IELTS Speaking Task: Cue Card Question With Sample Answer on Famous People

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Question:

Describe a person who is often in the news, and who you would like to meet.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know him/her
• Why he/she is often in the news
• And explain why you would like to meet him/her.

 Answer:

Like a lot of people, I also watch and read the news to keep myself abreast of the latest affairs around the world. Every now and then I see a lot of film stars, sportsmen, politicians and other famous personalities on the television. Sometimes we are so impressed by them that we want to meet them personally.

Here I would like to talk about a person whom I admire the most and would like to meet in person too. He is the most followed politician on Twitter, Mr Shashi Tharoor.

I first saw him on the television during a debate at the Oxford Union where he delivered an exceptional speech for about 15 minutes, which left me spellbound.

Mr. Shashi Tharoor is an Indian former diplomat, a writer and a public intellectual who was also a member of the parliament. He is a very accomplished person with a brilliant academic record. Not to forget he's also a best-selling author on a wide range of subjects. His speeches have always been remarkable and are praised all over the world.

I admire him so much because he is a truly versatile genius. It is very rare that politicians have gone beyond the limitations of politics and made a mark internationally. He is acclaimed worldwide for his knowledge, wisdom, speeches and incomparable wit.

Mr. Shashi Tharoor, being a former member of the parliament, appears on multiple news channels and talk shows because he is an amazing orator and the way he speaks English can itself enchant the audience. I really admire his composure and etiquette and the fact that he's very good looking too! I would definitely like to meet him at least once in my life and I hope that I don't forget to take an autograph!

IELTS Speaking Part 3 

Q. Is all the news that’s available on social media reliable?

In my opinion, social media can and cannot be a reliable source for information. It is easy and widely accessible for anyone to post and for many more people to consume that information that has been released.

Social media being such an open, diverse and accessible place to display information has made it an easy way for information to be altered and changed, which can lead to false news and can even be dangerous depending on the target audience.

Another common issue that has risen through the use of social media as a news platform is mixing information and altering or exaggerating a story or event. 

Q. What are the differences in the way people received the news in the past and the way they do now.

Earlier, people used to hear local news from one another or read it in the papers, and more important international news on the radio and TV. I think in the past people would have heard about the news when they lived in close proximity to the news, heard from family and friends, or by reading the newspaper, but today with the tap of a button you could know what’s happening around the globe. People now receive the most recent news from all over the world everywhere, including their phone apps for social networks like Instagram and Facebook, their emails, and many other forms of the social network.

Q. What type of people can be seen on TV? What kind of people do the news usually report about?

I believe that there is an excessive amount of celebrity news these days. News channels mostly focus on unnecessary news about famous people, to increase their TRP. 

Anyone can be seen on television, in my opinion, as long as they are involved in or have access to relevant news, but the newscasters, journalists, politicians, and celebrities are the ones we see the most frequently. The media will report on everything that is noteworthy.

Q. Do you think negative information in the news can have a negative influence?

Definitely! Hearing negative news can have an immediate effect on a person’s stress level. Not only does it affect an individuals’ mood but their performance.

Moreover, people may start to feel uneasy and afraid as a result, which can occasionally cause chaos and confusion. Additionally, because such news receives too little attention, people are unaware of developments, advancements, and positive events occurring in their immediate environment.

Q. Do you believe everything said in the news?

I do not believe everything the news media tell me. I take in information from multiple viewpoints and try to come to my own conclusions. Among other things, I believe I’ve learned to filter out much of the bias that I find in every news source. But some are so incredibly biassed that I rarely find what they say to be credible.

But when I see several independent, credible sources telling me the same thing and the fact checking sites back that up, I’m more inclined to believe them.

Q. How do you think the celebs in the news can influence adolescents?

Celebrities can have a positive influence on youth. In fact, they can serve as role models. But articles on famous singers, actors, and other celebrities can also provide unhealthy examples. In particular, celebrity influence on body image and substance use is often detrimental to teen mental health.

Because pop culture plays such a big role in teens’ lives, celebrities influence the way teens think and what they talk about.