Sign in Get Started

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

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

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

You should say:

  • Who they are
  • When you met them
  • Why you only met them once
  • And explain why you want to know more about them.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. How do people make friends in your country?
  2. When might people want to make new friends?
  3. Is it important to have the same hobbies and interests as your friends?
  4. What are the qualities of true friends?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I met her at a coffee shop in Tokyo, of all places. She was sitting across from me, sipping on a matcha latte, and I couldn't help but notice the intricate tattoo of a snake wrapped around her right wrist. We struck up a conversation, and I learned that she was a street artist, traveling the world to leave her mark on city walls. Her name was Luna, and she had this infectious energy that made you want to join her on whatever adventure she was on. We talked for maybe 20 minutes, but it felt like hours. She had this way of listening that made you feel like you were the only person in the room.

What struck me most about Luna was her fearlessness. She had no qualms about taking risks, about putting herself out there, about being vulnerable. She was like a force of nature, unstoppable and unapologetic. And yet, there was this vulnerability to her too, this sense of searching that made you want to know more. I found myself wondering what drove her, what made her tick, what she was running from or towards.

I never saw Luna again, but I've thought about her often. Who was this person, really? What was her story? What did she hope to achieve with her art? I imagine her now, in some distant city, leaving her mark on a wall, making a statement, making a difference. I wonder if she's found what she's looking for, or if she's still searching. I wonder if our paths will cross again someday.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

leave her mark
to make a lasting impression or contribution
She left her mark on the city's art scene with her bold street murals.
force of nature
a person or thing that is powerful and unstoppable
The hurricane was a force of nature, destroying everything in its path.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do people make friends in your country? In the United States, people make friends in various ways, but one common way is through social events and gatherings. For instance, I met a friend at a music festival, and we bonded over our shared love of indie rock music. We started talking about our favorite bands and artists, and before I knew it, we had been chatting for hours. It was easy to connect with her because we had a common interest, and it felt natural to exchange numbers and meet up again. I think that's how many people make friends in the US - through shared experiences and activities that bring them together.

When might people want to make new friends? I think people often want to make new friends when they're going through a significant change in their lives, like moving to a new city or starting a new job. For example, when I moved to a new city for college, I didn't know anyone, and it was a bit overwhelming. But I joined a few clubs and organizations that aligned with my interests, and that's how I met some of my closest friends. We were all in the same boat, trying to navigate this new environment, and it was easy to form connections with each other. I think that's a common experience for many people - when they're in a new situation, they're more open to meeting new people and forming new friendships.

Is it important to have the same hobbies and interests as your friends? While it's definitely helpful to have some common interests, I don't think it's necessary to have all the same hobbies and interests as your friends. In fact, I think having different interests can make for a more interesting and dynamic friendship. For instance, one of my closest friends is really into hiking and outdoor activities, which isn't really my thing. But I appreciate her enthusiasm, and she's taught me so much about the importance of getting outside and exploring nature. Meanwhile, I've introduced her to my love of art and museums, and she's developed a new appreciation for those things. I think having different interests can actually bring more depth and variety to a friendship.

What are the qualities of true friends? For me, one of the most important qualities of true friends is empathy. When I'm going through a tough time, I need friends who can listen and understand where I'm coming from. My closest friends are people who can put themselves in my shoes and offer words of encouragement and support. They're not judgmental, and they don't try to offer solutions - they just listen and let me know they're there for me. I think that's a key quality of true friends - they're able to be present and supportive, even when things get tough. And it's not just about being there for the big things - it's also about being there for the little things, like grabbing coffee or going for a walk. True friends show up consistently, and that's what makes the relationship strong.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

in the same boat
to be in a similar situation or have similar experiences
We were all in the same boat, trying to navigate this new environment, and it was easy to form connections with each other.
put themselves in my shoes
to imagine oneself in someone else's situation or feelings
My closest friends are people who can put themselves in my shoes and offer words of encouragement and support.
show up
to be present and supportive, especially in difficult times
True friends show up consistently, and that's what makes the relationship strong.
bond over
to form a connection or friendship with someone because of a shared interest or experience
I met a friend at a music festival, and we bonded over our shared love of indie rock music.
be there for
to be supportive and present for someone, especially in difficult times
True friends show up consistently, and that's what makes the relationship strong.
grab coffee
to meet with someone for a casual conversation or social gathering
True friends show up consistently, even for the little things, like grabbing coffee or going for a walk.

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