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Describe a person you enjoy talking to

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

Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a person you enjoy talking to.

You should say:

  • who this person is
  • how you know them
  • what you usually talk about

and explain why you enjoy talking to 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

261 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

I'd like to talk about my university friend, Dana, who is probably the person I enjoy talking to most. We met in our first week at university, when we were in the same tutorial group. We were both a bit nervous, and we started chatting about the reading list, and we simply never stopped.

We talk about a very wide range of subjects. Usually we start with something small, such as a lecture or a film, and end up discussing bigger questions like whether technology makes people lonelier, or what a good life actually looks like. We also share funny stories from our week and swap recommendations for books and podcasts.

There are several reasons why I find conversations with her so enjoyable. First, she's an excellent listener. When I speak, she gives me her full attention and asks follow-up questions, so I feel that what I say is interesting to her. Second, she has a curious mind and is full of unusual facts. Nearly every time we talk, I learn something new, like why the sea is salty or how certain languages count numbers.

Third, she's open-minded. We don't always agree, but she never tries to win an argument. She says, 'That's an interesting point, let me think about it,' and sometimes she changes her mind, which is quite refreshing.

I can honestly say that a long chat with her is the best way for me to relax after a stressful day. Even over the phone, time seems to disappear, and we often realise we've been talking for two hours.

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

PhraseMeaning
strike up a conversationstart talking to someone
a good listenersomeone who pays attention to others
chat for hourstalk for a long time informally
open up to someoneshare personal feelings
thought-provokingmaking you think deeply
a meeting of mindsa strong agreement of ideas

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 friend you can discuss anything with
  • A relative who tells interesting stories
  • A colleague or tutor with wide knowledge

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swho this person is
  2. 25 show you know them
  3. 25 swhat you usually talk about
  4. 45 sand explain why you enjoy talking to this person.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Communication. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. What makes someone a good conversationalist?
  2. Do you think people communicate less face to face than they used to?
  3. Are some topics unsuitable for conversation with strangers?
  4. How can people improve their communication skills?
  5. Is it easier to talk to people your own age or to older people?

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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