Describe a person who wears unusual clothes
Describe a person who wears unusual clothes
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What kind of clothes they wear
- And explain why you consider their clothes unusual
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
How to plan it in one minute
- Note down the person's name and your relationship to them to establish context immediately.
- List three specific items of clothing that define their unique and unusual style.
- Prepare a brief reason why their style stands out compared to modern fashion norms.
Band 8 model answer
I’d like to tell you about my eccentric neighbour, Arthur, who lives just a few doors down from me in our small suburban street. I’ve known him for about five years now, ever since he moved into the neighbourhood, and he has certainly become a local legend due to his unique sense of style. Arthur is a retired history professor, and he has a penchant for wearing Victorian-era attire regardless of the occasion. It is quite a spectacle to see him walking his golden retriever while sporting a tweed three-piece suit, a stiff wing-tip collar, and an exquisite silk cravat, even in the blistering heat of mid-summer. Occasionally, he tops this off with a weathered top hat and carries a gold-handled walking stick, which makes him look as if he has stepped directly off a film set from the nineteenth century. I find his fashion choices remarkably unusual because they stand in such stark contrast to the casual, contemporary clothing that everyone else in our area wears. While most of us are dressed in comfortable trainers and hoodies, Arthur remains steadfastly committed to his archaic aesthetic. It isn’t just that his clothes are formal; it is the deliberate commitment to a bygone era that catches people off guard. He isn't trying to follow a trend or be ironic; he genuinely believes that dressing with such elegance is a sign of respect for oneself and the public space. His presence is a constant, delightful reminder that we don't always have to conform to the fast-fashion norms that dominate modern life, and honestly, I admire his unwavering confidence in expressing his personality through such distinctive garb.
274 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.
Vocabulary from the answer
- eccentric
- a person whose behaviour is unconventional and slightly strange
- penchant
- a strong or habitual liking for something
- spectacle
- a visually striking performance or display of something
- cravat
- a short wide strip of fabric worn around neck
- stark contrast
- a very obvious and clear difference between things
- archaic
- very old or old-fashioned in style or nature
- bygone era
- a period of time that happened long ago
- garb
- a particular style of clothing or dress
Part 3 questions that follow this card
- What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
- Has the way people view this changed over the years?
- How do you think it will develop in the future?
- What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?
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 wears unusual clothes"?
Note down the person's name and your relationship to them to establish context 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.
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