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IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Describe a person you only met once recently and want to know more about.

You should say:

• Who he/she is
• When you met him/her
• Why you want to know more about him/her
• And explain how you feel about him/her

Sample Answer

Well, I’m quite a social person, so I really enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. In fact, I’m usually the one who tries to break the ice when I’m around someone new. So, one person I met recently and would really like to know more about is Aman.

I met him about a month ago at a cosy café near my workplace. I had gone there to grab a coffee and spend some time by myself. While I was sitting there, I noticed Aman reading a travel magazine at the next table. He asked me whether I had ever visited the place he was reading about. Since I’m quite outgoing, I didn’t hesitate to start a conversation with him.

We ended up chatting for around twenty minutes, and surprisingly, we hit it off really well. He told me that he was really into travelling and photography, and he had visited quite a few interesting places. We talked about different cities, local food and some memorable travel experiences. What I particularly liked was that he wasn’t just a good speaker; he was also a good listener. He also showed a real interest in my experiences, which made the conversation feel very natural.

The main reason I want to know more about Aman is that twenty minutes wasn’t enough to understand his personality properly. I’d love to hear more about his travels, future plans and especially his passion for photography. I’m also curious to know what made him so interested in exploring new places.

As for how I feel about him, I have a very positive impression of him. He came across as friendly, confident and open-minded. Even though we met only once, he left a lasting impression on me. I hope we cross paths again because I feel we could have some really interesting conversations, and who knows, we might even become good friends.

All in all, I’m glad I decided to step out of my comfort zone and talk to a complete stranger. It reminded me that a simple conversation can sometimes lead to a surprisingly good connection.

Useful IELTS Vocabulary and Idioms

A social person

Someone who is friendly and enjoys meeting people.

Break the ice

To start a conversation and make people feel more comfortable.

Cosy café

A comfortable and pleasant café.

Hit it off

To connect and become friendly with someone quickly.

Really into

Very interested in something.

Curious

Wanting to know or learn something.

A lasting impression

A strong memory or effect that remains for a long time.

Cross paths again

To meet someone again in the future.

Glad

Very happy or pleased about something.

Actions speak louder than words

What people do is often more important than what they say.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Follow-up Questions and Answers

1. What should we not talk about when we meet a person for the first time?

Well, I think it’s better to avoid topics that are too personal, especially when we meet someone for the first time. For example, I wouldn’t ask about their salary, relationships, age or family problems because it could make them uncomfortable. Instead, I’d stick to simple topics like hobbies, travelling, work or daily life. I think the main aim should be to make the other person feel relaxed. After all, first impressions matter, so we should be polite and respectful.

2. What can we do to leave a good impression on people we meet for the first time?

I’d say being friendly and respectful is the key. A warm smile, good eye contact and a positive attitude can make a great difference. I also think we should listen carefully instead of talking only about ourselves. Showing interest in the other person can go a long way. Apart from that, asking simple questions and finding things we have in common can help break the ice. Most importantly, I think we should be ourselves rather than trying too hard to impress someone.

3. What qualities make a true friend?

In my opinion, a true friend is someone people can count on when they need support. I would say honesty, loyalty and understanding are the most important qualities. A good friend should be happy when others succeed and stand by them when things go wrong. Another important quality is being a good listener, because sometimes people simply need someone who understands them. At the end of the day, actions speak louder than words, so I believe a true friend shows care through their actions.

4. Is it important to have the same hobbies and interests when making friends?

Not really, I’d say. Having similar hobbies can certainly make it easier to become friends because there is already something in common. For example, two people who enjoy travelling can easily spend time together. However, friends do not need to like all the same things. In fact, different interests can make a friendship more interesting because both people can learn new things from each other. What matters more is having similar values, such as honesty, respect and understanding.

5. On what occasions do people like to make friends?

Well, people usually make friends in places where they spend a lot of time together. For example, schools, colleges and workplaces are common places to meet new people. Besides that, parties, weddings and social events also give people a chance to meet others. These days, people can also make friends through gyms, clubs and online groups. I think it becomes easier when people have something in common or share an experience. Once people feel comfortable around each other, a friendship can develop quite naturally.

6. How do people make friends in India?

Well, in India, people often make friends through school, college, work and mutual friends. Family gatherings and social events are also important because people usually meet many new faces there. Apart from that, young people nowadays use social media and online groups to connect with others who have similar interests. However, I’d say face-to-face meetings are still very important in India. A simple chat, a shared interest or even a common friend can be enough to start a friendship.

How to Use This Cue Card for IELTS Speaking

When preparing this cue card, focus on telling a natural story rather than memorising every sentence word for word. Try to remember the main ideas, useful vocabulary and the logical order of your answer.

1. Introduce the person you met.
2. Explain when and where you met.
3. Describe what you talked about.
4. Explain why you want to know more about the person.
5. Describe your feelings and overall impression.

Using linking expressions, natural collocations and relevant idioms can make your answer more fluent and engaging. However, make sure you use vocabulary naturally instead of forcing difficult words into your answer.

Key Takeaways

• Use a clear story structure for Part 2.
• Give specific details about the person and the meeting.
• Use natural vocabulary and collocations.
• Explain your feelings clearly.
• Practise the Part 3 questions using your own ideas.

Prepare More IELTS Speaking Cue Cards

Keep practising with English with Roop for more IELTS Speaking cue cards, vocabulary, follow-up questions and practical speaking strategies.

The goal is not simply to memorise an answer. The goal is to develop ideas, improve fluency and speak confidently in the IELTS Speaking test.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IELTS Speaking Cue Card #2 for Sep-Dec 2026?

The topic asks you to describe a person you only met once recently and want to know more about. You should explain who the person is, when you met them, why you want to know more about them and how you feel about them.

How long should I speak about an IELTS Speaking cue card?

You should aim to speak continuously for around two minutes in the IELTS Speaking Part 2 long turn. Practise developing your ideas rather than memorising a fixed script.

What vocabulary can I use for this IELTS cue card?

Useful expressions include “break the ice”, “hit it off”, “really into”, “a lasting impression” and “cross paths again”. Use them naturally and make sure you understand their meanings.

Should I memorise the complete IELTS cue card answer?

It is better to learn the structure, ideas and useful expressions rather than memorising every sentence. This helps you sound more natural and adapt your answer during the test.