IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who is good at planning: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 261 words
  • A person
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a person who is good at planning

You should say:

  • →Who this person is
  • →How you know them
  • →What they usually plan
  • →And explain why you think they are good at planning

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

A person

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Choose someone you know well to make the personal anecdotes sound more authentic and natural.

  2. 2

    Use the bullet points as a roadmap to ensure you cover each aspect without rushing.

  3. 3

    Spend the first thirty seconds jotting down specific examples of their planning skills.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8261 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I’d like to talk about my older sister, Elena, who is arguably the most organised person I have ever encountered. We grew up in the same household in Manchester, so I have had a front-row seat to her meticulous nature for nearly twenty years. She is the sort of person who seems to have a mental spreadsheet for every aspect of her life.

Elena is constantly planning, whether it is something mundane like her weekly meal prep or more complex undertakings like our family holidays. When we go away, she doesn’t just book flights; she creates a colour-coded itinerary that includes everything from opening times of local galleries to the best spots for sunset photography, complete with contingency plans in case of bad weather. Even her career as a project manager reflects this skill, as she thrives on managing tight deadlines and complex workflows for her team.

I believe she is exceptionally good at planning because she possesses a rare blend of foresight and pragmatism. She never gets overwhelmed because she breaks down massive, daunting objectives into tiny, manageable tasks. It is not just about having a list; it is about her ability to anticipate potential hurdles before they even manifest. If a flight is delayed or a reservation falls through, she is never rattled because she has already mapped out a 'plan B'. Her approach isn't rigid or stifling; rather, it provides a sense of calm and clarity that allows everyone around her to enjoy the experience without the usual stress of logistical chaos. Watching her operate is genuinely inspiring.

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

  • Meticulous

    Showing great attention to detail and precision.

  • Contingency plans

    Back-up strategies for when things go wrong.

  • Logistical chaos

    A state of total confusion regarding planning.

  • Foresight

    The ability to predict what will happen.

  • Pragmatism

    Dealing with things in a practical way.

  • Manifest

    To become clear or appear in reality.

  • Rattled

    To feel nervous, worried, or easily upset.

  • Stifling

    Restricting freedom or preventing natural development.

5 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
  2. 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
  3. 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
  4. 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
  5. 5Do you think the government should be involved in regulating this area?

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 is good at planning"?+

Choose someone you know well to make the personal anecdotes sound more authentic and natural.

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

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Say it and get a band free