IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe someone with a distinctive style

A Band 8 model answer with the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and the Part 3 questions that follow.
  • 279 words
  • A person
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe someone with a distinctive style

You should say:

  • →who this person is
  • →what kind of clothes they usually wear
  • →where they get their fashion ideas from
  • →and explain why you think their personal style is unique

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

A person

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Note down who the person is and your connection to them.

  2. 2

    Jot key items they wear and where they source them.

  3. 3

    Highlight why it reflects their character rather than mainstream trends.

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8279 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I’d like to talk about my close friend, Liam, who I went to university with. He has always stood out from the crowd because of the way he puts outfits together. While most people our age tend to follow whatever fast-fashion trend is circulating on social media, Liam has curated a very specific, vintage-inspired wardrobe that really sets him apart.

In terms of what he wears, it is a brilliant mix of retro tailoring and casual streetwear. On any given day, you might see him in high-waisted tweed trousers, a crisp second-hand patterned shirt, and a pair of chunky leather boots. He has this knack for scouring charity shops and flea markets to find vintage garments that look like they are from the 1970s, but he pairs them with contemporary pieces so that the whole ensemble looks deliberate rather than dated. He also pays huge attention to accessories, like wearing a classic flat cap or a pocket watch.

As for his inspiration, he takes a lot of cues from old cinema and mid-century subcultures, rather than modern designer labels. He often mentions that he is fascinated by how people used to dress with craftsmanship and durability in mind. He does not copy looks directly from films, but rather adapts the colour palettes and silhouettes to fit his everyday life.

I think his style is truly unique because it comes across as completely effortless and authentic. In a culture where so many people dress almost identically just to fit in, Liam wears what genuinely makes him feel comfortable and confident, completely unfazed by fleeting trends. You can tell his aesthetic is an expression of his personality rather than a costume.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • stand out from the crowd

    be noticeably different or better than others

  • curate

    carefully select and organise items for a collection

  • vintage-inspired

    influenced by styles from a previous era

  • have a knack for

    have a natural skill or ability to do something

  • flea market

    a street market selling second-hand goods

  • ensemble

    a complete outfit of matching clothes

  • silhouette

    the overall shape or outline of a garment

  • aesthetic

    a particular style or appearance that is visually appealing

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1Why do some people choose to dress differently from the mainstream?
  2. 2To what extent does a person’s choice of clothing influence first impressions?
  3. 3How has the rise of fast fashion affected people's shopping habits?
  4. 4Do you think traditional clothing will completely disappear in modern societies?
  5. 5Should workplaces enforce strict dress codes for their employees?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: fashion, identity and consumer culture.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe someone with a distinctive style"?+

Note down who the person is and your connection to them.

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.

Keep practising

More cue cards: a person

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