IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an energetic person you know

Describe an energetic person you know

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Jot down three specific activities that prove the person is energetic.
  2. Use a clear narrative timeline starting from how you met them.
  3. Focus on the 'why' by linking their energy to their mindset or motivation.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to talk about my cousin, Leo, who is hands down the most vibrant person I have ever encountered. We grew up together in a small coastal town, so I have known him since we were toddlers, and our families are still incredibly close today. Leo is essentially a human dynamo. His daily routine is exhausting just to watch; he is a fervent triathlete, often heading out for a pre-dawn cycle before most people have even thought about their morning coffee. Aside from his fitness regime, he works as a high-octane freelance project manager, where he thrives on tight deadlines and rapid-fire communication. On weekends, he refuses to sit still, dragging our friends on intensive mountain hikes or organising charity football matches. He possesses this rare, infectious zest for life that seems to recharge his batteries rather than deplete them. I believe the reason he is so remarkably energetic stems from his relentless curiosity and his physiological need for stimulation. He is constantly pursuing new goals, whether it is learning a complex musical instrument or mastering a new language, and this mental engagement keeps his mind as active as his body. He genuinely feels that time spent being idle is time wasted, and he has cultivated a mindset where he derives immense satisfaction from physical exertion. It is not just about being busy, but about having a genuine passion for every aspect of his day, which keeps him permanently switched on.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

human dynamo
a person with an endless supply of energy
fervent
having or displaying a passionate intensity
high-octane
full of energy, excitement, or intense activity
zest for life
great enthusiasm and enjoyment of living
deplete
to use up the supply or resources of
relentless
showing no signs of stopping or slowing down
idle
avoiding work or spending time doing nothing
switched on
mentally alert and aware of one's surroundings

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 an energetic person you know"?

Jot down three specific activities that prove the person is energetic.

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