I’d like to talk about a retired schoolteacher named Mrs. Halloway, who lives in a quiet, leafy suburb just a stone’s throw from my own neighbourhood. She is quite a remarkable woman, well into her seventies, yet she possesses an energy that puts many younger people to shame. Her primary contribution to the community is the establishment of an after-school literacy programme. She converted her own living room into a makeshift library, filled with second-hand books she tirelessly sourced from local charity shops. Every weekday afternoon, she opens her doors to children from underprivileged backgrounds who struggle with reading or homework. It is not just about academics; she provides a safe, nurturing environment where these kids can simply be themselves, away from the stresses of their home lives. She offers them snacks, patience, and unwavering encouragement, which has effectively boosted the confidence of dozens of students over the years. I first became aware of her incredible work through the local community notice board. I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and stumbled upon a flyer she had handwritten. Curious, I decided to drop by and ended up staying for an hour just observing her teaching style. I was genuinely moved by the way she managed to make complex grammar rules feel like an engaging game. I know about her now because I’ve since become a regular volunteer myself, helping her organise the book collection. Seeing the transformation in the children—how they go from being shy and hesitant to confident readers—is what truly inspires me about her dedication to helping others.
The cue card
Describe a person who has done a lot of work to help people.
You should say:
- →Who this person is/was?
- →Where does this person live?
- →What he/she has done to help people?
- →And explain how you know about this person.
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
A person
How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan
- 1
Choose someone you know personally to ensure your description remains natural and detailed.
- 2
Draft a quick timeline: introduction, their main activity, and your personal connection to them.
- 3
Use descriptive adjectives to paint a clear mental picture of their personality and actions.
Model answer
Band 8 sample answer
Say it out loud and get a band
Record this card with the AI examiner: one minute of prep, two minutes to speak, then a band for fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with the words that cost you.
Say it and get a band free →8 words
Useful vocabulary for this cue card
stone’s throw
a very short distance from a specific place
makeshift
a temporary substitute used in an emergency situation
underprivileged
having less money and fewer opportunities than others
nurturing
caring for and encouraging growth or development
unwavering
steady, resolute, and not changing in one's support
stumbled upon
to find something by chance or accidentally
hesitant
slow to act or speak due to uncertainty
dedication
the quality of being committed to a task
6 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What are some of the ways people can help others in the community?
- 2Why do you think some people like to help other people?
- 3Some people say that people help others in the community more now than they did in the past.
- 4What types of services, such as libraries or health centres, are available to the people who live in your area? Do you think there are enough of them?
- 5Which groups of people generally need most support in a community?Why?
- 6Who do you think should pay for the services that are available to the people in a community? Should it be the government or individual people?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe a person who has done a lot of work to help people."?+
Choose someone you know personally to ensure your description remains natural and detailed.
How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+
You get one minute to prepare, then 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.
How is the cue card scored?+
Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.
Can I use this sample 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
- Describe a child who loves drawing/painting
- Describe a confident public speaker you know
- Describe a family member you admire
- Describe a famous business person that you know about
- Describe a film/movie actor from your country who is very popular
- Describe a friend from your childhood
- All 705 IELTS cue cards 2026
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- IELTS pronunciation practice
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