Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe someone you know who does something well - Cue Card # 585
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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 someone you know who does something well.
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know this person
- what he/she does well
and explain why you think this person is so good at doing this.
[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 am lucky to have some great people in my circle of friends and acquaintances who are successful both in their personal and professional lives. Some of them even take pride in their work since they do them (their work) really well, and I am going to share the story of one such person, whom I have known for a long time.
This person is none other than the father of one of my high school friends whom I have known for more than 10 years. The person, I am talking about, is a “Tailor” or a “Dressmaker” by profession. He runs his tailor shop at a very prime location in our hometown, and as far as I remember, I have never seen a dull moment at his shop because people from all over the town visit his shop to get their dresses made just the way they prefer.
Initially, I thought that most people visit his shop to make their dresses because he would charge them less money for making them, but I was later proved to be wrong when I found out that they visit him also because he is really good at his work. Of course, one of the great characteristics of this person is that he personally gets involved with every detail of the work of his employees and subordinates so that there is no room for errors. Besides, I have seldom seen him miss his work except when he is really sick. In fact, I have found him to be working even on public holidays sometimes.
Anyway, I think that this person is really good at doing what he does, mainly because I have never heard any complaints from any of his customers about his quality of work. Besides, the fact that so many people from in and outside of our city visit him on a daily basis to get all kinds of dresses done, be they for males, females, children or professionals, goes to prove the fact that he is really good at his tailoring job.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I know a person who is exceptionally good at cooking. His name is Jack, and I have known him for almost 5 years now. I met him through a mutual friend, and since then, we have become good friends. Here, I would like to talk about Jack and his cooking skills.
Who this person is:
As mentioned earlier, Jack is a friend of mine whom I have known for almost 5 years now. He is a professional chef and runs his restaurant in the city. Jack is passionate about cooking, and he is always exploring new recipes and techniques to enhance his cooking skills.
How you know this person:
I got to know Jack through a mutual friend. Initially, we used to meet at parties and get-togethers, but over time we became good friends. We share a common interest in cooking and often discuss new recipes and cooking techniques.
What he/she does well:
Jack is an expert in cooking different types of cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, Mexican, and Indian. He can cook anything from simple comfort food to complex dishes with intricate flavours. Jack's dishes are not only delicious but also visually appealing. He pays attention to every detail, from the presentation of the dish to the taste, and this makes his cooking stand out.
And explain why you think this person is so good at doing this:
In my opinion, Jack's passion for cooking is what makes him so good at what he does. He enjoys every aspect of cooking, from selecting ingredients to presenting the final dish. Jack is always experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique flavours. He has also undergone formal training in cooking, which has helped him master the technical aspects of cooking. Jack's creativity, passion, and skill make him stand out as an exceptional cook.
Sample Answer 3:
I’m really glad to have been given the opportunity to talk about someone who truly excels in her field. Her name is Ms Nefertiti, and she teaches art and painting at a local school in Alexandria, which happens to be the same school where my son studies. She’s not just a teacher — she’s a passionate and incredibly talented artist whose creativity seems to flow effortlessly onto the canvas.
I first met Ms Nefertiti during a parent-teacher meeting at my son Ubaid’s school. She had requested to speak with me personally about his progress. To my surprise, she shared how impressed she was with his artistic potential. In her words, “Your son paints with his heart, not just his hands. He doesn’t copy — he creates.” That conversation stayed with me, not only because of what she said about my child but because of the way she spoke about art itself — with so much love and depth.
Ms Nefertiti is particularly gifted in painting contemporary subjects. She brings current events to life through striking images and symbolic colours. In fact, she also contributes political cartoons to a local newspaper, which shows just how versatile and socially aware she is as an artist. I’ve had the chance to see some of her paintings during a local exhibition she hosted, and I was absolutely blown away. Each piece told a story — whether it was about social issues, human emotions, or cultural identity — and the way she conveys meaning through abstract visuals is simply remarkable.
She completed her postgraduate studies in art in Paris, and since returning to Egypt, she has been devoted to sharing her knowledge and creativity with young learners. What makes her stand out is not just her technical skill, but her ability to imagine and visualise concepts in a way that few others can. Her art is expressive, thought-provoking, and beautifully composed. I think Ms Nefertiti is exceptional at what she does. She inspires others, nurtures young talent, and uses her gift to reflect on the world around her.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
When preparing for this topic, think of people you personally know — friends, colleagues, teachers, or relatives — who are skilled or talented in something. Below are some ideas you can develop into a complete answer. Each idea also covers the key prompts of the cue card to make it easier for you to expand:
1. My cousin Lina, the digital artist:
I know Lina from my childhood — we grew up together. She is an exceptional digital illustrator and graphic designer. Her artworks often go viral on social media and she's been hired by clients worldwide. I admire her attention to detail and how effortlessly she combines colours and emotions in her digital artwork.
2. My friend Omar, the public speaker:
I met Omar at my university during a debate competition. He speaks confidently and engages the audience like a professional. He often leads workshops and seminars. His ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively is something I truly admire.
3. My aunt, the baker:
She lives in the same neighbourhood and has been baking for over 15 years. Her cakes and pastries are well known in our town. She’s meticulous in her process and always comes up with new recipes. Her passion and consistency make her baking truly outstanding.
4. My neighbour, the gardener:
Mr. Haruto is a retired teacher who now spends most of his time gardening. I know him because we often chat over the garden fence. His garden is a local attraction, filled with vibrant flowers and exotic plants. His patience and love for nature are what make his work so admirable.
5. My elder brother, the software developer:
He works in a tech company and builds apps and platforms for clients. I’ve watched him work long hours to debug and code, and he’s always focused. He explains complex ideas in simple terms and has a very analytical mind. I believe his creativity and discipline make him truly great at what he does.
6. My piano teacher, Ms. Anna:
She taught me how to play piano when I was a teenager. She has a calming presence and a deep knowledge of music. Her ability to teach even the most difficult pieces with patience makes her an excellent teacher. She truly inspires her students.
7. My colleague, the event planner:
We work together at an NGO and she’s in charge of organising conferences and charity events. I’ve seen her manage chaotic situations with grace and always deliver a flawless event. Her organisational and communication skills are exceptional.
8. My classmate, the photographer:
I know Daniel from my media studies course. He captures stunning portraits and landscapes and has won several awards. He has a great eye for detail and storytelling through images. I think his passion and dedication to photography make him stand out.
9. My sister, the teacher:
She teaches primary school students and has a unique way of connecting with children. I’ve observed her plan interactive lessons and solve conflicts calmly. Her empathy and teaching approach make her truly special at what she does.
10. My uncle, the mechanic:
He runs a small auto repair shop and is known in the community for being honest and skilled. I’ve seen him fix difficult engine problems quickly. His knowledge, experience, and problem-solving skills are why I think he does his job exceptionally well.
More Ideas to help you prepare your own answer:
Cue Card Topic: Describe someone you know who does something well.
1. Mr Robert – A Neighbour with Excellent Decision-Making Skills:
Mr Robert is my middle-aged neighbour here in London. Shortly after I moved into my new apartment, I hosted a small get-together to meet the people living nearby, and that’s when I met him. What struck me about Mr Robert was his exceptional decision-making ability, something I find rare these days. He always seems to make the right call, even under pressure. I believe his years of travelling and working abroad have given him the insight and confidence to handle complex situations wisely. His stories are just as fascinating as his wisdom.
2. Samuel – The Math Genius I Met at University:
Meeting Samuel felt like fate. I was struggling with a complex maths problem during my first year at a university in San Francisco when he unexpectedly offered to help. To my surprise, he solved it within minutes. Samuel has an extraordinary talent for mathematics—he can work through problems most people would find intimidating, and he makes it look effortless. I genuinely believe he’s one of those rare individuals who are naturally gifted. Watching him solve mathematical equations with such speed and accuracy was truly impressive.
3. Mr Nero – A Creative Thinker with a Vision:
I met Mr Nero about two years ago when I started my studies at a university in Paris. He teaches art and design and is also known for his out-of-the-box thinking. When I needed inspiration for a project, I reached out to him, and he instantly provided ideas that I hadn’t even considered. His creativity is truly inspiring. With years of experience in arts and crafts, he has a unique ability to turn ordinary concepts into something innovative and visually striking. He’s one of the most imaginative people I’ve met.
4. Dr Jian – A Master of Analytical Thinking:
When I was working on an economic article for a local publication in China, I wanted someone to review my analysis, so I turned to Dr Jian. He’s an associate professor at my university and someone I’ve always admired for his analytical mind. He’s also taken a keen interest in my academic journey because of my curiosity and dedication. Dr Jian is incredibly skilled in critical thinking and research. I believe his strength lies in his habit of constant learning—he reads extensively and is always exploring new ideas.
5. Ms Samira – A Gifted Arabic Singer:
One evening, I attended a cultural music event in Dubai, where Ms Samira was the highlight of the show. I had heard about her from a friend who organises such events across the UAE. The moment she started singing traditional Arabic songs, the entire crowd fell silent in admiration. Being a native Arabic speaker, her pronunciation and emotional delivery were perfect. I later found out that she had been singing since childhood. Her years of dedication were evident in every note she sang—she was simply mesmerising.
6. Mr Xioam – A Master of Interpersonal Skills:
I met Mr Xioam during a professional conference in Malaysia, though he was visiting from Japan, where he works as a public relations officer. What impressed me most about him was his remarkable interpersonal skills. He had the ability to connect with everyone in the room effortlessly, and the way he communicated was both respectful and engaging. His job requires him to interact with people from diverse professional backgrounds, and he does so with ease and professionalism. It’s rare to meet someone so naturally gifted in public relations.
Sample Answer 4:
Introduction:
I have a cousin who has recently graduated from university and she is exceptional at website design. I have had the opportunity to observe her work and see the amazing websites that she has created. For this topic, I would like to talk about her and her skills in website design.
Who this person is:
My cousin, Lily, is a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science. She has always been interested in design and decided to specialize in website design during her studies.
How you know this person:
Lily and I have been close since childhood. We grew up together and have always been close friends.
What he/she does well:
Lily is an incredibly talented website designer. She has a great eye for design and understands the technical aspects of website creation. She is skilled in various programming languages and can design websites from scratch.
And explain Why you think this person is so good at doing this:
Lily has always had an eye for design. She is creative and has an excellent understanding of colour, shape, and layout. She is also technically skilled and has spent countless hours perfecting her craft. Her passion for website design is evident in every project she works on. I believe she is so good at this because she has a natural talent for design and has put in the hard work to master the technical skills required.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
This topic invites you to describe someone with an exceptional skill or talent. You may need to talk about professions, personal traits, or specialised abilities. Using a range of precise and advanced vocabulary will help you express admiration and describe the person's strengths more clearly and fluently.
Highly skilled – Having great ability or expertise in a specific area.
Mastery – Complete control or superior knowledge of a subject or skill.
Gifted – Having natural talent or intelligence.
Exceptional – Unusually excellent or outstanding.
Innate ability – A natural talent or skill someone is born with.
Creative thinker – Someone who can generate original ideas and solutions.
Analytical mind – The ability to break down complex problems and evaluate them carefully.
Quick decision-maker – Someone who can make effective decisions promptly.
Problem-solver – A person who finds solutions to difficult or complex issues.
Flair for – A natural ability or instinctive talent for something (e.g., a flair for design).
Inspiring – Motivating others by setting a strong example.
Well-rounded – Someone with many different skills or talents.
Versatile – Able to adapt or be useful in many different areas.
Precision – The quality of being exact and accurate.
Perseverance – Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties.
Part 3 - Two-way Discussion/ Details Discussion:
Discussion topics: Skills and abilities
Q. What skills and abilities do people most want to have today? Why?
Q. Which skills should children learn at school? Are there any skills which they should learn at home? What are they?
Q. Which skills do you think will be important in the future? Why?
Discussion topics: Salaries for skilled people
Q. Which kinds of jobs have the highest salaries in your country? Why is this?
Q. Are there any other jobs that you think should have high salaries? Why do you think that?
Q. Some people say it would be better for society if everyone got the same salary. What do you think about that? Why?
The answer to these part 3 questions can be found in - Speaking Test 74 - Part 3
Your preparation for this cue card topic would help you talk about the following cue card topics as well:
1. Describe a good person you know personally.
2. Describe a person who helps others.
3. Describe a good neighbour you often meet with.
4. Describe one of your family members whom you admire.
5. Describe a person who is famous in your area.
6. Describe a political leader who does good things for others.
7. Describe someone you know who is an expert in something.
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