Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a well-known person you like or admire - Cue Card # 636
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 16 April 2025 09:19
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 310095
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 well-known person you like or admire.
You should say:
- who this person is
- what this person has done
- why this person is well known
and explain why you admire this person.
[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:
There are many well-known people in the world whom I admire, but one of the most inspiring ones is Malala Yousafzai. I am glad to have the opportunity to be able to talk about her.
Who this person is:
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist for female education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate. She was born on July 12, 1997, in the Swat district of Pakistan.
What this person has done:
Malala came to prominence after being shot in the head when she was just 15 years old. She had been speaking out against the group's ban on girls' education in her hometown. Despite this traumatic experience, she continued to advocate for girls' education and became a global icon for human rights and equality.
Why this person is well known:
Malala's advocacy for female education and human rights has made her a global icon. She has spoken at the United Nations, authored books, and established the Malala Fund, which supports girls' education around the world.
And explain why you admire this person:
I admire Malala for her courage, determination, and resilience. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains committed to her cause and continues to inspire millions of people around the world. Her story reminds us of the power of education and the importance of standing up for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity.
Model Answer 2:
Having been born and raised in one of the New York suburbs at the house of a dentist father in 1984, Mark Elliot Zuckerberg made his mark at an elementary school by getting interested in computer programming. But, little did anybody know at that time that the little “computer whiz” would revolutionize the concept of social media networking by creating a thing called “facebook.com” in 2004. Whatever followed after that is just 'history'.
I would like to thank you for this nice topic, and in my opinion, Zuckerberg is one of the most prolific and successful programmers and entrepreneurs ever, and I admire him so much. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg became so famous that Time Magazine declared this American technology entrepreneur and philanthropist as "Person of the Year" in 2010.
Having managed to connect more than 1 billion people among themselves one way or another, today, the social media “Mughal” has every right to claim his place in history as the “greatest web entrepreneur” of all time, some would say. Living in a house of more than 5000 square feet, with a price tag of about $27.3 million, in a town called Palo Alto, California, Mark Zuckerberg became the youngest self-made billionaire with a net worth of more than $173.9 billion today.
Admiring a person for offering the world a new horizon of virtual reality by inventing a thing called “Facebook” in order to turn this world into a small place is easy. I could also easily admire his clear way of thinking which motivated him to wear the same T-shirt every day so that he didn’t have to waste his time deciding small things such as what to wear, or what to eat for breakfast every day. But what I admire the most about this person is his risk-taking abilities (dropping out from Harvard University or turning down very lucrative offers from companies like Microsoft and AOL, just to name a few) and innovative ideas with a clear sense of vision in his mind so that he could finally deliver something really, really amazing to this world.
Finally, one couldn’t help admiring a “philanthropist” like Mark Zuckerberg, who is already a living legend in his mid 30’s, when he decided to donate at least 50% of his business shares- worth about $75 billion now – to promote equality and human development in the world. Now, how many people can do that? (!)
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you very much for this great topic. I'd like to talk about Melinda Gates, a well-known philanthropist and co-founder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Who this person is:
Melinda Gates is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and global advocate for women and girls. She was born in Dallas, Texas in 1964 and completed her education in computer science and economics. She worked for Microsoft as a marketing manager before co-founding the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with her ex-husband, Bill Gates. Melinda Gates is one of the most powerful and influential women in the world who has contributed a lot to society through her charity work.
What this person has done:
Melinda Gates has devoted her life to philanthropic work and has made significant contributions to improving the lives of women and girls all over the world. She has worked tirelessly to promote gender equality, empower women and girls, and provide access to healthcare and education for all. She has also played a key role in the fight against global poverty and has been a vocal advocate for improving public health.
Why this person is well known:
Melinda Gates is well-known for her philanthropic work and has been recognized for her contributions to society. She has been listed among the world's most powerful women by Forbes magazine and has received numerous awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
And explain why you admire this person:
I admire Melinda Gates for her dedication and commitment to improving the lives of women and girls all over the world. Her work has had a positive impact on millions of people, and she has used her influence and resources to make a difference in the world. Her philanthropic efforts are truly inspiring, and I believe that she is an excellent role model for others who want to make a positive impact on society.
Sample Answer 4:
We all have our favourite personalities whom we respect and love from the bottom of our hearts. While some of them are friends and family whom we meet almost every day, a few of them are renowned sportsmen or famous 'silver screen stars' whom we have never met. Interestingly, I have a list of my favourite personalities from different arenas whom I follow on social networking platforms and I admire them for their talents, skills, contributions, philanthropic activities, and success stories.
One such famous person whom I greatly admire is Lionel Messi, one of the greatest football players of all time. He is a well-respected sportsman whom I have been following in the news and on Twitter for more than eight years. I scarcely miss a football match in which he plays. He is a wonder-boy in football and the favourite sportsman of millions of football fans.
Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a "forward". Messi has won five Ballon d'Or awards, two FIFA Club World Cup golden ball, a record five European Golden Shoes, nine La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, six Copas del Rey and many more. Both a prolific goalscorer and a creative playmaker, Messi holds many other enviable records in professional football.
He has scored over 680 senior career goals for his club and country. Often considered the best player in the world and regarded by many as one of the greatest players of all time, he is world-renowned and an inspiration to many aspiring football players. Messi is his country's all-time leading goalscorer and he currently lives in Castelldefels, a village near Barcelona.
Messi has earned my deep admiration primarily for his amiable character, and formidable skills. Throughout his career, he has been involved in charitable efforts aimed at vulnerable children, a commitment that stems in part from the medical difficulties he faced in his childhood. Since 2004, he has contributed his time and finances to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). One of the highest-paid sportsmen of all time, he is a legend in football history and deserves our respect and admiration. I admire him more than any other football player I know or have known.
Idea generation for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Here are several well-known individuals from various fields that you can describe in your answer. Each example briefly addresses the supporting questions and gives you a base to expand into a complete response.
1. Malala Yousafzai – Education activist:
Malala is a Nobel Peace Prize winner known for advocating girls’ education, especially in regions where access to schooling is restricted. She became internationally recognised after surviving an attack by the Taliban and continuing her campaign. I admire her because of her bravery, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to justice and education.
2. Elon Musk – Technology entrepreneur:
Elon Musk is known for founding companies like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink. He is well-known for his work in electric vehicles, space exploration, and futuristic technologies. I admire him for his visionary thinking and for taking bold risks to push technological boundaries.
3. Oprah Winfrey – Media personality and philanthropist:
Oprah is a celebrated TV host, producer, and humanitarian. She rose from poverty and personal struggles to become one of the most influential women in the world. I admire her resilience, her ability to connect with people, and her charitable work supporting education and mental health.
4. David Attenborough – Natural historian and broadcaster:
Sir David Attenborough is widely respected for his documentaries on nature and climate change. He has spent decades educating the public on biodiversity and environmental conservation. I admire his calm, intelligent approach and dedication to preserving the natural world.
5. A. R. Rahman – Music composer:
A. R. Rahman is an Oscar-winning composer known for his exceptional music in both Indian and international cinema. His blend of classical and modern music has earned him global recognition. I admire him for his creativity, humility, and musical genius.
6. Greta Thunberg – Climate activist:
Greta is a Swedish environmentalist known for her powerful speeches and activism for urgent climate action. She became famous for starting the “Fridays for Future” movement. I admire her courage to speak truth to power and inspire youth around the world.
7. Lionel Messi – Footballer:
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest football players of all time, and he is admired for his skill, humility, and dedication. He has won numerous awards, including the Ballon d'Or multiple times. I admire him not only for his talent but also for his sportsmanship and grounded personality.
8. Marie Curie – Scientist:
Marie Curie was a physicist and chemist who won two Nobel Prizes for her work on radioactivity. She was a pioneer in science at a time when women were rarely acknowledged in the field. I admire her determination, brilliance, and contributions to science and medicine.
9. Celine Dion – Singer:
Celine Dion is an internationally acclaimed Canadian singer known for her powerful voice and emotional ballads. She gained global fame with hits like “My Heart Will Go On.” I admire her vocal talent, her longevity in the music industry, and her resilience through personal challenges.
10. David Suzuki – Environmentalist and scientist:
David Suzuki is a Canadian environmental activist and broadcaster who has educated millions about climate change and nature through his TV programs. He’s known for hosting “The Nature of Things.” I admire his lifelong dedication to environmental education and science communication.
11. H’Hen Niê – Model and Miss Universe Vietnam 2018:
H’Hen Niê made history by being the first Vietnamese contestant to reach the Top 5 in Miss Universe. Coming from an ethnic minority group, she inspired many with her story of overcoming poverty. I admire her humility, courage, and advocacy for education and women’s rights.
12. Trấn Thành – Comedian and TV personality:
Trấn Thành is a famous Vietnamese comedian, host, and actor. He is widely known for his humour and ability to connect with audiences. I admire him for his versatility in the entertainment industry and his influence on Vietnamese pop culture.
13. Cate Blanchett – Actress:
Cate Blanchett is an award-winning Australian actress known for her roles in both independent and blockbuster films. She has won multiple Oscars and is celebrated for her acting range and poise. I admire her elegance, intelligence, and commitment to theatre and film.
14. Steve Irwin – Wildlife conservationist:
Steve Irwin, also known as “The Crocodile Hunter,” was famous for his wildlife documentaries and fearless handling of dangerous animals. He was passionate about wildlife conservation. I admire his enthusiasm, bravery, and the legacy he left behind in environmental awareness.
15. Shahzoda – Singer and actress:
Shahzoda is one of Uzbekistan’s most popular pop singers, known for her melodious voice and songs in multiple languages. She has a wide fan base across Central Asia. I admire her talent, versatility, and efforts to promote Uzbek music globally.
16. Lola Yoʻldosheva – Actress and pop star:
Lola is a well-known Uzbek singer and actress who has also been involved in charitable causes. Despite facing criticism, she has stood firm in expressing herself artistically. I admire her boldness, creativity, and influence on modern Uzbek entertainment.
Part 3: Details Discussion
Discussion Topic: Famous people in your country
Q. What kind of people become famous people these days?
Answer: Well, in this age of media and publicity, anybody can be famous overnight, even though such fame may not last long. But, generally speaking, people, who are role models or have the potential to be role models, become famous these days. Such role models would be movie stars, sports superstars, technology “gurus”, entrepreneurs, and business tycoons, among others. These types of people, mentioned above, become role models or remain famous, not because of just some luck, but because of some hard work, determination and discipline.
Q. Is this different from the kind of achievement that made people famous in the past? In what way?
Answer: No, I wouldn’t really say that any “substantive or qualitative” difference exists between the achievements of the people in the past and the achievements of the present time, meaning people needed to try and work just as hard in the past just as it is today. Of course, the achievements in the past wouldn’t necessarily attract as much media coverage or attention as it is today. Besides, some people would also probably argue that people in the past would strive more to be famous and successful in the greater cause of humanity, world fraternity and philanthropy, but in the present day, people’s success or fame is more geared toward “individualism” or personal gratification.
Q. How do you think people will become famous in the future?
Answer: Nobody, for sure, can tell how people will become famous in the future, but one thing is for sure more and more people will try to use media, or I should say “misuse” media, especially the internet, to showcase their success and become famous, quickly and easily. But, critically speaking, I think that in the future, people will have more and more uncommon and unconventional issues, such as environmental activism and sexual “revolution”, to thump on in order to become famous.
Discussion Topic: Being in the public eye
Q. What are the good things about being famous? Are there any disadvantages?
Answer: I think we all want to be famous in one way or another because being famous has some distinct advantages. One such advantage is that famous people usually have a large fan base with some die-hard fans who would be ready to do anything for their role models or idols. They can also get many favourable business deals while making easy money. It also comes with social importance and prestige.
But, being famous has some disadvantages too. One such disadvantage is that they are always in the spotlight, and as such, they have almost no or very limited privacy. Another problem is that famous people can easily get detached from the “grim” realities of life while becoming used to some destructive lifestyles.
Q. How does the media in your country treat famous people?
Answer: Media in my country are not any different from other countries as they also compete with each other to collect every bit of news and rumour about famous people. Sometimes, they even try to treat famous people like “royalties”, purely because that would get the media more circulation, business and profits. Besides, sometimes I think that the media in my country are very powerful because they can make somebody a “hero” and turn others into “villains” overnight.
Q. Why do you think ordinary people are interested in the lives of famous people?
Answer: In my humble opinion, ordinary people become interested in the lives of famous people for two reasons: number one reason is that they probably get too caught up with the struggles and grim realities of their lives, and learning about the life of the famous people can be a form of entertainment for them.
Another reason could be that they actually look for some sort of inspiration from the lives of those famous people and try to become like them in order to become successful. After all, famous and successful people can teach us a lot of things about life.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Describing a well-known person you like or admire allows you to express admiration, share personal values, and talk about public achievements. The vocabulary below will help you sound more confident and sophisticated when discussing someone's success, personality, and public influence.
Trailblazer – Someone who is the first to do something and leads the way for others.
Inspiring personality – Someone whose life and work motivate others.
Groundbreaking work – Work that introduces new ideas or methods and has a major impact.
Global icon – A person who is widely admired or recognized around the world.
Charismatic – Possessing a natural ability to attract and influence people.
Philanthropist – A person who helps others, especially by donating money or time to charity.
Accomplished – Highly skilled and successful in their field.
Visionary – Someone who has original ideas about what the future should be like.
Role model – A person whose behaviour or success is an example for others.
Influencer – A person with the power to affect others’ opinions or behaviours, especially online.
Noteworthy – Deserving attention or recognition; remarkable.
Revolutionary – Bringing about significant change in a particular field.
Social impact – The effect someone has on society, especially through their actions or work.
Multitalented – Having many different skills or abilities.
Outspoken – Expressing opinions freely and boldly, often on important issues.
Down-to-earth – Practical and humble, despite fame or success.
Widely admired – Respected and liked by many people across different cultures or backgrounds.
Revere – To feel deep respect or admiration for someone or something.
Look up to – To respect or admire someone, especially someone older or more experienced.
Hold in high regard – To have great respect or admiration for someone.
Esteem – To respect and admire someone greatly.
Idolise – To admire someone excessively or blindly.
Appreciate – To recognise the full worth or value of someone or something.
Praise – To express admiration or approval of someone or their achievements.
Venerate – To honour or admire someone, especially due to their wisdom or character.
Celebrate – To publicly show respect and admiration for someone's achievements or qualities.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a well-known person you like or admire", 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 famous writer from your country.
3) Describe a celebrity you would like to spend some time with.
4) Describe someone you like or admire.
5) Describe a famous person who is often in the news.
6) Describe a person who helps a lot of people.
Report