IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards: Describe a Person (50 Topics)

Quick Answer: In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you’ll often be asked to describe a person. The 50 cue cards below cover family, friends, teachers, historical figures, celebrities, and strangers. Each card includes key points to mention, sample answers at Band 7, 8, and 9, and examiner tips to help you score higher.

Table of Contents

Why “Describe a Person” Is a Common Topic

50 Cue Cards: Describe a Person

How to Structure Your Answer for Any Person Cue Card

Band Score Comparison Table

Why “Describe a Person” Is a Common Topic

Examiners love person-description questions because they test your ability to:

Use a wide range of vocabulary (physical appearance, personality, emotions)

Organize ideas logically (who, what, why, how)

Use past, present, and future tenses naturally

Express feelings and opinions

You’ll get one cue card, then have 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak. The 50 topics below cover every type of person you might be asked about.

50 Cue Cards: Describe a Person

Here are 50 cue cards organized into categories. Each card tells you what to describe.

Family & Relatives

Describe your mother/father

Describe your sibling (brother/sister)

Describe your grandmother/grandfather

Describe a family member you admire

Describe a relative you are close to

Describe a family member who has influenced you

Describe your childhood friend (from family perspective)

Describe a family member who is a role model

Friends & Peers

Describe your best friend

Describe a friend you met at school/university

Describe a friend who moved away

Describe a childhood friend you still remember

Describe a friend who helped you in a difficult situation

Describe a friend who is very different from you

Describe a person you enjoy spending time with

Describe a person you admire (friend)

Teachers & Mentors

Describe a teacher who influenced you

Describe a teacher you liked/disliked

Describe a mentor or coach

Describe a person who taught you a valuable skill

Describe a teacher who made learning fun

Describe a teacher who was strict but fair

Historical Figures & Celebrities

Describe a famous person you admire

Describe a historical figure you would like to meet

Describe a celebrity who inspires you

Describe a leader you respect

Describe a scientist/artist/musician you admire

Describe a person from your country who is famous

Strangers & Acquaintances

Describe a person you met once and still remember

Describe a stranger who helped you

Describe a person you saw on public transport

Describe a neighbor you know well

Describe a person you met on a trip

Describe a person you met at a party/event

People with Special Qualities

Describe a person who is very kind

Describe a person who is hardworking

Describe a person who is creative

Describe a person who is patient

Describe a person who is funny

Describe a person who is brave

Describe a person who is generous

Describe a person who is optimistic

People from Work/Study

Describe a colleague you worked with

Describe a classmate you studied with

Describe a boss/manager you had

Describe a person who helped you with your studies

Describe a person who works in a different field

Miscellaneous

Describe a person who lives abroad

Describe a person you would like to meet again

Describe a person who changed your life

How to Structure Your Answer for Any Person Cue Card

Use this 4-part structure for every person cue card:

Part 1: Who is this person? State their name, relationship to you, and how you know them. Part 2: What do they look like? Describe physical appearance (height, hair, eyes, clothing) – only if relevant. Many examiners care more about personality. Part 3: What is their personality like? Give 2–3 character traits with examples. Use adjectives like: compassionate, resilient, charismatic, meticulous. Part 4: Why are they important to you? Explain how they influenced you, what you learned from them, or why you admire them.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Basic description: “She is tall and kind.” Limited vocabulary, simple sentences, some repetition.
7	Clear structure: “She is a tall woman with a warm smile, and she is incredibly kind because she always helps others.” Good vocabulary, some idiomatic language.
8	Fluent and detailed: “She is a tall, elegant woman with a radiant smile. Her kindness is remarkable; she once spent a whole weekend helping me prepare for exams.” Complex sentences, natural idioms, good use of tenses.
9	Natural, sophisticated: “She is a tall, graceful woman with an infectious smile that lights up any room. Her compassion is extraordinary – I recall when she selflessly devoted an entire weekend to tutoring me for my exams, never once complaining.” Full range of vocabulary, perfect fluency, idiomatic expressions, and emotional depth.

Sample Answers

Band 7: Describe a teacher who influenced you. “I want to talk about my high school English teacher, Mr. Smith. He was a tall man with glasses and a kind face. He was very patient and always explained things clearly. He made me love English. I remember he stayed after class to help me with grammar. He is important because he gave me confidence.” Band 8: Describe a teacher who influenced you. “I’d like to describe my high school English teacher, Mr. Smith, who had a profound impact on my life. He was a tall, bespectacled man with a gentle demeanor and a warm smile. What set him apart was his incredible patience – he would explain complex grammar rules multiple times without ever losing his cool. I vividly recall him staying after class for an hour to help me with essay writing. He taught me that learning is a journey, not a race. Thanks to him, I developed a genuine love for the English language.” Band 9: Describe a teacher who influenced you. “I’d like to paint a picture of Mr. Smith, my high school English teacher, who left an indelible mark on my life. He was a tall, scholarly figure with wire-rimmed glasses and a perpetual twinkle in his eye. His patience was legendary – he could explain the subjunctive mood ten different ways without a hint of frustration. I remember one rainy afternoon when he stayed back for two hours, patiently dissecting my essay, showing me how to weave arguments seamlessly. He didn’t just teach English; he taught me how to think critically and express myself with clarity. He was the catalyst that transformed my relationship with language from reluctant study to passionate pursuit.”

Common Mistakes

❌Describing only appearance – Examiners want personality and influence, not just “tall with brown hair.”

❌Using the same adjectives – Avoid repeating “nice,” “good,” “kind.” Use synonyms like “compassionate,” “generous,” “warm-hearted.”

❌Forgetting to explain “why” – Always say why this person matters to you. Without it, your answer feels incomplete.

❌Rambling without structure – Use the 4-part structure. Don’t jump between ideas randomly.

❌Using only present tense – Mix past (how you met), present (current relationship), and future (would like to see again).

Top Tips

💡 Prepare 3-4 “go-to” people – Have one family member, one friend, one teacher, and one famous person ready. You can adapt these for almost any cue card.

💡 Use the 1-minute preparation wisely – Write down 4 keywords: who, appearance, personality, why. Then add one example for each.

💡 Practice with a timer – Speak for 1.5–2 minutes. Record yourself and listen for repetition or hesitation.

FAQ

Q: Can I make up a person if I don’t know anyone? A: Yes, but it’s better to use a real person. If you must invent, keep details simple and believable. Q: Should I describe appearance in detail? A: Only if it’s relevant. Focus more on personality and influence – that’s what examiners value. Q: How many examples should I give? A: 1–2 specific examples per person. One strong story is better than three vague ones. Q: What if I run out of things to say? A: Expand on the “why” – explain how this person changed your life, taught you something, or inspired you. Q: Can I use the same person for different cue cards? A: Yes, but adapt the details. For example, your grandmother can be “a family member you admire” and “a person who taught you a skill.”

Key Takeaways

✅The “Describe a Person” cue card tests vocabulary, structure, and fluency.

✅Use the 4-part structure: Who, Appearance, Personality, Why.

✅Prepare 3–4 real people you can adapt.

✅Give specific examples to make your answer memorable.

✅Avoid repeating adjectives – use synonyms and idioms.

✅Practice with a timer and record yourself.

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