IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person in the news that you want to meet

Describe a person in the news that you want to meet.

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Note down the person's name and why they appeared in the media immediately.
  2. Jot down two personality traits to make your description feel more authentic and vivid.
  3. Spend ten seconds planning a personal reason for wanting to meet them.

Band 8 model answer

If I had the chance to meet anyone currently making waves in the news, it would undoubtedly be Dr. Elena Vance, the lead astrophysicist behind the recent breakthrough in deep-space signal detection. She became a household name overnight after appearing on several major news networks, including the BBC and CNN, to explain how her team had intercepted a peculiar, rhythmic radio frequency from a distant galaxy. I first became aware of her through a compelling documentary-style news segment that delved into her background, highlighting how she spent over a decade working in relative obscurity before this monumental discovery. What struck me about her television appearances wasn't just the complexity of her work, but the palpable enthusiasm she exuded; she managed to make quantum physics sound as gripping as a thriller novel. I am particularly drawn to the idea of meeting her because I am fascinated by the intersection of rigorous science and human intuition. During her interviews, she often spoke about the isolation of working in remote observatories in the Chilean Andes, and I would love to hear her firsthand account of that experience. Beyond the technical achievements, I find her resilience truly inspiring. She faced significant skepticism from the scientific community for years, yet she persisted with an unwavering focus. I want to meet her to understand what keeps someone motivated when the world is telling them their theories are misguided. A conversation with her would surely be a masterclass in intellectual curiosity and the grit required to push the boundaries of what we know about our vast, mysterious universe.

261 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

making waves
causing a significant impact or attracting much attention
household name
a person or thing that is very well-known
palpable
a feeling so intense it seems almost physical
obscurity
the state of being unknown or not famous
monumental
great in importance, extent, or size
skepticism
a doubting or questioning attitude towards something
unwavering
steady, resolute, and not shaking or hesitating
grit
courage and strength of character in adversity

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a person in the news that you want to meet."?

Note down the person's name and why they appeared in the media immediately.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: a person