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

Describe a famous person you would like to meet.

You should say:

• who this person is
• why you want to meet this person
• why this person is famous

and explain what you would do if you meet him/her.

Model Answer 1:
Since my early childhood, I have loved playing football. So, it was quite natural for me to always admire a great footballer. But, never had I had the urge to meet a famous footballer until I saw a magician with football called “Lionel Messi”.

Yes, I would like to meet Lionel Messi. Not sure about others, but I consider him as one of the legendary footballers of modern times, if not of all times. Lionel Messi is an Argentine Footballer who started his football career at the age of 17 when he joined the Barcelona club. Since then, he never really had the time to look back as he kept winning for his club and team, season after season, with his extraordinary football skills. His style of play, as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler, drew comparisons with his compatriot Diego Maradona, another football legend of all times, who described Messi as his successor.

Anyway, in today’s world, there are a few very few football fans, who don’t know about Messi and his football skills, but many don’t know that he had to overcome some serious health issue, like hormone problem which made him grow way faster than other children of his age, in order to become one of the most successful footballers of modern times as well as the leading goal scorer of all times for his country, Argentina. Of course, Messi is a famous hero, not only because of his perseverance to overcome his physical deficiency and build his soccer skills but also for using them to spread joy around the world to many children who have a hard life.

If I ever get a chance to meet this famous footballer, I would certainly ask for some autographs from him first. Then, of course, I would ask him as to what really motivated him to become such a great footballer apart from the reason of being born in a football-crazy country. Besides, I would also invite him to come to visit my country sometime and play here. Then, finally, I would wish him "good luck" for his better future career.

Sample Answer 2:
In my "I-want-to-meet" list, there are so many famous persons whom I dream to meet and spend some time with. There are several scientists, actors, actresses, political leaders, poets, IT specialists, business founders, sportspersons, writers and journalists on this list but Paulo Coelho is the person whom I would like to meet first.  

He is a famous Brazilian lyricist and novelist who has become one of the most widely read authors in the world. I am a great fan of his writing, enjoyed and deeply touched by most of his writing and that's why I want to meet him in person to talk about those stories and to know about the person who actually has got a brilliant way of storytelling.

I read the book 'Alchemist' by him more than once and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an inspiring and thought-provoking book and the writer has been able to tell the story in a fascinating way. This book has been translated into 67 different languages and has got numerous positive and critically acclaimed reviews. I know very little about the man behind these amazing stories and that's why I want to meet him - to know more about him. I place him in a highly esteemed position. I have enjoyed his many books including 'The Alchemist', 'The Valkyries', 'Eleven Minutes', 'The Zahir’ so much that I wish to meet the person who wrote those truly amazing stories.

Writers possess the magical power of blending the truth and imagination to create remarkable stories. Storytelling and giving the characters in it a lively presence is a very difficult task. Paulo Coelho is a gifted writer who can easily absorb readers' attention to his powerful stories. His books are page-turners and would always make the reader desire to read more. I have been so mesmerised by his books that I would like to meet the real person who tells us the stories. I'd like to know his thoughts and opinions on many of the characters he had created while also spend some time with one of my favourite writers to know him better.

Similar Cue Card Topics

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

1.  Describe a famous sportsperson you know about.
2.  Describe a famous celebrity in your country.
3.  Describe a person you want to spend some time with.
4.  Describe someone who is famous among young people.

Follow-up Questions:

Q. How to make a good first impression (informal situation)?

Answer: There is a saying ‘you only get one chance to make a first impression’! This is true and that is why it is important to make a good first impression. If you make a bad first impression it can be difficult to change in future. When you meet someone for the first time they will form an opinion of you based on how you look, how you behave and what you say.

Body language is very important. If you smile and look friendly, then most people will smile and be friendly in return. However, in some countries body language can be a bit different. For example, in some cultures you should look someone directly in the eye to be polite, in other cultures, it is rude to make direct eye contact and could be disrespectful. Try to notice how the other person is reacting to you. For example, if they look uncomfortable perhaps you are standing too close, or if they look confused, perhaps they do not understand what you are saying!

If you are meeting someone for the first time in an informal or social situation, then the most important thing is to smile. Think about how you could introduce yourself. You might say your name and what you do, and then ask the other person something about themselves. This can be a great way to start a conversation, people will appreciate it if you are interested in them too. Usually, in informal situations people do not shake hands, they may just nod and say ‘hello’, but if you are not sure what to do, follow the lead of the other person. If they offer out a hand then they are expecting you to shake it. Sometimes people will move forward to hug you at a party even if you have not met them before, then it is OK to hug them back!

( Written by - Lucy Marris )

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card

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