IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person you like to work or study with

Describe a person you like to work or study with.

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 emotional reactions sound more authentic.
  2. Use the bullet points to create a chronological narrative flow for your two-minute talk.
  3. Focus on one specific character trait to keep your explanation coherent and easy to follow.

Band 8 model answer

I would like to talk about my close friend and former classmate, Sarah, who is hands down the most brilliant person I have ever had the pleasure of studying with. We first crossed paths about five years ago during our undergraduate architecture course at university. We were randomly paired for a high-stakes group project involving sustainable urban planning, and honestly, we clicked almost immediately. We have been inseparable study partners ever since, supporting each other through countless all-nighters and design deadlines. Sarah is not just a high achiever; she has an incredibly calm, analytical approach to problem-solving that perfectly complements my slightly more chaotic, creative energy. I remember during our final year, when our model began to collapse just hours before the submission, she remained completely composed, systematically identifying the structural flaws while keeping me focused. I love working with her because she is exceptionally articulate and manages to break down complex architectural theories into manageable, logical steps. Beyond her technical proficiency, she is a brilliant listener who genuinely values diverse perspectives, which makes our collaborative sessions incredibly productive rather than competitive. She pushes me to challenge my own assumptions without ever making me feel inadequate. Having someone who is so organised and intellectually curious by my side makes even the most gruelling academic tasks feel like an engaging exploration rather than a chore. Her dedication is genuinely infectious, and she has this unique ability to maintain morale even when the workload feels overwhelming. I really believe that working alongside her has made me a more disciplined and thoughtful professional, and I sincerely hope our paths cross in a career setting again soon.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

high-stakes
involving serious risks if things go wrong
all-nighters
periods of time spent working all night
analytical
using logical reasoning to understand complex things
composed
having one's feelings under control and calm
articulate
able to express thoughts clearly and fluently
diverse perspectives
a range of different opinions and viewpoints
gruelling
extremely tiring and demanding for a person
infectious
likely to spread to others very quickly

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 you like to work or study with."?

Choose a real person to make your descriptions and emotional reactions sound more authentic.

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