IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting

Describe a person who inspired you to do something interesting

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Identify the person and their defining trait immediately to set a clear narrative focus.
  2. Use chronological order to describe the inspiration process to keep your story coherent.
  3. Focus on personal feelings in the final section to show depth and emotional range.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to talk about my older cousin, Elena, who is a professional landscape photographer. A few years ago, she invited me to join her on a hiking expedition in the Scottish Highlands. I had always been quite a passive observer of nature, but seeing her dedication—waking up at four in the morning to catch the perfect golden hour light—was a massive wake-up call for me. It wasn't just about the technical aspect of operating a camera; it was the way she taught me to be patient and truly observe the subtle shifts in the environment. She inspired me to take up wildlife photography as a serious hobby. She showed me how to frame a shot by focusing on the textures of rock faces or the way mist clings to a glen. Her infectious enthusiasm made me realise that I had been sleepwalking through the natural world, never really looking closely enough to appreciate its intricate details. She lent me her spare camera, and her guidance was incredibly practical; she didn't just give me advice, she modelled the behaviour by showing me how to wait for hours in the biting cold for a single, fleeting moment of beauty. Honestly, engaging in this felt like unlocking a new sense. There was an immense thrill in finally capturing a crisp image of a red deer, a feeling of genuine achievement that I hadn't experienced before. It transformed my weekend hikes from simple exercise into a form of creative meditation, and I’ve felt a deeper connection to the outdoors ever since.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

passive observer
Someone who watches without getting actively involved.
golden hour
The period of soft, warm daylight before sunset.
glen
A narrow valley, especially in Scotland or Ireland.
infectious enthusiasm
A positive energy that spreads to other people.
modelled the behaviour
Showing how to act by doing it yourself.
biting cold
Extremely cold weather that feels sharp or painful.
fleeting
Lasting for a very short period of time.
creative meditation
An activity that focuses the mind and calms.

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 inspired you to do something interesting"?

Identify the person and their defining trait immediately to set a clear narrative focus.

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