Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a person in the news you would like to meet - Cue Card # 538
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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 a person in the news whom you would like to meet.
You should say:
- who this person is
- why he/she is in the news
- what you want to say to this person
and explain why you would like to meet this person.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I’m not a big fan of anyone in the news at the moment, but I guess it would be interesting to meet Justin Trudeau, the former prime minister of Canada. He’s often in the news, and I think I would be highly curious to talk to him and learn more about him.
Now, I don’t know that much about him, or even agree with some of the things that he says or does, but he certainly seems to be popular with a section of the population - both in Canada and the rest of the world. But, as a former prime minister of one of the largest countries in the world, many of his policies were popular (and still are) as they aimed to solve many pressing problems. He is in the news because he is still a powerful figure whose opinions are sought after.
Anyway, after meeting this great political personality, I would ask him just one question: why on earth did he want to take on such a difficult role and become the prime minister of Canada when he had all the means and resources at his disposal to enjoy the rest of his life as an actor or teacher!
Many might argue here that a lot of other world leaders also tried to do their best to solve problems, and therefore, there probably isn’t anything much about him that makes him such a sought-after personality in the world news these days. Well, such an argument could be true to some extent, but none of those other leaders has been a teacher, an actor, a nightclub bouncer, a snowboard, a white water rafting instructor, and even a boxer before becoming a prime minister or a president, have they? And precisely because of these reasons, which makes him such a prolific personality, that I want to meet him. I also want to meet him because he believes in true diversity, not to mention what he did to deal with the dangerous climate situation that the world is facing today.
Sample Answer 2:
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to talk about a person who is often in the news and whom I would love to meet.
Well, Mr. Jonathan is a talented author whose recent book, The Amazing Riders, has become a major bestseller. Although I had lived in the same locality as him for some time, I wasn’t aware of his writing skills until his book gained immense popularity. Now, he frequently appears in the media, and his name is being mentioned in newspapers, magazines, and news reports. His sudden rise to fame has piqued my interest, and I’m eager to learn more about him, both as a writer and as a person.
Mr. Jonathan has been in the news due to the massive success of his book The Amazing Riders, which has captivated readers worldwide. The book’s unique storylines, engaging characters, and vivid imagery have drawn widespread attention. As a result, various media outlets have interviewed him, and many local and national publications have covered his rise to fame. The book’s success has made him a household name in contemporary literature, and his reputation continues to soar.
If I had the chance to meet Mr. Jonathan, I would be very curious to ask him about his creative process. I would begin by asking about the inspiration behind his story plots, as they are both original and thought-provoking. I would love to know how he develops such compelling characters and intricate storylines that capture the reader’s attention from start to finish.
I would like to meet Mr. Jonathan because I admire his writing style and the impact his book has had on readers. His ability to create vivid, relatable stories that resonate with people is something I deeply respect. As a reader, I have become an avid fan of his work, and I would love to learn about the inspiration that drives his creativity. The way he brings his stories to life, allowing readers to feel as though they are experiencing the events firsthand, is something I find incredibly impressive. I believe that meeting him would not only provide insight into his writing process but also serve as an opportunity to learn valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and success.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a person currently in the news whom you would like to meet. To make your answer great, mention who the person is, why they are appearing in the media, what you would say or ask if you met them, and why they interest or inspire you. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. Malala Yousafzai (Pakistan):
Malala is in the news for her continuous advocacy for girls' education and her work with the Malala Fund. I would love to meet her and thank her for being such a courageous voice for millions of girls. I’d also like to ask how she stays strong despite all the challenges she faced. Her bravery, wisdom, and activism at such a young age deeply inspire me.
2. Elon Musk (USA):
Elon Musk frequently appears in the news for developments related to Tesla, SpaceX, and AI. I would like to meet him to ask about his vision for the future of space travel and sustainable technology. I admire his innovative thinking, risk-taking spirit, and bold approach to solving global problems.
3. Jacinda Ardern (New Zealand):
Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been in the news for her graceful leadership and approach to political life after stepping down. I would love to talk to her about her values, leadership challenges, and her views on balancing power with empathy. She inspires me with her compassion, clarity, and calmness under pressure.
4. Lionel Messi (Argentina):
Messi has been in the news recently due to his transfer to Inter Miami and his continued success in football. I would love to meet him to express how much I admire his sportsmanship and humility. I'd ask about his journey from a young player in Rosario to a global legend. His dedication and passion for the sport are truly remarkable.
5. Greta Thunberg (Sweden):
Greta Thunberg is frequently in the news for her climate activism and speeches at international summits. I would like to meet her to learn more about how she began her activism and how young people can contribute to environmental change. I admire her fearlessness and commitment to the planet.
6. Professor Muhammad Yunus (Bangladesh):
Professor Yunus is back in the news for his contributions to social business and recent legal developments related to his microfinance work. I would like to meet him to learn more about how he founded Grameen Bank and helped lift millions out of poverty. I admire his innovative thinking and commitment to social causes.
7. Novak Djokovic (Serbia):
Djokovic is often in the news due to his tennis achievements and record-breaking titles. I would love to meet him and ask how he handles pressure and stays focused during tough matches. His resilience, discipline, and commitment to excellence make him someone I truly admire.
8. Emma Watson (UK):
Emma Watson has been in the news recently for her activism related to gender equality and her literary ventures. I’d love to meet her to talk about her work with the UN and how she balances her career with activism. Her intelligence, authenticity, and social impact inspire me a lot.
9. Dr. Devi Shetty (India):
Dr. Devi Shetty is often featured in the news for his work in affordable healthcare in India through Narayana Health. I’d like to meet him to understand his vision for low-cost medical services. His dedication to saving lives and healthcare reform is incredibly inspiring.
10. BTS (South Korea):
The members of BTS are frequently in the news for their global influence in music and philanthropy. I would like to meet them to discuss how they use their platform for mental health awareness and youth empowerment. I admire their unity, creativity, and humility despite their global fame.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a newsmaker you'd like to meet, using impactful vocabulary can effectively convey their significance, your reasons for admiration, and the potential for a meaningful interaction. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate their influence and your personal motivations, making your response both compelling and insightful. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Visionary: – A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
Example: He's a true visionary, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology.
Philanthropist: – A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.
Example: Her work as a philanthropist has transformed countless lives.
Catalyst: – A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: Her discoveries have been a catalyst for significant advancements in medicine.
Groundbreaking achievements: – Revolutionary or highly innovative accomplishments.
Example: I'd love to discuss her groundbreaking achievements in sustainable energy.
Inspiring resilience: – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties, in a way that motivates others.
Example: Her story of overcoming adversity shows truly inspiring resilience.
A voice for the voiceless: – Someone who speaks on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves or whose opinions are not heard.
Example: He has become a powerful voice for the voiceless, advocating for human rights.
Trailblazer in their field: – A person who is the first to do something or go somewhere, thus opening a path for others.
Example: She is undoubtedly a trailblazer in her field, breaking new ground.
Intellectual curiosity: – A strong desire to know or learn things.
Example: I admire his profound intellectual curiosity and dedication to learning.
Left an indelible mark: – Made a permanent or lasting impression.
Example: Their work has left an indelible mark on society.
Gained global recognition: – Achieved widespread acknowledgement or fame worldwide.
Example: Her efforts have gained global recognition and praise.
Empowering message: – A communication that makes one feel stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life.
Example: I'm drawn to their empowering message of self-belief and perseverance.
Pioneering spirit: – An adventurous and innovative attitude or disposition.
Example: Their pioneering spirit has led to breakthroughs that benefit humanity.
Driven by conviction: – Motivated by a strong belief or opinion.
Example: It's clear that their actions are driven by deep conviction, not just personal gain.
A true embodiment of: – A perfect example or representation of a quality or idea.
Example: He is a true embodiment of dedication and selfless service.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a person in the news whom you would like to meet", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
2) Describe a well-known person you like to admire.
3) Describe someone you like or admire.
4) Describe a writer you would like to meet.
5) Describe a famous celebrity you admire.
6) Describe someone whom you follow on social media.
7) Describe a famous business person from your country.
8) Describe someone you know who is very famous.
9) Describe someone you know who does something well.
10) Describe a famous person in your country who has won a prize.
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