IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe someone who influenced you when you were a child.
You should say:
- who the person was
- what kind of person he/she was
- what your relationship was like with this person
and explain how he/she influenced you when you were 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 are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for giving me this interesting topic to talk about. For this topic, I’d like to speak about someone who had a real impact on me during my childhood. She is none other than a teacher from my elementary school.
Who the person was:
The name of this teacher was Mrs. Emma, and she was my English teacher when I was around eight years old. In my mind, she wasn’t just another teacher; rather, she was the kind of person whose presence you remember long after you leave the classroom. I still like her a lot and she is one of the best teachers I have ever met in my life.
What kind of person he/she was:
She was warm but firm, incredibly patient, and genuinely passionate about teaching young children. I really liked the way she taught us in the classroom and how she always encouraged us to study more attentively. She had this rare ability to make every student feel special, at least my classmates and I felt that way! Instead of raising her voice, she motivated us with encouragement, and somehow, that made us want to work harder. She also had a great sense of humour, which made her classes feel more like storytelling sessions than lessons.
What your relationship was like with this person:
My relationship with her was built on trust and admiration. I was a bit shy back then, especially when it came to reading aloud, but she always made sure I felt comfortable. She often stayed back after class just to help me practise or to discuss the stories we were reading. That small extra attention made me feel understood and supported.
How he/she influenced you when you were a child:
She influenced me in a way that shaped much of who I am today. She helped me fall in love with reading and storytelling, which later improved my communication skills and confidence. More importantly, she taught me that kindness and patience can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Even as a child, I sensed that her belief in me pushed me to believe in myself. Looking back, I honestly think she played a major role in helping me become more expressive, curious, and confident. So, that’s the teacher who influenced me deeply during my childhood.
Sample Answer 2:
Thank you so much for giving me this great opportunity to talk about someone who has had a great influence on me as a child. Here, I’d like to talk about someone who shaped a huge part of my childhood. She is none other than my grandmother.
She was one of those people who didn’t need to raise their voice to be heard. She had this quiet strength about her, the kind that made you feel safe just by being around her. She was warm, incredibly patient, and she had a sense of humour that came out of nowhere and caught you off guard. Even though she didn’t have a fancy education, her wisdom honestly outclassed most people I’ve met in my adult life.
My relationship with her was really close. As a child, I spent a lot of time at her house, and she somehow managed to turn the simplest moments into lessons without making them feel like lectures. Whether we were peeling fruits together or she was telling me stories before bed, she always made me feel seen and valued. She treated me like a little adult, and that did wonders for my confidence.
The way she influenced me was pretty profound. She taught me how to stay calm in difficult situations, mostly through her own example. I remember once I broke a vase and was terrified of getting in trouble, but she just sighed, gave me a little smile, and said, “It’s alright, accidents don’t define people, their reactions do.” That line stuck with me. Even today, whenever life throws something messy at me, that moment pops back into my mind.
She also encouraged me to be curious. If I asked her a question, she never brushed it off. Rather, she always found a way to help me explore the answer. I think that’s one of the reasons I grew up loving to learn and never feeling embarrassed about not knowing something.
Overall, her influence shaped the way I deal with people, the way I handle stress, and even the way I think about growth and mistakes. To be honest, a lot of who I am today started with those small, quiet lessons she taught me when I was a child.
Idea generation for this candidate task card/ cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe someone who had a strong influence on you during your childhood. You should explain who the person was, what kind of character they had, what your relationship with them was like, and how their actions or personality shaped you in some meaningful way. To make your answer great, focus on vivid childhood memories, specific traits that inspired you, and small moments that had a big impact.
Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
Idea 1: A caring grandmother:
I would like to talk about my grandmother, who was calm, wise, and endlessly patient. I spent a huge part of my childhood with her, and our relationship felt more like best friends than different generations. She influenced me through the gentle way she handled every problem, even when I made mistakes. Her quiet confidence taught me to think before reacting, and her warm personality shaped how I treat people today.
Idea 2: An elementary school teacher:
I would like to describe a teacher from my early school years, someone who was energetic and genuinely passionate about teaching. I admired his ability to explain complicated ideas without making them feel scary. Our relationship was built on trust because he always encouraged me to ask questions. His teaching style influenced me by making learning enjoyable, and it pushed me to stay curious about the world long after primary school.
Idea 3: An older cousin who inspired confidence:
I would like to talk about an older cousin who had a bold, outgoing personality that I admired. We spent countless afternoons together, and he always treated me like an equal rather than a younger kid. Because of his encouragement, I started trying things I was normally too shy to do. His confidence rubbed off on me, helping me develop a stronger personality and believe in myself more.
Idea 4: A neighbour:
I want to describe a neighbour who was kind-hearted, dependable, and always ready to help others. I visited her house almost every day after school, and she often helped me with homework or taught me small life skills. She influenced me through her generosity and the way she welcomed everyone with genuine warmth. Those everyday interactions helped me understand the value of kindness and community.
Idea 5: A sports coach who taught discipline:
I want to talk about a childhood sports coach who was strict but fair, and who believed that discipline mattered more than talent. Although I sometimes found his training methods challenging, I respected him deeply. Our relationship became strong because he pushed me without ever discouraging me. He influenced me by teaching the importance of effort, consistency, and staying focused even when something feels tough.
Idea 6: A childhood friend:
I’d like to describe a childhood friend who had a cheerful, honest personality and who always stood by me. We were inseparable for years, and I could trust him with anything. He influenced me through his loyalty, especially during moments when other kids weren’t very kind. That friendship taught me the value of standing up for people you care about and being reliable in return.
Idea 7: A family friend:
I would be interested to talk about a family friend who was artistic and full of imaginative ideas. She often showed me her drawings or handmade crafts, and she encouraged me to try creating my own. Our relationship felt like mentorship mixed with friendship. She influenced me by helping me discover a creative side I didn’t know I had, and her support made me more confident in expressing myself creatively.
Idea 8: A religious mentor:
I want to describe a mentor who was gentle, thoughtful, and deeply respected in the community. Even as a child, I felt comfortable around him, and he always explained life lessons in a simple way that I could understand. He influenced me by helping me form my moral values and showing me how important it is to treat people with respect and fairness.
Idea 9: A nanny:
Here, I’d like to describe a nanny who was calm, understanding, and incredibly patient. She spent hours listening to my childhood stories and helping me navigate small problems. I always felt safe and understood around her. She influenced me through her nurturing behaviour, teaching me empathy and showing me the power of treating people gently, especially during stressful moments.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing someone who influenced your childhood, it helps to use vocabulary that expresses personality traits, emotional connection, guidance, and long-term impact. Using well-chosen words allows you to explain how this person shaped your character, values, and mindset clearly and compellingly. Below, you will find a list of useful terms and phrases that can strengthen your explanation.
Formative influence: A person or factor that plays a crucial role in shaping someone’s early development.
Example: My grandmother was a major formative influence, especially in teaching me patience and kindness.
Role model: Someone whose behaviour or qualities are admired and imitated.
Example: My teacher became a role model because of her integrity and gentle approach to discipline.
Nurturing personality: A caring and supportive nature that helps others grow.
Example: My aunt had a nurturing personality that made me feel valued and understood during my childhood.
Moral support: Emotional encouragement given to someone facing difficulties.
Example: My brother always offered moral support whenever I struggled with schoolwork.
Compassionate disposition: A natural tendency to show kindness and empathy toward others.
Example: Her compassionate disposition inspired me to treat people with more sensitivity.
Unwavering guidance: Consistent and reliable advice or direction.
Example: His unwavering guidance helped me develop confidence in my decisions.
Instilled values: Taught or reinforced morals, principles, or beliefs.
Example: She instilled values like honesty and perseverance through her everyday actions.
Inspirational figure: Someone who motivates and encourages personal growth.
Example: My neighbour was an inspirational figure because she constantly encouraged me to explore new ideas
Behavioural imprint: A lasting impact on someone’s mannerisms or behaviour.
Example: His calm way of dealing with stress left a behavioural imprint on me that I still carry today.
Mentorship: Guidance provided by a more experienced or knowledgeable person.
Example: Her mentorship during my early school years helped me develop a love for learning.
Psychological reassurance: Comfort that reduces anxiety or insecurity.
Example: His psychological reassurance helped me overcome my fear of speaking in front of others.
Intergenerational wisdom: Knowledge or insight passed down from older generations.
Example: My grandfather often shared intergenerational wisdom that shaped my understanding of life.
Character shaping: The process of developing or influencing someone’s personality and behaviour.
Example: Her discipline and encouragement played a major role in shaping my character.
Enduring bond: A long-lasting emotional connection between two people.
Example: We shared an enduring bond because she was always present during my formative years.
Foundational lessons: Important teachings that form the basis of someone’s thinking or behaviour.
Example: He taught me foundational lessons about respecting others and staying true to myself.
Profound personal impact: A deeply significant influence on someone’s life or development.
Example: Her kindness and wisdom had a profound personal impact that still guides me today.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe someone who influenced you when you were a child”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a person who has influenced you to do better in your life.
2) Describe someone who has had an important influence on your life.
3) Describe someone in your family whom you like/ admire.
4) Describe a teacher who has influenced you in your education.
5) Describe a friend of your family you remember from your childhood.