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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 character or a person who was your childhood hero.

You should say:

• who he/she was
• whether he/she is still your hero
• why you considered him/her your childhood hero

and explain what his/her influences were on you as a child.

[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:

In my childhood, when I began high school, my parents encouraged me to become a doctor and serve people, especially the poor and needy.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t fulfil the wish of my parents for some reason.  But since then, I've always held a very high level of admiration for all kinds of doctors, one of whom eventually became my childhood hero in the subsequent years.

His name was Mr Golam Maola.  I met this gentleman for the first time in my early childhood when my father, along with me, took my terminally ill grandfather about 30 years ago.  But, before taking my ailing grandfather to him, we had already taken him to several other doctors, but none of them wanted to take any risk with his surgery, because apparently, my grandfather was seriously ill.

By the way, Mr Golam Maola, a very eminent doctor and surgeon back then, used to live in my very own city, and so, we had already heard a lot about his success stories.  So, when the slim but old doctor, in his late 60s, agreed to operate on my grandfather, we knew that there was a little ray of hope as far as the question of my grandfather’s survival was concerned. And the expert doctor, considered to be one of the best surgeons in South Asia back then, didn’t disappoint us, as my grandfather had survived that time. Anyway, it was after that positive and pleasing experience that this eminent doctor and surgeon became my childhood hero and remained so for a long time.

Mr Golam Maola is no more with us, nor is he my hero anymore, but it was because of his success and fame that I started to study harder in order to become a successful medical surgeon just like him.  Besides, it was because of his influence that I became a volunteer at a non-profit, charitable organisation which used to raise funds to help poor patients with no money or support in my hometown.

Model Answer 2: 

Thank you so much for this lovely topic. Honestly, when I think about someone who was truly my hero during childhood, the first person that comes to mind is my father.

He wasn’t someone famous or in the spotlight, but to me, he was everything a hero should be. Calm, wise, and hardworking, he always seemed to have the answer to every problem I had. Whether it was helping me with schoolwork, fixing something around the house, or just giving good advice, he was always there.

And yes, he’s still my hero today. Even though I’ve grown up and developed my own ideas and opinions, my respect and admiration for him have only increased over time. The way he handled challenges in life with quiet strength and dignity has left a deep impression on me. 

As a child, I looked up to him mainly because of the way he carried himself. He never raised his voice, but somehow, people listened when he spoke. He taught me the importance of honesty, kindness, and discipline, not just through words, but through actions. I remember one time I messed up badly in school and expected to be scolded. But instead, he sat me down and calmly explained the consequences of my actions. That moment shaped the way I deal with mistakes even now.

His influence was huge in my early years. Because of him, I learned how to stay calm under pressure, how to treat others with respect, and how to stay focused on my goals. I still try to follow those principles every day.

Sample Answer 3:

I used to watch a television series called "George Shrinks" in my childhood, and it had a great impression on me back then. George, the little hero in this series, became my real-life model and a hero. This is an interesting cue card task for me, and it reminds me of my childhood. The remaining answers are here.

George, in the TV series, was a little boy, but his life was filled with adventures and excitement that I really enjoyed watching and thinking about. He moved from one place to another with the car that his father invented. Interestingly, the Zooper car - the car that his father made for him -  could take on different shapes, like a submarine or a helicopter, and the activities he took part in were really amazing.

George was my hero for his adventurous nature and the things that he used to do. In my childhood, I was a young girl who also wanted to have fun and take part in different outdoor activities, but I had a medical condition. Unfortunately, I did not have many opportunities to go out and take part in outdoor activities and exciting adventures like George. My parents did not allow me to get out of the home, fearing that it might harm me. So, naturally, I had a craving to go out, be in the open places, and have fun. George, in a way, was my sanctuary, who did all the things that I wanted to do.  

No, I do not consider George a hero anymore. In fact, I have become mature, and the idea of a hero in life has changed. The things George took part in were suitable for children, and as an adult, they do not attract me anymore. My taste and perspective have changed. However, I still cherish my days when I thought about all his adventures.

George was a little boy who inspired me as a child. I used to imagine all the adventurous activities he did in the TV show, and I imagined doing them all. This helped me cope with the depression I had as a child. I also looked forward to seeing this show and anticipating what he would do next. This, in a way, made me happy. So, you can understand how his influences helped me in my childhood.  

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe someone you considered a hero during your childhood. It can be a real person such as a teacher or a celebrity, or a fictional character from a book, movie, or cartoon. You are expected to explain who the person was, why you looked up to them, whether you still admire them, and how they influenced you. Here are 10 ideas with specific names and details:

1. Harry Potter:
I was a huge fan of Harry Potter growing up. I admired his bravery, loyalty, and ability to face danger even when he was afraid. I read all the books and watched the movies multiple times. Although I now understand that real life isn’t like fiction, I still carry the values of courage and friendship that Harry represented. He encouraged me to be bold and stand up for others in school.

2. Lionel Messi:
During my childhood, I idolised Lionel Messi. Despite being shorter than most players and facing challenges like a growth hormone deficiency, he became one of the greatest footballers in history. I admired his humility, consistency, and incredible skill on the field. Even now, he remains an inspiration for his discipline and passion. He motivated me to never give up, especially during sports competitions in school.

3. Hermione Granger:
Hermione was a big influence on me as a child. I admired her intelligence, quick thinking, and strong sense of justice. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or stand up for others, which really inspired me. I related to her love of reading and always tried to do my best in school because of her. She taught me that being smart and curious is something to be proud of.

4. Mahatma Gandhi:
I learned about Mahatma Gandhi in school and admired his principles of non-violence and truth. Even though he wasn’t alive when I was growing up, his story made a lasting impression. I saw him as someone who used peace to fight injustice, which was very different from the usual hero image. He made me reflect on how one can bring change through words and actions, not violence.

5. Ash Ketchum from “Pokémon”:
Ash Ketchum was my childhood hero because of his determination to become a Pokémon Master. I loved how he never gave up, even after losing battles. He treated his Pokémon with love and always helped his friends. Watching his journey taught me resilience and made me believe that hard work eventually leads to success. I also started collecting Pokémon cards and imagined going on adventures like him.

6. Spider-Man:
Spider-Man was my absolute favourite superhero growing up. I was drawn to his famous line, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Unlike other heroes, Peter Parker was a regular guy with real problems, like school stress and financial issues, which made him relatable. He inspired me to be responsible and think about others, even when things got tough in my own life.

7. Mother Teresa:
I learned about Mother Teresa from a documentary we watched in school. Her life of compassion and service deeply moved me. I saw her as a true hero because she dedicated herself to helping the poor and sick without expecting anything in return. Even as a child, I felt that kindness and empathy were heroic traits, and I tried to follow her example by volunteering at local events.

8. Naruto Uzumaki:
Naruto was a huge influence on me. As a child, I loved his energy, optimism, and refusal to give up despite being treated badly by others. I used to watch every episode and imagine myself training like him. His story of perseverance and belief in himself motivated me to keep going when I struggled in school or with friendships. He also taught me the value of loyalty and dreams.

9. My grandfather:
As a child, I always saw my grandfather as a hero. He was wise, patient, and had countless stories about life and struggles. He taught me how to ride a bicycle and helped me with my homework. I admired how he never lost his temper and always put the family first. Although I’ve grown older, the lessons he taught me still guide my behaviour and values today.

10. Doraemon:
Doraemon was my childhood hero because of his futuristic gadgets and caring personality. As a robotic cat from the future, he always came to the rescue of his friend Nobita, helping him solve problems at school and home. I found it fascinating how he used creativity and technology to make everyday life easier. His character taught me the value of friendship, problem-solving, and thinking outside the box. 

11. Nelson Mandela:
Even as a child, I was deeply moved by the story of Nelson Mandela. Learning about his long imprisonment and eventual role in ending apartheid made me admire his resilience and sense of justice. He became a symbol of forgiveness and leadership for me. His story encouraged me to always value fairness and equality, even when it’s difficult, and to believe that patience and perseverance can bring about change. 

12. Sailor Moon (Usagi Tsukino):
I admired Sailor Moon for her bravery and kindness. Though clumsy and emotional, she always stood up for what was right and protected her friends. I connected with her struggles and found hope in her ability to grow stronger with time. She made me believe that even ordinary people could become heroes if they fought for love and justice. Watching her gave me confidence and helped shape my sense of right and wrong. 

13. Sherlock Holmes:
As a book-loving child, I found Sherlock Holmes fascinating. His brilliant mind, sharp observational skills, and logical reasoning made him a unique hero. I enjoyed solving mysteries with him and even tried to mimic his methods in real life. He inspired my love for puzzles, analysis, and detail-oriented thinking. His influence stayed with me throughout school, especially in subjects like science and literature. 

14. Moana:
Moana became my hero because she dared to follow her dreams and challenge tradition to save her people. Her adventurous spirit and sense of responsibility struck a chord with me. She wasn’t a typical princess - she was a leader who overcame fear and uncertainty. Her story helped me realise the importance of listening to my inner voice and standing firm in the face of doubt.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a childhood hero, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey who they were, why they were so important to you, and the lasting influence they had on your life. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate their admirable qualities, the lessons you learned, and the reasons they continue to hold a special place in your memory, making your response both personal and inspiring. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Role model: – A person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Example: My grandfather was my role model, teaching me the importance of hard work and integrity.

Inspirational figure: – A person who provides a feeling of encouragement or motivation to others.
Example: The main character in that book was an inspirational figure who always fought for what was right.

Idolize: – To admire, revere, or love greatly or excessively.
Example: As a child, I would idolize the athletes I saw on television.

Unwavering: – Steady and resolute; not wavering.
Example: His unwavering courage in the face of danger was what I admired most.

Integrity: – The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Example: She was a hero to me because of her integrity and commitment to the truth.

Emulate: – To match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
Example: I always tried to emulate her kindness and compassion towards others.

Formative years: – A period of a person's life, usually childhood, during which their character and abilities are developed.
Example: His guidance had a profound impact on me during my formative years.

Values: – A person's principles or standards of behavior; one's judgment of what is important in life.
Example: My hero taught me the importance of humility and standing up for my values.

Aspiration: – A hope or ambition of achieving something.
Example: My aspiration to become a teacher was largely inspired by my childhood hero.

Influence: – The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Example: His influence on me as a child was immense and continues to this day.

Courageous: – Not deterred by danger or pain; brave.
Example: The hero's courageous acts in the story left a lasting impression on me.

Compassionate: – Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: It wasn't just his strength, but his compassionate nature that made him my hero.

Legacy: – Something left or handed down by a predecessor.
Example: The legacy of my childhood hero continues to inspire people around the world.

Uplifting: – Morally or spiritually elevating; inspiring happiness or hope.
Example: His story was incredibly uplifting and made me believe in the power of good.

Guiding principle: – A fundamental belief or rule that influences one's actions or behavior.
Example: The lessons I learned from him became a guiding principle in my life.

Admiration: – Respect and warm approval.
Example: I hold a deep admiration for his kindness and resilience. 

Your preparation for the cue card topic - "Describe a character or a person who was your childhood hero" would help you to talk about the following topics as well:

1. Describe a person you really admired in your childhood.
2. Describe a character from a book or movie you can remember.
3. Describe someone you followed in your childhood.
4. Describe a person who has had a great influence on you.
5. Describe a person you always wanted to become.
6. Describe a character from a story, film or TV programme that you like.
7. Describe a well-known person you like or admire.
8. Describe a person who has influenced you to do better in your life.

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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