IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe someone in your family who you like

Describe someone in your family who you like.

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 emotions sound more authentic.
  2. Use the first minute to jot down three adjectives to describe the person's personality.
  3. Ensure you link your final 'why' point to a specific shared experience or memory.

Band 8 model answer

I would like to talk about my older cousin, Elena, who has been a constant source of inspiration for me since I was a child. She is the daughter of my mother’s sister, so we grew up spending every summer at our grandparents’ cottage in the Lake District, which forged a really deep bond between us. As for her appearance, Elena has a striking look. She is quite tall and carries herself with a natural elegance. She has wavy, auburn hair that she usually wears tied back, and bright, inquisitive hazel eyes that seem to light up whenever she is talking about something she is passionate about. Personality-wise, she is the definition of a free spirit. She is incredibly resilient and possesses a dry, infectious sense of humour that can diffuse even the most tense situations. She is also remarkably patient, always willing to listen without judgement, which makes her a brilliant confidante. I think the main reason I am so fond of her is her authenticity. In a world where many people feel pressured to conform, Elena has always stayed true to her own values, pursuing a career in landscape photography despite initial pressure to enter a more traditional corporate field. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her ability to find beauty in the mundane details of nature have genuinely shaped how I view the world. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, a quick chat with her reminds me to slow down and appreciate the small things, and that level of emotional support is something I cherish deeply.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

forged
created or shaped something with great effort
striking
attracting attention by being unusual or very impressive
inquisitive
having or showing an interest in learning things
free spirit
someone who acts independently without worrying about rules
diffuse
to reduce the danger or tension of situations
confidante
a person you trust and share secrets with
conform
to behave according to socially acceptable standards
mundane
lacking interest or excitement; very ordinary things

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 someone in your family who you like."?

Choose a real person to make your descriptions and emotions 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