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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

Describe a historical figure.

You should say:

• who he/she is
• why he/she is famous
• Do you like him/her or not? Why?

And briefly explain his/her life.

Model Answer 1:
One of the historical figures that I admire the most would be Thomas Alva Edison. He was an American Inventors who lived at the end of the eighteenth century. It is said that Edison was one of the greatest inventors in the world, as he had found more than 1000 inventions during his time.
 
One of his greatest inventions would be the bulb light that we still use until today. In his biography, it was told that he had done almost 1000 experiences for the light and almost failed. But due to his persistence and strong determination, he finally found the bulb light. He was also the co-founder of the giant multinational company, General electric, which still exist until today. But the Company has transformed into a high-tech company which sells various kinds of products these days.  
 
I personally like Edison, because of his great determination. During his time, scientists had limited equipment, as there was no computer, no calculator and people have limited access to the library.  But with that limitation, he never complained and gave up and continued to make some experiments. His story has motivated so many people all over the world and I believe that we should continue to pass the story to the young generation.
 
One of the fascinating things about Edison's life would be when he was a child. He was dropped out from school because his teacher believed that he was too stupid to learn. But thankfully he had a kind and loving mother who never gave up on him. She became Edison's teacher who always supported him in every situation. And in the end, Edison became one of the greatest inventors in history.

Sample Answer 2: 
The United States of America is a land of historical events. Besides, the country is also famous for some of its heroic sons. Abraham Lincoln is one of them. I am really glad that I got the opportunity to talk about him for the next few minutes. 

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the USA. During his reign, the situations were unusual. The country went under some serious critical moments and the Civil War was one of them. Besides, there were some political and constitutional crises as well. But Lincoln controlled the situations in an efficient manner. It is Abraham Lincoln who abolished the slavery. Before the abolition of this system, racism was at its peak. Lincoln also did some other notable activities. He is the man who also made the federal government system stronger. The modern economy actually started its journey with the association of this President. In fact, many of the facilities we are enjoying today are the gift of this smart man.  

Abraham Lincoln is famous for some specific reasons. First of all, he brought some positive changes in the society and as a direct consequence, we are enjoying the greatest benefits. He abolished slavery permanently from the country and ensured equal rights for all. He also reigned during the bloodiest war in the country. In fact, the Civil War was the most serious war in the history of the USA so far. People still remember him for his concepts to create a modern economy. Moral degradation was an important aspect in the then time. He ruled over the degradation. He also played role in the structural development of the country, established railroads, banks etc. He is also famous for his Gettysburg Address which is also quoted even in the present days. He wanted to unite the nation by all possible means and he was successful.       

Yes, I like him much. He is a historical figure in the history of the USA. He served the country as a great guardian and wanted to improve the existing norms and rules. Accordingly, a good number of changes took place in the country and we are bearing the legacy in the present days. It is really a matter of courage indeed to rule a nation during a bloody war and provide the right directives, working amid internal crisis and more. He also supervised and set strategies during the war so that the losses are minimal. All of his attempts were humane and he dreamt of a modern America. He emancipated the slavery in the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution for the USA. In fact, this the greatest tasks he has ever done and for this reason, a majority of the US citizens like me hail him.    

The great figure in the history of the USA, Abraham Lincoln, was born in Kentucky in 1809. He had his schooling in Kentucky and Indiana but could not attend college for some issues. He moved to different states and worked as different professionals. He was popular among his fellowmen for his improved character, ethical feature etc. He ran for several terms to be a member of Illinois legislature and became a member of Whig Party. He also turned into Republican, studied law during his leisure hours and became a lawyer as well. After his tenure ended as a United State House of Representatives, he started his law practice. He became the 16th President of the country in 1861. He was assassinated, in fact, shot in the head on April 14, 1865, and breathed his last on the next day. This was the first assassination in the history of the USA.

Similar Cue Card Topics:

Your ability to talk about this Cue Card would enable you to talk about the following Cue Cards as well:

1. Describe a scientist you know about.
2. Describe an inventor from your country.
3. Describe a famous person you know.
4. Describe someone you admire.
5. Describe a person from the history.
6. Describe a talented person you know about.

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