Sign in Get Started

Describe a person who impressed you when you were in primary school

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe a person who impressed you when you were in primary school

You should say:

  • Who they were
  • How you met them
  • Why they they were impressive
  • And explain how you felt about them.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. Why do people sometimes miss their childhood?
  2. Are children happier than adults? Why?
  3. Why do people still remember many of their friends from primary school?
  4. What kinds of primary school teachers do students remember?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Mrs. Johnson, my third-grade teacher, was the kind of person who made you feel like you were the only kid in the world when she talked to you. She had this warm, gentle way of speaking that made you feel like everything was going to be okay. I was a shy kid, always hesitant to raise my hand or participate in class, but Mrs. Johnson had a way of drawing me out. She'd ask me questions about my favorite books or what I liked to do outside of school, and she'd listen with this intense interest that made me feel like I was the most fascinating person on the planet.

But what really impressed me about Mrs. Johnson was her patience. I was struggling with reading at the time, and she took extra time with me after class to practice with me, never making me feel like I was a burden or that I was holding her back. She'd sit with me for what felt like hours, going over the same passages until I got it, and always with a smile and words of encouragement.

One day, I finally mastered a particularly tricky chapter, and Mrs. Johnson beamed with pride. She gave me a big hug and said, 'I knew you could do it!' It was a small moment, but it's stuck with me to this day. Mrs. Johnson taught me that with the right support and encouragement, I could overcome any obstacle, and that's a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

made you feel like you were the only kid in the world
to make someone feel special and important, as if they are the only person who matters
She had a way of making me feel like I was the only kid in the world when she talked to me.
The way she listened to me made me feel like I was the only person in the room.
drawing me out
to encourage someone to talk or share their thoughts and feelings
Mrs. Johnson had a way of drawing me out of my shell.
The therapist's gentle questions helped draw out the patient's deepest fears.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do people sometimes miss their childhood? I think people sometimes miss their childhood because it was a time of pure imagination and freedom. When we're kids, we don't have the same worries and responsibilities that we do as adults, so we're able to just enjoy the moment and be present. I remember spending hours playing outside with my friends, making up games and exploring the world around us. We didn't have to worry about things like bills or work or any of the other stresses that come with growing up. It was a carefree time, and I think that's something that a lot of people miss as they get older.

Are children happier than adults? Why? I think children are often happier than adults because they're more present in the moment. They're not worried about the future or dwelling on the past, they're just living in the here and now. They find joy in the simple things, like playing with a favorite toy or spending time with loved ones. They also haven't yet developed the same level of self-awareness that can sometimes make adults unhappy. They're not worried about what others think of them, or whether they're good enough, they're just happy to be themselves. And I think that's something that we can all learn from, as adults.

Why do people still remember many of their friends from primary school? I think people still remember many of their friends from primary school because those were some of the first real friendships we formed. We spent so much time together, learning and growing and exploring, and that creates a strong bond. Those friendships were also often formed without the influence of social media or other external factors, so they were more genuine and authentic. And I think that's why they can be so lasting. Even if we lose touch with those friends as we get older, the memories of those friendships can stay with us for a lifetime.

What kinds of primary school teachers do students remember? I think students often remember primary school teachers who made a real effort to connect with them on a personal level. Teachers who took the time to understand their students' interests and passions, and who found ways to make learning fun and engaging. Those teachers who were kind and supportive, but also challenging and encouraging, are often the ones who make the biggest impact. They help students develop a love of learning that can stay with them for the rest of their lives, and that's something that's really special.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

miss their childhood
to feel nostalgic for one's childhood
People often miss their childhood because of the freedom and imagination that came with it.
be present in the moment
to focus on the current moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
Children are often happier because they are more present in the moment.
find joy in the simple things
to appreciate and enjoy the small pleasures in life
Children find joy in the simple things, like playing with a favorite toy or spending time with loved ones.
make a real effort
to put in genuine and sincere effort to do something
Teachers who make a real effort to connect with their students on a personal level are often remembered.
make learning fun and engaging
to make learning enjoyable and interesting
Teachers who make learning fun and engaging are often the ones who make the biggest impact on their students.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today