Describe a person who is full of energy and enthusiasm
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a person who is full of energy and enthusiasm.
You should say:
- who this person is
- how you know them
- what they do that shows their energy
and explain how you feel when you are with this person.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
256 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
The person I'd like to talk about is my volleyball coach, Ms Gulchehra, who is in her early forties and leads our university team. I've known her for about three years now, since I joined the team in my first year.
She is the most energetic person I've ever met. She arrives at training before everyone else and often leaves long after us. During the practice, she is always moving, demonstrating techniques, shouting encouragement and even joining in games to show us how a play should be done. And that's after teaching her own classes in the morning. Outside the sport, she organises charity matches, writes a blog about women's fitness, and is currently studying for a master's degree in the evenings. I honestly don't know when she sleeps.
When I'm around her, I feel more motivated and positive. Her enthusiasm is contagious. On days when I'm tired or have had a difficult day at university, I arrive at the gym feeling flat, but within ten minutes of hearing her laughter and seeing her excitement about a new exercise, I'm inspired to give my best.
She has also changed my attitude to challenges. I used to avoid things that seemed difficult, but she keeps telling us that effort is more important than perfection. Because of her, I've begun to take on more responsibilities, such as helping to organise team events.
I admire the way she approaches life as an adventure. I only hope that I can keep half of her energy when I reach her age.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a bundle of energy | a very active person |
| infectious enthusiasm | enthusiasm that spreads to others |
| throw oneself into | start something with great energy |
| full of beans | lively and energetic |
| never a dull moment | always something interesting happening |
| drive and ambition | motivation to achieve |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- A teacher or coach who is always excited
- A younger relative who is constantly moving
- A friend who starts new projects all the time
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swho this person is
- 25 show you know them
- 25 swhat they do that shows their energy
- 45 sand explain how you feel when you are with this person.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Energy and motivation. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- What makes some people more energetic than others?
- Is enthusiasm important in the workplace?
- How can people stay motivated over a long period?
- Do you think energetic people make better leaders?
- Why do some people lose their enthusiasm as they get older?
Frequently asked questions
How should I describe a person in an IELTS cue card?
Pick someone you know well enough to tell a story about: that is easier to stretch to two minutes than a famous name. Say who they are and how you know them in a few sentences, spend most of your time on one or two specific moments, and finish with why they matter to you.
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