I would love to collaborate on a research project with my former university flatmate, Elena. I first met her back in my second year at Leeds, when we were both studying architecture. We spent countless late nights in the studio, fuelled by lukewarm coffee and the occasional takeaway, trying to perfect our structural models. She has this remarkable ability to remain calm even when a project deadline is looming, which is a stark contrast to my own tendency to panic. I would specifically like to team up with her to design a sustainable, low-cost housing initiative. We have often discussed how urban development is becoming increasingly exclusionary, and I think her technical precision paired with my focus on social integration would make for a formidable partnership. The reason I am so keen to work with her goes beyond her sheer competence. Elena possesses a unique intellectual humility; she is always the first to admit when an idea isn't working and is incredibly open to constructive criticism. In a collaborative environment, that kind of honesty is rare. Most people get defensive when their designs are challenged, but she views it as a necessary step towards refinement. Her disciplined work ethic also acts as a catalyst for my own productivity. When I am around her, I feel compelled to elevate the quality of my output because she sets such a high standard. Ultimately, I believe that working with someone who balances both technical rigour and a genuine openness to new perspectives would not only lead to a successful outcome but would also make the entire process intellectually stimulating and enjoyable.
The cue card
Describe a person you want to work or study with
You should say:
- →Who this person is
- →How you know them
- →What you would like to work or study on with them
- →And explain why you want to work or study with them
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 a real person to make your delivery feel more natural and authentic.
- 2
Use the one-minute prep to list three specific personality traits that justify your choice.
- 3
Ensure you link the person's skills directly to the specific task you want to perform.
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
collaborate
to work together with someone on something
looming
approaching in a worrying or threatening way
exclusionary
preventing certain groups from participating or belonging
formidable
impressive and powerful in ability or strength
intellectual humility
willingness to admit one's own cognitive limitations
catalyst
something that causes a significant positive change
technical rigour
strict attention to detail and high standards
elevate
to raise the level or quality of something
5 questions
Part 3 follow-up questions
- 1What role does society play in shaping our attitudes towards this?
- 2Has the way people view this changed over the years?
- 3How do you think it will develop in the future?
- 4What are the benefits and drawbacks?
- 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 you want to work or study with"?+
Choose a real person to make your delivery feel more natural and 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
- 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
- IELTS speaking practice with AI scoring
- IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions and answers
- IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions
- IELTS speaking predictions
- IELTS pronunciation practice
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