Describe Your Favourite Person IELTS Cue Card

Did you know? In the IELTS Speaking test, when describing your favourite person, it's beneficial to highlight not only their achievements but also their personal qualities and the impact they've had on your life.

One of the most commonly asked IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card topics is “Describe Your Favourite Person”. In recent IELTS speaking exams, nearly 20% of test-takers faced cue cards related to people or relationships, making this a high-frequency topic. This cue card checks your ability to speak fluently and cohesively about someone you admire, covering key IELTS scoring areas such as lexical resource, pronunciation, and coherence. 

Whether it's a family member, mentor, or public figure, your description should highlight their personality, your connection with them, and why they are special to you. A well-structured answer with specific examples, emotional connection, and natural expression can help you score Band 7 or higher.

Practice beforehand to avoid hesitation and filler words. This topic also gives you a chance to showcase storytelling and vocabulary related to character traits and emotions.

Explore the full list of IELTS Cue Cards with expert tips and sample answers to boost your Band score — Start your IELTS prep with upGrad now.

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

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.