Describe Famous Person You Are Interested In : IELTS Cue Card

Updated on 08 August, 2024

Have you ever felt the excitement of talking about someone you truly admire? What if I tell you the IELTS Speaking test offers various opportunities to express your thoughts on a range of interesting topics, including this one?

The IELTS Speaking Cue Card section requires you to speak on a given topic for two minutes, assessing your fluency, coherence, and accuracy. One common task is to describe a famous person you are interested in and would like to meet. 

Scroll down to discover how to ace the "Describe a Famous Person You Are Interested In" topic!

IELTS Speaking Part 2 - IELTS Cue Card

The IELTS Speaking test can feel daunting, especially when faced with the IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Cue Card section, where you’re challenged to speak for two minutes on a given topic. If you’re a student dreaming of study abroad programs, fear not! This guide will help you ace the Cue Card segment and present your command of the English language confidently and captivatingly. Consider a mentor, role model, or celebrity you admire, structure your thoughts clearly, and focus on key details to deliver an impactful response.

Understanding the Cue Card

The Cue Card presents a specific topic along with bullet points to guide your response. These prompts act as springboards for delving into your thoughts and experiences, whether you’re describing a place you’d love to visit for education abroad or discussing a historical figure who inspires you. It’s your opportunity to demonstrate your fluency, coherence, and accuracy in spoken English.

Mastering the Monologue: Step-by-Step

  1. Preparation is Key: The golden rule? Utilize the one-minute prep time effectively. Read the topic carefully and jot down notes on the provided points. Think about relevant details, personal anecdotes, or specific examples that can enrich your response.
  2. Structure Matters: Frame your monologue like a mini-essay. Begin with a clear introduction that acknowledges the topic and sets the stage for your discussion. Follow with a well-developed body that elaborates on the bullet points using vivid language and descriptive details. Summarize your primary ideas and make a strong final statement.
  3. Beyond the Basics: Go beyond simply stating facts. Use transitional terms to demonstrate the breadth of your vocabulary and connect your ideas coherently. Don’t be afraid to express your opinions and support them with relevant reasons or examples.
  4. Time Management is Crucial: Aim to speak for the entire two minutes. Avoid lengthy pauses or going off on tangents. To ensure you cover all necessary material within the allotted time, practice speaking at a moderate speed.

Many Cue Card topics can be linked to your desire for an education abroad. Here’s how to strategically connect the dots:

  • Describing a place you’d like to visit: Discuss a university town known for academic excellence in your field. Highlight specific programs or research opportunities aligning with your study abroad goals.
  • Describe a famous person you admire: Choose a prominent figure whose work aligns with your desired field of study. Explain how their achievements inspire you and how their contributions could impact your future career path.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking Part 2 is your chance to shine! These guidelines will help you use the Cue Card effectively, crafting an engaging and informative monologue that impresses the examiner. Keep your goals in mind while speaking.

Describe Famous Person You Are Interested In: Cue Card & Essay

Sample 1 - Name one famous person you would like to meet, and what would you like to ask them? 

I am not very keen on admiring celebrities, social influencers, and famous athletes. I believe there's a "hero" in every single one of us. If I look around my surroundings and compare people's life stories and achievements, I will find multiple people worth my attention. Regardless of this opinion, I couldn’t resist from following the life journey of Neeraj Chopra, an Indian track athlete in javelin throw. 

He started gaining immense fame after winning the nation's only athletics gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, 2020. However, I had known about his sporting success long before that. 

In the 2016 South Asian Games, he won gold by reaching the 82.23 meters mark. It was not enough to qualify for the Olympics, i.e., 83 meters for that year, but it only made him work harder to achieve his dreams. 

His performance didn't go unnoticed, and the Indian Army invited him to join Rajputana Rifles as a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) at the rank of Naib Subedar. Such direct appointment were rare, as most athletes joined the forces as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO). After completing his training, he was officially inducted as a JCO in December 2016. 

Apart from his achievements, his life story inspires me to turn my weaknesses into strengths. If I were to meet him, I would ask about his motivation to remain humble and his way of dealing with failures and celebrating success. Additionally, being from the same state, Haryana, I would like to know about his future plans to inspire the local youth to pursue their goals.

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Sample 2 - Describe a famous person that you are interested in? 

If I had to list down all the people I admire, it would include several names. But to narrow it down to one, I immensely admire the Indian football captain ,Sunil Chhetri. Like most middle-class kids, I did not watch football as often as cricket growing up. Hence, I was unaware of the country's football team. 

The scenario that first introduced him to me was the Intercontinental Cup in 2018. He posted a small appeal video on his social media platforms requesting fans of the game to show up and cheer for their homeland. He also thanked their supporters and asked the rest of them to come to the stadium to celebrate or criticize. 

This minor incident convinced me of his humility and dedication to his work. Usually, it is unheard of for celebrities to connect with their followers in such an honest way. However, this move by Captain Chhetri motivated me to learn more about him. I learned about his affiliation with 17 clubs, the most recent one being Bengaluru FC. 

He also won the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player of the Year award in 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2014. He holds the record for the most international goals. Reading about his journey from being born in a Nepalese-origin family to a national-level athlete invoked a sense of inspiration in me. 

His efforts toward improving the standard and awareness of Indian football are also inspiring.

Sample 3- Describe a famous person that you are interested in? 

One famous person I've always found fascinating is Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, among other ventures. What captivates me about Musk is not just his success as an entrepreneur but his vision to address some of humanity's most pressing challenges, such as sustainable energy and space colonization.

Elon Musk's journey began in South Africa, where he was born and raised before moving to the United States to pursue higher education. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including being ousted from his own company and experiencing several failed rocket launches, Musk's perseverance is nothing short of inspirational. His work with Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry by making electric cars popular and accessible, while SpaceX has achieved significant milestones in space exploration, such as successfully launching and landing reusable rockets.

What I admire most about Musk is his commitment to his vision, regardless of the skepticism he faces. His projects, from developing a high-speed transportation system known as the Hyperloop to conceptualizing a brain-computer interface through Neuralink, showcase his forward-thinking mindset. Musk envisions a future where humanity can thrive sustainably on Earth and become a multi-planetary species, and he actively works towards making these ideas a reality.

Moreover, Musk's approach to problem-solving and innovation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the world. His belief in the importance of renewable energy and space exploration for the future of humanity is not only ambitious but also crucial for prompting global action towards these goals.

In conclusion, Elon Musk is a figure of immense interest to me because of his visionary ideas and relentless pursuit of goals that extend far beyond personal gain. His contributions to technology and space exploration have not only advanced these fields but also inspired a new generation of thinkers and innovators. Musk's life and work exemplify the profound difference determination, and a commitment to one's ideals can make, making him a truly remarkable individual worth admiring.

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IELTS Speaking Part 3: Describe a Famous Person You Are Interested In - Follow-Up Questions

The speaking segment of the IELTS exam can be quite nerve-racking, but with good preparation, you can confidently navigate each part. One section that often throws test-takers is Part 3, which involves follow-up questions to the cue card topic, such as “Describe a Famous Person You Are Interested In.” Here, we’ll delve into the questions you might encounter and explore strategies to deliver impressive responses.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring Your Interests in Study Abroad

Part 2 focuses on a single famous person, but Part 3 aims to broaden the conversation, potentially linking it to your aspirations for education abroad. Here are some examples of follow-up questions the examiner might pose:

  • “What type of people are famous in your country?”

This is a great opportunity to showcase your knowledge of current events and cultural figures in your homeland. You can discuss celebrities, athletes, politicians, or even renowned academics in your field.

  • “How do people become famous nowadays?”

This question delves into the ever-evolving landscape of fame. You may discuss the rise of social media influencers, the impact of reality TV, or the changing media landscape. 

  • “What qualities do you think make someone a good role model?”

You have the opportunity to emphasize the traits of your chosen individual that you find admirable and how these traits could apply to your own objectives. For instance, mentioning the traits of perseverance or dedication could resonate with your study abroad aspirations.

  • “Do you think it’s important to have famous role models?”

This is a more nuanced question. You can discuss the potential benefits of having role models, like inspiration and motivation, while acknowledging potential drawbacks, such as unrealistic expectations.

Crafting Good Responses

Here are some tips for delivering exceptional responses in Part 3:

  • Think on Your Feet: Don’t be afraid of a momentary pause to formulate your thoughts.
  • Connect Your Answers Back to the Cue Card Topic: Briefly weave in how the follow-up question relates to your initial description of the famous person.
  • Demonstrate Critical Thinking: Don’t simply offer one-word answers. Elaborate on your points and provide examples to support your views.
  • Maintain a Positive and Engaged Demeanor: Show genuine interest in the conversation and ask clarifying questions if needed.

By following these pointers and practicing beforehand, you can conquer Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking exam and impress the examiner with your fluency, vocabulary, and ability to discuss various topics related to your study abroad goals. Remember, effective communication is key to success, not just in the exam but also in your future academic endeavors.

Conclusion

Acing the IELTS Speaking exam is a crucial step toward your study abroad dreams. By mastering Part 2’s Cue Card and the follow-up questions in Part 3, you can effectively showcase your English skills and connect them to your academic goals. Focus on planning your responses, speaking clearly, and using examples .You can turn the IELTS Speaking exam into your launchpad for an international education with practice.

Important IELTS Exam Resources

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IELTS is required to be taken by international students and workers who wish to study or work in a country where English is the primary language of communication. Know the complete details.

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FAQs

What kind of celebrities or famous people influence you the most?

Usually, I am more inspired by business magnates and athletes who have carved their way out of nothing. In other words, I am more interested in the life journeys of influential people who come from humble beginnings and achieve everything through grit and determination, rather than through mere handouts.

What is one quality you really admire in a celebrity?

I believe most celebrities and notable personalities have the capacity to create awareness about social causes that require immediate attention. I am particularly influenced by people who donate to charitable organizations and utilize their popularity to do good for society.

What would you like to ask your favorite famous person?

If I ever get a chance to meet Neeraj Chopra, my favorite athlete, I would like to know about his plans. Additionally, I would ask him the strategy for remaining calm and composed in high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3?

  • Part 2: You are given a cue card with a topic. You will have one minute to prepare and then 1-2 minutes to discuss the topic.
  • Part 3: The examiner asks follow-up questions related to the topic from Part 2. These are meant to test your abilities to talk about abstract and more complicated concepts connected to the original topic. 

What if I fail my IELTS speaking test?

The IELTS test does not have a pass-or-fail system. You receive a band score (10-9) reflecting your English language proficiency in four areas: Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening.You may retake the test if your score doesn't meet the requirements for your chosen program or institution.

What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

Focus on fluency and use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures. Aim to speak naturally while demonstrating your ability to use different tenses and connectors to link your ideas.

Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

Maintain a semi-formal tone. Avoid slang and overly casual expressions. Formal language isn't necessary but projects a professional demeanor.

What are some of the common cue card topics?

The cue card topics can cover a wide range, including:

  • Describing a person you admire
  • A childhood memory
  • A place you'd like to visit
  • A possession you value
  • A skill you'd like to learn

Are speaking tests for Academic and General Training the same?

The format for both Academic and General Training Speaking tests is similar (introduction, individual long turn, discussion). The Academic test may feature topics related to higher education and complex concepts, while General Training might focus on everyday situations and workplace scenarios.

What is the duration of Part 2 speaking IELTS?

You have approximately one minute to prepare and 1-2 minutes to speak about the cue card topic.

Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

While the examiner may allow slight deviations, exceeding the time limits can negatively impact your fluency score. It's important to manage your time effectively and stick to the allocated time frame for each part of the test.

 

Keshav Garg

Keshav is a budding content strategist with a keen interest in technology and education. He excels in producing engaging content and developing effective strategies. His knack for crafting compelling content brings fresh perspectives and a genuine eagerness to make a meaningful impact in every project he undertakes.

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.