1: Describe your Favourite Person

Introduction:

Everyone has someone they admire and consider their favorite person. For me, that person is my grandmother. Her strength, wisdom, and unconditional love make her stand out in my life.

Body:

My grandmother is in her late 70s, with a head full of white hair and eyes that twinkle with kindness and mischief. Despite her age, she has an indomitable spirit and a zest for life that is infectious. She has been a teacher all her life, and even in retirement, she hasn't stopped teaching. Whether it's life lessons or tutoring me in mathematics, her passion for imparting knowledge is unwavering.

What makes her my favorite person is not just her wisdom but her approach to life. She has faced numerous challenges, including the loss of my grandfather, with grace and resilience. Her ability to find joy in the little things, from gardening to baking, has taught me the importance of appreciating the present moment.

Her stories from the past, filled with adventures and lessons, are my favorite. They are not just tales but life lessons wrapped in humor and love. She has a unique perspective on life, emphasizing kindness, patience, and the importance of education.

Conclusion:

My grandmother is my role model. Her influence on my life is profound, teaching me the values of hard work, respect, and the power of love. She is the embodiment of strength and kindness, and I aspire to carry her teachings forward in my life.

For a more detailed guide, read this: IELTS Speaking test: What all you should know

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Sample Answer 2: Describe your Favourite Person

Introduction:

My favorite person is my best friend, Arjun. He's not just a friend but a brother, mentor, and my go-to person for everything. His positive outlook on life and unwavering support make him an indispensable part of my life.

Body:

Arjun is of the same age as me, with an athletic build and a contagious smile that lights up the room. We met in high school, and our friendship has only grown stronger over the years. He is someone who believes in living life to the fullest, embracing every moment with enthusiasm and joy.

What sets Arjun apart is his optimistic approach to life. He always finds a silver lining, even in the most challenging situations, teaching me the value of positivity. His adventurous spirit has led us on numerous unforgettable adventures, from trekking in the mountains to exploring new cities.

Arjun's empathy and understanding nature make him a great listener. He has been my pillar of strength during tough times, offering not just a listening ear but valuable advice. His ability to see things from different perspectives has often helped me navigate through my own problems.

Conclusion:

Arjun is more than a friend; he is a constant source of inspiration and joy in my life. His positive influence has shaped me into a better person, teaching me the importance of friendship, courage, and kindness.

Follow-up Questions: Describe Your Favourite Person

Q1: How often do you see your grandmother?

I visit my grandmother every weekend. These visits are the highlight of my week, offering me a chance to learn, laugh, and gather wisdom from her experiences.

Q2: What is the most important lesson she has taught you?

The most important lesson she has taught me is resilience. She believes that no matter how tough the situation, with patience and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle.

Q3: Do you think your grandmother has influenced your choice of career?

Absolutely. Her dedication to teaching and love for education have inspired me to pursue a career in academia. I wish to emulate her passion for imparting knowledge.

Q4: How does your grandmother feel about modern technology?

She is genuinely curious about modern technology. Though initially hesitant, she now enjoys using her smartphone to video call relatives, proving it's never too late to learn something new.

Q5: What is one thing you and your grandmother enjoy doing together?

We both enjoy gardening. It's a peaceful activity that allows us to bond, share stories, and enjoy the beauty of nature together.

Conclusion

The IELTS cue card section is an excellent opportunity to showcase your fluency, vocabulary, and speaking skills. By structuring your response well, using varied expressions, and practicing regularly, you can confidently handle any topic. 

Remember, the key is to speak naturally and express your ideas clearly. With consistent preparation, you can achieve a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I structure my answer for an IELTS cue card topic?

To structure your answer, follow this format: Introduction (briefly introduce the person), Body (describe their qualities, personality, and why they are special), and Conclusion (summarize their impact on your life). Using this structure ensures a well-organized response.

How long should I speak for in the IELTS cue card section?

You should speak for 1 to 2 minutes in the IELTS cue card section. The examiner will stop you if you exceed the time. Try to expand your response naturally to ensure you don’t finish too early.

Can I talk about a celebrity or a historical figure for this topic?

Yes, you can describe a celebrity, historical figure, or public personality if they genuinely inspire you. However, make sure you provide personal reasons for choosing them and explain how they have influenced you.

What should I do if I run out of things to say?

If you run out of ideas, try expanding on your points with examples, personal stories, or additional details. You can also use fillers like "One more thing I’d like to mention is…" to keep the conversation flowing naturally.

Is it okay to make up details in my answer?

Yes, you can invent details if needed, as the IELTS Speaking test assesses fluency, coherence, and vocabulary rather than factual accuracy. Just ensure your response sounds natural and well-structured.

How important is vocabulary in the IELTS cue card answer?

Vocabulary is crucial as it helps you express yourself effectively. Use a mix of descriptive adjectives, idiomatic expressions, and synonyms to make your speech more engaging. For example, instead of saying “kind,” you can say “compassionate” or “warm-hearted.”

Can I use informal language while speaking?

While IELTS Speaking is conversational, avoid overly informal slang. It’s best to use neutral or slightly formal language with some natural expressions like “a great inspiration to me” instead of “super cool.”

What if I make a mistake while speaking?

Minor mistakes are not a big issue if you continue speaking fluently. If you realize an error, you can quickly correct yourself: "My grandmother was born in 1945—sorry, I meant 1955." The key is to stay confident and not pause too much.

How can I improve my fluency for the IELTS Speaking test?

To improve fluency:

  • Practice speaking daily on different cue card topics.
  • Record yourself and identify areas for improvement.
  • Think in English rather than translating from your native language.
  • Engage in conversations with English speakers or use language-learning apps.

What are some common mistakes candidates make in the cue card round?

Some common mistakes include:

  • Speaking too briefly and not utilizing the full time.
  • Going off-topic and not addressing the cue card prompts.
  • Using repetitive vocabulary instead of a variety of expressions.
  • Speaking too fast or too slowly, affecting clarity.

Can I use hand gestures while speaking?

Yes, natural hand gestures can make your speech more expressive. However, avoid excessive gestures, as they might distract from your words. Your primary focus should be on speaking clearly, confidently, and coherently.

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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