Describe someone in your family who you like/admire.
You should say:
how this person is related to you
what this person looks like
what kind of person he/she is
and explain why you like/ admire this person.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
To practice with past questions, please look at Speaking Part 2 in more detail.
In this post, you will see a sample cue card question, high-level answers, and feedback.
Model Answer 1 – My Elder Sister
I would like to talk about my elder sister, whom I greatly admire. She is my only sibling, five years older than me, and has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my life.
My sister is a stunning individual with a radiant smile that lights up any room she enters. She is medium height with dark brown hair that cascades down her shoulders in gentle waves. Her eyes, a vibrant hazel, sparkle with wisdom and kindness, reflecting her inner beauty.
She is an incredibly compassionate and resilient person. As a doctor working in a rural clinic, she has dedicated her life to improving the health of the less fortunate. Her relentless pursuit of her dream, despite the obstacles that have come her way, truly exemplifies her resilient spirit. She is also remarkably compassionate, always putting others before herself. This compassion is not limited to her professional life; she is also an empathetic listener in her personal relationships, always ready to provide support and advice.
What I admire the most about my sister is her dedication to making a difference. Despite having numerous opportunities to opt for more lucrative medical specializations, she chose a path that allowed her to serve a marginalized community. Her resilience in the face of adversity, her tireless work ethic, and her deeply rooted empathy inspire me every day to be a better person. She has taught me the value of commitment, the power of kindness, and the importance of pursuing one’s passion relentlessly. Her life and achievements serve as a constant reminder of what we can accomplish when we dedicate our lives to something larger than ourselves.
Feedback
This is a high-quality response as it thoroughly addresses the prompt by providing clear details about the person in question, describing her physical attributes, personality traits, and why she is admired. There is effective use of varied sentence structures and tenses, both present and past, to keep the discourse engaging. Additionally, the answer includes advanced vocabulary and collocations, contributing to a high language proficiency level.
Model Answer: My Loving Mother
I would like to describe my mother, a person I deeply admire and love. She is the most integral part of my life and has been a beacon of guidance for me.
My mother is of average height, has a graceful figure, and an ever-glowing face that seldom fails to attract attention. Her curly, black hair sits elegantly on her shoulders and her brown eyes, always filled with warmth and affection, are the mirrors to her beautiful soul.
She is a woman of immense kindness and patience. As a teacher, she has impacted many lives with her wisdom and dedication. Beyond her profession, she has always been the emotional anchor of our family, showering us with unconditional love and understanding, even during the most challenging times.
What I admire most about my mother is her resilience and positivity. Her ability to smile in the face of adversity, her strength to keep going when things get tough, and her unwavering faith in the goodness of life have always been a source of inspiration for me. She has taught me the importance of kindness, the value of hard work, and the power of love. My mother, in every sense, is the person I aspire to become.
Feedback
This response provides a comprehensive answer to the cue card question by describing the speaker’s mother, her physical attributes, personality traits, and why she is admired. The use of varied and complex sentence structures enhances the coherence of the discourse. Advanced vocabulary and appropriate collocations are used effectively to express ideas and emotions.
Model Answer: My Inspiring Aunt
I’d like to talk about my Aunt Mabel, my mother’s elder sister, who is a person I greatly respect and admire.
Aunt Mabel is an elegant lady with a radiant personality. She is slender and tall, with silvery grey hair that she keeps in a stylish bob. Her green eyes sparkle with a lively intellect and her laughter is as infectious as it is heartwarming.
She is a woman of incredible determination and generosity. As an accomplished painter, she has brought joy to many through her art. Yet, she never hesitates to use her talent to help others, frequently donating her works for charitable causes.
I admire Aunt Mabel not just for her artistic talent, but also for her spirit of giving and her passion for life. Her determination to follow her artistic passion, her dedication to philanthropy, and her zest for life inspire me greatly. I’m grateful for her presence in my life as a role model and a source of inspiration.
Feedback
The candidate presents a well-structured and vivid description of their aunt, covering all points in the cue card and going further by providing additional details. The language used is sophisticated, featuring a variety of tenses and complex sentence structures. High-level vocabulary and collocations contribute to a compelling answer.
Model Answer: My Diligent Father
I wish to talk about my father, someone I hold in the highest regard. His diligence, determination, and dedication to our family are qualities I deeply admire.
Physically, my father is a tall, sturdy man with a peppered beard that compliments his strong features. He has expressive, deep-set eyes that reflect wisdom and kindness, and his broad smile instantly sets people at ease.
My father is a person of great resolve and a strong work ethic. As a small business owner, he has worked tirelessly to provide for our family. He is also a compassionate man, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
The reason I admire my father so much is his resilience and dedication. His ability to stay focused and resilient, even in the face of adversity, inspires me to be a better person. His dedication to our family, his work, and his commitment to helping others are qualities I aspire to develop in myself.
Feedback
This response is well-structured and covers all aspects of the cue card comprehensively. The speaker’s use of vocabulary is mature and varied, and their sentence structure is diverse and grammatically correct. The reasons for admiration are specific and clearly stated, making the response both convincing and engaging.
Model Answer: My Energetic Younger Brother
I’d like to talk about my younger brother, Sam. Despite our age difference, we share a close bond and he is someone I greatly admire.
Sam is a bit shorter than I am, with a lean and muscular build from his love for soccer. He has short, wavy hair, a cheerful smile, and expressive blue eyes that seem to always be brimming with enthusiasm.
Sam is a ball of energy, always on the move, and eager to explore new things. He is a quick learner and has a natural knack for making friends. His upbeat and friendly demeanor is contagious and lights up any room he enters.
I admire Sam for his positivity and courage. His fearless approach to challenges and his enthusiasm to explore new horizons inspire me. I admire his ability to adapt quickly, learn from his mistakes, and never let setbacks dampen his spirits. He is a living reminder for me to embrace life with a positive attitude.
Feedback
This answer is well-organized and clearly addresses each point on the cue card. The description of the brother’s physical attributes, personality traits, and the speaker’s admiration is detailed and vivid. The language is proficient and varied, incorporating a range of advanced vocabulary and expressions, which enhance the overall fluency and coherence of the response.
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