IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person you like to work or study with: 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.
  • 273 words
  • A person
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a person you like to work or study with.

You should say:

  • →Who this person is?
  • →How long have you known this person?
  • →How you met?
  • →Why you want to work or study with 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. 1

    Choose a real person to make your descriptions and emotional reactions sound more authentic.

  2. 2

    Use the bullet points to create a chronological narrative flow for your two-minute talk.

  3. 3

    Focus on one specific character trait to keep your explanation coherent and easy to follow.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8273 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

I would like to talk about my close friend and former classmate, Sarah, who is hands down the most brilliant person I have ever had the pleasure of studying with. We first crossed paths about five years ago during our undergraduate architecture course at university. We were randomly paired for a high-stakes group project involving sustainable urban planning, and honestly, we clicked almost immediately. We have been inseparable study partners ever since, supporting each other through countless all-nighters and design deadlines. Sarah is not just a high achiever; she has an incredibly calm, analytical approach to problem-solving that perfectly complements my slightly more chaotic, creative energy. I remember during our final year, when our model began to collapse just hours before the submission, she remained completely composed, systematically identifying the structural flaws while keeping me focused. I love working with her because she is exceptionally articulate and manages to break down complex architectural theories into manageable, logical steps. Beyond her technical proficiency, she is a brilliant listener who genuinely values diverse perspectives, which makes our collaborative sessions incredibly productive rather than competitive. She pushes me to challenge my own assumptions without ever making me feel inadequate. Having someone who is so organised and intellectually curious by my side makes even the most gruelling academic tasks feel like an engaging exploration rather than a chore. Her dedication is genuinely infectious, and she has this unique ability to maintain morale even when the workload feels overwhelming. I really believe that working alongside her has made me a more disciplined and thoughtful professional, and I sincerely hope our paths cross in a career setting again soon.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • high-stakes

    involving serious risks if things go wrong

  • all-nighters

    periods of time spent working all night

  • analytical

    using logical reasoning to understand complex things

  • composed

    having one's feelings under control and calm

  • articulate

    able to express thoughts clearly and fluently

  • diverse perspectives

    a range of different opinions and viewpoints

  • gruelling

    extremely tiring and demanding for a person

  • infectious

    likely to spread to others very quickly

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1What are the characteristics that good co-workers need?
  2. 2What benefits if you are surrounded by good co-workers?
  3. 3What would happen if the co-workers are not good?
  4. 4Are knowledgeable people popular at work?
  5. 5Are there values if managers build good relationships with the workers who work underneath them?
  6. 6Is it good for workers if the company applies sports facilities for them?

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 you like to work or study with."?+

Choose a real person to make your descriptions and emotional reactions sound more authentic.

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

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