Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an interesting person you know - Cue Card # 445
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 01 September 2025 15:43
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 120804
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an interesting person you know.
You should say:
- what sort of person he/she is
- how you first met him/her
- what he/she does for a living
and explain why you think this person is so interesting.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I have a few friends whom I consider to be interesting. All of them are considered highly successful professionally, except one. Here I'd like to talk about that one friend of mine who can’t really be called a successful person, but I still consider him to be a bit more fascinating than the others.
His name is Seikh Farabi, and I've known him for more than 15 years. We grew up together in the same town for a significant part of our lives before we parted from each other. Now he lives in another town, which is about a couple of hundred kilometres away from my place, but we still keep in touch with each other over the phone.
Anyway, Farabi is a man of few words, but when he talks, he does so with a certain type of conviction and authority which can be hard to ignore by any person who doesn’t know him well. In other words, Farabi has an uncanny ability to convince any person to believe in something which the person would never otherwise believe. Farabi doesn’t really like to laugh either unless he has a very good reason to do so. But, if I remember correctly, Farabi wasn’t really like this when I first met him at a college parade, celebrating our independence day, about 10 years ago. Back then, he was a rather funny and talkative person. But once he lost his father about 10 years ago, he became a completely changed person.
By the way, Farabi doesn’t really do anything for a living since he is from a very wealthy family. Instead, all he does now is write devotional poems and study religion.
Anyway, I consider this friend of mine so interesting, mainly because he likes to learn about things which regular people like us probably would never care about. I find him fascinating also because he knows exactly how to attract and hold the attention of other people by using a few words.
Sample Answer 2:
Wow, this topic is tough! Not because I don’t know anyone interesting enough, quite the opposite. I think everyone is interesting if you take the time to get to know them.
So, who shall I choose? I like people who can surprise you, who are curious about the world, don’t judge and are confident enough in themselves to pursue their own dreams in their own quiet way, wherever that may take them. OK, so I know who is all of those things!
So, this person is one of the kindest and nicest people I’ve ever met. I can tell you exactly when we first came across one another. I had just relocated to Sheffield and didn’t know a soul. One day, I went into the coffee shop, and this man and his wife were there. He was a farm manager, and she ran the coffee shop. There was a roaring fire in the corner, and they both made me welcome. We chatted, and I dried out with a steaming hot chocolate before heading back home through the snow. I’d been worried about relocating on my own to a strange city, but these people were so friendly.
Some months later, I started volunteering at the farm, and I got to know Fred, the farm manager, really well. I found out that he’d done loads of different things in his life. He’d travelled the world fixing X-ray machines at airports; he’d worked as an engineer; his wife and he had had various businesses, including trading in second-hand goods and antiques. Now they’d taken on this rural coffee shop, and he was managing a farm.
He patiently taught me practical skills like driving the tractor and how to inject the alpacas or trim their feet. We laughed all the time. I think from the outside we were probably unexpected friends, but we got on brilliantly from the start and even today can talk each other into the ground when we do meet up now and again for a coffee and catch up in town.
What makes him so interesting, I think, is his breadth of life experience. He has seen and done so many things, yet he is unassuming and generous. In all the years I’ve known him, he’s never had a bad word to say about anyone – despite being given cause to do so. He is generous with his time, always sees the best in other people and adores his wife. He genuinely has compelling stories to tell and interesting insights to share, but only with those who bother to take the time to stop and ask.
[ Written by - Lucy Marris: Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]
Sample Answer 3:
One of the most interesting people I’ve ever met is my physics lecturer, Mr. Albert Jonathan. He’s a fascinating mix of contradictions: a man of science who teaches quantum mechanics with absolute clarity, yet someone who still holds on to certain superstitions.
I first met him during my second semester at university, when he walked into class in his usual outdated jacket and worn trousers. To be honest, if you didn’t know him, you might mistake him for a clerk rather than a respected professor. Strangely enough, despite his modest clothes, he always wears very expensive watches and shoes - an odd contrast that makes him stand out.
What I admire most is his teaching style. He has a gift for simplifying complex ideas, often using humour or even ghost stories to keep the class engaged. Outside the classroom, he writes for a science magazine, collects stamps and coins like a child, and owns a huge personal library. But he never lends books to anyone, claiming people rarely return them - which, I have to admit, is probably true.
For me, what makes him truly interesting is this unusual blend of brilliance, eccentricity, and humour. He’s the kind of teacher you don’t just learn from academically, but also remember for life.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you so much for this nice topic that would allow me to talk about a person whom I find interesting. Well, a person who left a lasting impression on me is "Joseph", a classmate I met during my first week at the Australian National University. What makes him interesting is not just his background, but his unconventional way of approaching life.
Joseph comes from India, from a family that converted to Christianity, so he grew up with influences from two different cultures and religions. From the very first day, he struck me as unusual. He arrived late to class, and when I asked why, he didn’t answer. He calmly explained that it wasn’t his fault - the security guard had stopped him for not having an ID card, which hadn’t even been issued yet. That blunt honesty is just who he is.
Life hasn’t been easy for him since he has no relatives in Australia, so he works part-time in a coffee shop. Despite the hard work, he manages to win people over with his humour and quick wit, and he earns quite well from the generous tips he receives.
What I find fascinating is his unconventional habits: he writes exam answers in pencil because it’s “easier to erase mistakes,” and he refuses to use a mobile phone, preferring an old landline instead. He’s usually quiet, but when he does speak, his logic is razor-sharp, and it’s almost impossible to out-argue him.
I think what makes Joseph truly special is that he refuses to conform. He does things his own way, and even if it looks strange to others, he’s completely comfortable with himself. That quality is rare, and it’s why I find him such an interesting person.
Idea generation for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
We all meet people in life who stand out because of their unique personalities, talents, or life stories. This topic asks you to describe an interesting person you know. It encourages you to explain what kind of person he or she is, how you first came across this person, what he/she does professionally or in daily life, and why you personally find him/her so fascinating. To give a nice answer, try to highlight not only their qualities but also how they have influenced you or why they leave a lasting impression. Here are a few ideas to help you build your response:
1. A teacher with unconventional teaching methods:
I know a teacher who uses games, experiments, and real-life examples to make classes engaging. I first met him in high school. He works as a full-time science teacher. I find him interesting because he challenges traditional methods, makes learning fun, and inspires students to think creatively rather than memorise facts.
2. A neighbour who is a traveller:
I met my neighbour when I moved into my new apartment. She works remotely as a freelance graphic designer but spends a lot of time travelling to different countries. She shares fascinating stories and photographs of cultures, food, and traditions. I find her interesting because her life seems adventurous and full of new experiences.
3. A childhood friend who became an entrepreneur:
I grew up with a friend who now runs his own start-up. We first met in primary school, and over the years, I’ve seen his passion for solving problems. Today, he works in the technology sector, building apps for education. He is interesting because he combines creativity with business skills and remains down-to-earth despite his success.
4. A cousin who is a musician:
I first met my cousin, obviously, in family gatherings, but I truly got to know him better when I heard him perform at a local concert. He works as a professional guitarist and also teaches music part-time. I find him interesting because he expresses emotions beautifully through music and inspires others with his dedication to the arts.
5. A colleague with a multi-talented personality:
I met a colleague during my first job, and he amazed me with his ability to balance work with his hobbies. He works in finance but is also a skilled painter and marathon runner. He is interesting because he proves that a busy professional life doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity or health, and he motivates me to manage my time better.
6. A local community leader:
I first met him at a neighbourhood clean-up campaign. He works as a school principal but spends weekends organising social projects. I find him interesting because he genuinely cares about the community and inspires others to take action for social causes without expecting any personal reward.
7. A mentor who overcame challenges:
I was introduced to my mentor through a training program. She now works as a motivational speaker and career coach. What makes her interesting is her story of overcoming financial struggles in her youth and turning them into lessons that help others. Her resilience and wisdom make her unforgettable.
8. A friend with a quirky sense of humour:
I met him at university during a group project. He studies computer science and later became a software developer. I find him interesting because he can turn any stressful moment into laughter with his quick wit, making him the kind of person everyone wants to be around.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an interesting person, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey their personality, your first encounter with them, their profession, and the reasons for their unique appeal. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate their most compelling qualities, from their character to their passions, making your response both descriptive and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Charismatic: – Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
Example: He is a charismatic person who can captivate any audience he speaks to.
Enigmatic: – Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
Example: She is an enigmatic person with a mysterious background that always keeps me curious.
Witty: – Showing or characterised by quick and inventive humour.
Example: I find him so interesting because he is incredibly witty and always has a clever remark.
Eccentric: – (Of a person or their behaviour) unconventional and slightly strange.
Example: She has a wonderfully eccentric personality and is not afraid to be herself.
Well-rounded: – Having a wide range of abilities, interests, and experiences.
Example: He is a well-rounded individual who is knowledgeable about many different topics.
Passionate: – Showing or caused by strong feelings or a strong belief.
Example: Her passion for her work is so infectious and inspiring to everyone around her.
Insightful: – Having or showing an accurate and deep understanding.
Example: She is a very insightful person and can offer a lot of wisdom on various issues.
Mentor: – An experienced and trusted adviser.
Example: He is not just a colleague but has also become a great mentor to me.
Intellectual: – A person possessing a highly developed intellect.
Example: He is a true intellectual who loves to discuss philosophy and history.
Inspiring: – Having the effect of inspiring someone.
Example: Their life story is so inspiring and motivates me to work harder.
Unique: – Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
Example: I think she is so interesting because she has a unique perspective on life.
Diverse interests: – A wide variety of things one is interested in.
Example: I was amazed by his diverse interests, from painting to mountain climbing.
Intriguing: – Arousing one's curiosity or interest; fascinating.
Example: He has an intriguing background that makes you want to know more about him.
Creative: – Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas.
Example: As a musician, she is incredibly creative, and her work is truly original.
Conversationalist: – A person who is good at or enjoys conversation.
Example: He is a wonderful conversationalist who makes every discussion fascinating.
Genuine: – Truly what something is said to be; authentic.
Example: What makes them so interesting is their genuine and honest personality.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an interesting person you know", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting person you have recently met.
2) Describe an adventurous person you know.
3) Describe a person whom you have recently met and liked.
4) Describe a person you know who is very kind.
5) Describe someone you know who does something well.
Report