IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who shows feelings openly

Describe a person who shows feelings openly

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose a real person to make your descriptions and reactions feel authentic and natural.
  2. Use the bullet points as a chronological roadmap to ensure you cover all requirements.
  3. Focus on one specific personality trait to keep your narrative coherent and easy to follow.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to tell you about my cousin, Sarah, who is perhaps the most emotionally transparent person I’ve ever met. We grew up together in a small coastal town in Cornwall, so I’ve known her since we were toddlers, and our families are incredibly close. Sarah has always been the kind of person who wears her heart on her sleeve; she simply doesn't possess the capacity to hide what she’s thinking or feeling. Whether she is overjoyed, frustrated, or deeply moved, it’s written all over her face within seconds. For instance, if you tell her good news, she’ll beam with such genuine radiance that it’s infectious, but if she’s upset, she’ll immediately tear up or speak her mind with startling honesty. It’s never malicious, just incredibly raw. I find this trait of hers immensely refreshing. In a world where so many people are preoccupied with maintaining a polished, guarded exterior, Sarah’s authenticity is a breath of fresh air. It creates an environment where you never have to guess where you stand with her, which eliminates so much unnecessary social anxiety. Honestly, sometimes I wish I could be as uninhibited as she is. While I often find myself overthinking how I should react in certain situations, Sarah just reacts. Watching her navigate life with such emotional honesty has taught me that vulnerability isn't a weakness, but rather a form of courage. I truly admire how she refuses to mask her true self to appease others, and I believe her sincerity draws people toward her because they recognise that what they see is exactly what they get.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

emotionally transparent
someone who shows their feelings very clearly
wears her heart on her sleeve
making your emotions very obvious to others
radiance
a glow of happiness or positive energy
infectious
a feeling that easily spreads to others
raw
unfiltered and showing true, deep human emotion
guarded exterior
a personality that hides true thoughts carefully
uninhibited
behaving naturally without worrying about social judgment
appease
to try to make someone else happy

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 shows feelings openly"?

Choose a real person to make your descriptions and reactions feel authentic and natural.

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