IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who has done a lot of work to help people

Describe a person who has done a lot of work to help people.

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose someone you know personally to ensure your description remains natural and detailed.
  2. Draft a quick timeline: introduction, their main activity, and your personal connection to them.
  3. Use descriptive adjectives to paint a clear mental picture of their personality and actions.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to talk about a retired schoolteacher named Mrs. Halloway, who lives in a quiet, leafy suburb just a stone’s throw from my own neighbourhood. She is quite a remarkable woman, well into her seventies, yet she possesses an energy that puts many younger people to shame. Her primary contribution to the community is the establishment of an after-school literacy programme. She converted her own living room into a makeshift library, filled with second-hand books she tirelessly sourced from local charity shops. Every weekday afternoon, she opens her doors to children from underprivileged backgrounds who struggle with reading or homework. It is not just about academics; she provides a safe, nurturing environment where these kids can simply be themselves, away from the stresses of their home lives. She offers them snacks, patience, and unwavering encouragement, which has effectively boosted the confidence of dozens of students over the years. I first became aware of her incredible work through the local community notice board. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and stumbled upon a flyer she had handwritten. Curious, I decided to drop by and ended up staying for an hour just observing her teaching style. I was genuinely moved by the way she managed to make complex grammar rules feel like an engaging game. I know about her now because I’ve since become a regular volunteer myself, helping her organise the book collection. Seeing the transformation in the children—how they go from being shy and hesitant to confident readers—is what truly inspires me about her dedication to helping others.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

stone’s throw
a very short distance from a specific place
makeshift
a temporary substitute used in an emergency situation
underprivileged
having less money and fewer opportunities than others
nurturing
caring for and encouraging growth or development
unwavering
steady, resolute, and not changing in one's support
stumbled upon
to find something by chance or accidentally
hesitant
slow to act or speak due to uncertainty
dedication
the quality of being committed to a task

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 who has done a lot of work to help people."?

Choose someone you know personally to ensure your description remains natural and detailed.

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