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Describe a Person Who You Are Happy to Know – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

By upGrad Abroad Team

Updated on Apr 03, 2025 | 0.5k+ views

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In life, we meet many people, but only a few truly make a positive difference. If you're preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, you might encounter the cue card topic: "Describe a person who you are happy to know." 

In this answer, you should discuss who this person is, their personality traits, how you know them, and why they are special to you.

A well-structured and detailed response can enhance your IELTS Speaking score by showcasing your ability to describe someone vividly while using a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures. 

To help you prepare, this blog will guide you on how to approach this cue card topic, provide two sample answers, and include follow-up questions from IELTS Speaking Part 3.

How to Approach This Cue Card Topic?

When answering the cue card topic "Describe a person who you are happy to know," it is essential to:

  1. Choose the Right Person – Think of someone who has had a positive influence on your life, such as a family member, friend, teacher, or mentor.
  2. Describe Their Qualities – Focus on their personality, behavior, and unique characteristics that make them special.
  3. Explain Why You Admire Them – Share personal experiences or examples of how they have helped or inspired you.
  4. Use Descriptive Language – Try to include adjectives and phrases that make your response engaging and detailed.

Now, let’s look at two sample answers to help you frame your own response effectively.

More related to IELTS Speaking Exam: IELTS Speaking Preparation: Tips and Test Format for additional insights on how to prepare effectively and understand the test structure.

Sample Answer 1: Describe a Person Who You Are Happy to Know

Introduction

One of the most wonderful people I am happy to know is my elder sister, Priya. She is not just my sibling but also my mentor, best friend, and biggest supporter. 

Her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering encouragement have played a crucial role in shaping my personality and outlook on life. Whether I am facing a challenge or celebrating a success, she is always by my side, guiding me with love and care.

Her Qualities and Personality

Priya possesses an exceptional personality that makes her an inspiration to everyone around her. Some of her most admirable qualities include:

  • Caring and Supportive – She always takes the time to listen to my concerns, offer thoughtful advice, and stand by me during difficult moments.
  • Hardworking and Determined – Priya is highly dedicated to her career and personal goals, showing immense perseverance in everything she does.
  • Optimistic and Encouraging – Even in tough situations, she finds a way to stay positive and uplift those around her. Her words of motivation have often helped me overcome my fears and self-doubt.
  • Intelligent and Wise – She has a deep understanding of life and its challenges, making her the go-to person for advice in our family.
  • Kind and Compassionate – Her ability to empathize with others and spread kindness makes her truly special.

Why I Am Happy to Know Her

Knowing Priya has enriched my life in countless ways. She has not only been a source of emotional support but also a role model who inspires me to become a better version of myself.

  • She Always Supports Me – Whether it’s academics, personal struggles, or career decisions, she provides the best guidance. Her words of encouragement push me to strive for excellence.
  • She Leads by Example – Watching her work hard and never give up has motivated me to develop resilience and focus on my goals.
  • She Brings Joy to My Life – Her sense of humor and ability to make any situation lighthearted have filled my life with happiness.
  • She Teaches Me Valuable Life Lessons – Through her actions, I have learned the importance of kindness, patience, and perseverance.
  • She Believes in Me – Even when I doubt myself, she reminds me of my potential and encourages me to keep going.

Conclusion

Having a sister like Priya is truly a blessing. She is not just family but a guiding force in my life. Her presence has taught me the significance of love, resilience, and staying true to oneself. Knowing her has made my life richer, and I am truly grateful for her unwavering support and love.

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

Sample Answer 2: Describe a Person Who You Are Happy to Know

Introduction

A person I am incredibly happy to know is my college professor, Mr. Sharma. He is not just a teacher but also a mentor who has significantly shaped my academic journey. 

His wisdom, patience, and dedication to education have had a profound impact on my learning experience. Thanks to his guidance, I have developed a newfound appreciation for subjects I once found challenging.

His Qualities and Personality

Mr. Sharma is an intelligent and compassionate individual who goes beyond teaching to inspire his students. Some of his most admirable qualities include:

  • Passionate Educator – He has a unique way of explaining complex topics in a simple and engaging manner, making learning enjoyable.
  • Encouraging and Supportive – He firmly believes in the potential of every student and continuously motivates us to push our limits.
  • Wise and Humble – Despite his vast knowledge, he remains approachable, always willing to listen and guide students without making them feel intimidated.
  • Patient and Understanding – He never hesitates to explain a concept multiple times until every student grasps it.
  • Dedicated to Student Growth – His teaching goes beyond textbooks, as he focuses on nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Why I Am Happy to Know Him

Knowing Mr. Sharma has truly been a privilege. His influence has not only shaped my academic success but also enriched my personal growth.

  • He Changed My Perspective on Learning – His engaging teaching style transformed subjects I once struggled with into areas of interest. He made learning an exciting and meaningful experience.
  • He Motivates Me to Improve – His words of encouragement inspire me to work harder, aim higher, and never stop learning.
  • He Is a Role Model – His patience, kindness, and dedication to his work make him someone I deeply admire.
  • He Helps Students Overcome Self-Doubt – Whenever I felt discouraged, his belief in my potential gave me the confidence to keep going.
  • He Teaches Beyond the Classroom – His lessons are not just about academics but also about life, leadership, and perseverance.

Conclusion

Knowing Mr. Sharma has been one of the greatest blessings in my academic journey. He has not only helped me excel in my studies but also instilled in me a love for lifelong learning. His guidance and encouragement will always stay with me, serving as a source of motivation in both my academic and professional pursuits.

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

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Here are some follow-up questions that may be asked in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test related to this topic:

1. What are the qualities of a good friend?

A good friend should be loyal, trustworthy, and supportive. They should respect your opinions, stand by you in difficult times, and encourage you to grow. True friendship is based on mutual understanding and honesty, ensuring a strong and long-lasting bond.

2. How important is it to have a mentor in life?

Having a mentor is essential as they provide guidance, wisdom, and motivation. A mentor shares their experiences, helps you avoid mistakes, and encourages you to achieve your goals. Whether in education, career, or personal life, a mentor can make a significant difference in one’s growth.

3. Can social media help in building meaningful relationships?

Social media can help maintain long-distance friendships and connect with like-minded individuals. However, it often lacks emotional depth and personal interaction found in real-life relationships. While it’s a great tool for networking, genuine connections require face-to-face communication and shared experiences.

4. How can a good teacher or mentor influence a student’s life?

A good teacher or mentor inspires, educates, and shapes a student’s future. They not only teach academic knowledge but also instill values, confidence, and critical thinking skills. A mentor’s encouragement can help students believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with determination.

5. How can people maintain lifelong friendships?

Lifelong friendships require effort, communication, and mutual respect. Staying in touch, being there in tough times, and celebrating each other’s successes strengthen bonds. Trust and understanding play a crucial role in keeping friendships alive, even if life takes people in different directions.

These questions encourage deeper discussions about relationships, admiration, and personal growth.

Conclusion

Meeting someone who brings happiness, inspiration, and support into your life is truly valuable. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or mentor, having such a person positively influences our personal growth. In the IELTS Speaking test, effectively describing a person who you are happy to know can showcase your vocabulary and fluency. 

By following a structured approach, using descriptive language, and practicing frequently, you can confidently answer this cue card topic and improve your overall IELTS Speaking score.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

To structure your answer, follow a four-part approach: Introduction (introduce the person), Background (explain who they are and how you met them), Main Qualities (describe their personality and why they make you happy), and Conclusion (summarize why they are important to you).

What kind of person should I describe for this cue card topic?

You can describe anyone who brings positivity into your life, such as a friend, teacher, mentor, family member, or even a colleague. Choose someone whose qualities and actions you can describe in detail, making it easier to develop a strong and engaging response.

Can I describe a famous person for this topic?

While it's recommended to describe someone you personally know, you can talk about a famous person if they have significantly influenced your life. However, ensure that your answer includes personal reasons for admiration rather than just listing their achievements.

How can I use strong vocabulary in my answer?

To improve your vocabulary, use descriptive adjectives like supportive, compassionate, inspiring, and reliable. Also, include phrases such as "a guiding force in my life," "someone I deeply respect," or "a source of constant motivation" to make your answer more impactful.

Is it okay to talk about emotions in my answer?

Yes! Expressing emotions adds depth to your answer and makes it more engaging. Use phrases like “I feel fortunate to have them in my life,” or “Their kindness always uplifts my mood” to show how this person positively affects you.

What should I do if I struggle to think of a person to describe?

If you can't think of someone immediately, consider people who have made a difference in your life, such as a childhood friend, mentor, coach, or supportive relative. You can also create a fictional but realistic story to make your response smoother.

How can I extend my answer to speak for two minutes?

To extend your response, add details like specific memories, shared experiences, and examples of their kindness or intelligence. If needed, describe how your relationship has evolved over time and how their influence has shaped your personality.

Should I focus more on their personality or actions?

A balanced answer is best. Describe their personality traits (e.g., kind, intelligent, humorous) and provide real-life examples of their actions to support your descriptions. This will make your response more vivid and well-structured.

How can I improve my fluency while answering this question?

Practice speaking aloud using a timer, record yourself, and focus on speaking naturally and confidently. Avoid long pauses by preparing key points in advance, and try paraphrasing sentences instead of memorizing responses word for word.

Can I use idioms or phrases in my answer?

Yes! Using idioms can make your answer sound more natural. Phrases like "a shoulder to lean on," "the glue that holds everything together," or "a ray of sunshine" can add a conversational tone and showcase your language skills.

How important is pronunciation and intonation in the IELTS Speaking test?

Pronunciation and intonation play a crucial role in making your answer clear and engaging. Speak at a natural pace, emphasize important words, and avoid monotone speech. Practicing with IELTS sample answers or a language partner can help you improve.

upGrad Abroad Team

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