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Describe the person in your family who you most admire – IELTS Cue Card

Justin

Updated On Feb 28, 2024

write a biography on a family member who you admire

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Describe the person in your family who you most admire – IELTS Cue Card

Predicted Cue Cards Topics 2024

In IELTS Speaking, you should focus on one idea only and then expand that idea into a long meaningful sentence using grammar patterns and vocabulary. So, try practising this topic for Part 2 of the cue card for your IELTS Speaking and achieve a good score!

Describe the person in your family who you most admire.

You should say:

  • what his/her relationship is to you
  • what s/he has done in your life
  • what s/he does now

and explain why you admire this person so much.

Sample Answer 1

Apart from my parents, if there is someone in the family I admire the most, it is none other than my maternal uncle. Since childhood, I used to look up to him as he had a great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable.

Unlike my mother, who was very tomboyish during her teens, my uncle was very quiet and used to follow my mother around from what I have heard of their stories. Although he was not good in sports, he played the tabla professionally for quite a long time and mastered the mouth organ. He was also meritorious and aided everyone who came to him for help, which he does even now.

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Professionally, he is a senior manager in a popular government organization. In his free time, he studies various plants and trees and has a huge garden where he nourishes as much flora as possible. He is also proficient in suggesting ayurvedic medicines to people who come to him for help. 

Sometimes, I still remember those days when going to my maternal grandfather’s place was like a festival to me. We had the liberty and love to enjoy our golden days. At night, after dinner, we used to sit in the hall and share various funny stories. During this time, he performed various mimicry and I laughed my heart out. He used to play pranks on me and yet, took me to various new places he wanted to explore. For me, he was no less than an encyclopedia with a memory like an elephant. I have never seen him fight with anyone and he always found a solution for any problems he or others around him faced. For me, after my mother, he is the ideal person to motivate you to be a better human being.

  • Bond: Connection Eg: Minz shares a strong bond with his sister.
  • Guardian: protector of someone Eg: She is my guardian.
  • Distinguish: Differentiate Eg: “Learn to distinguish between right and wrong”.
  • Selfless: Doing something without caring about themselves Eg: My brother’s selfless love moved me.

Sample Answer 2

Family is a very precious bond. It is the only place where you can get selfless love, and people would do things without expecting anything in return. So, no matter what goes wrong, you can always be grateful to be able to get back to your family at the end of the day. The person I admire the most in my family is my mother.

The question should actually be, why shouldn’t one adore. My mother is a housewife, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. People say homemakers aren’t working as much as working women, but I would beg to differ. She works as much as someone who works at an office. From staying up every night whenever I am sick to moulding me into the person I am today, I owe it all to her. She had been not only my guardian but also a friend. Very few are lucky to find a friend in their parents; I am one of them.

From the day I was born to the day when I gained some sense of distinguishing right and wrong, I have seen her working selflessly, day and night. She is still a housewife. Like every other job, this job does not have an expiry date. And I’m pretty sure how dedicated she is to her family, moreover the love she bestowed upon us.

When I fight with my mother, no matter how angry she is at me, it won’t stop her from serving me the food. That is when I realised no matter who comes into our lives, no one can be more selfless than her. I love her, which is one of the reasons I admire her so much.

Explore More Who You Admire Cue cards >>

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Justin

Justin is our Exam Prep Master and helps our learners with the important information, tips to tackle the IELTS Test. He has his way of researching and putting into words the details that students need to know while prepping for the IELTS Test. Justin joined us right after working with an NGO, which helped students study. He understood the difficulties for local students who took up the IELTS Test as English wasn't their first language and thus took it upon him to educate and help students learn the basics of the language and how to tackle the test.

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Someone i admire.

write a biography on a family member who you admire

Look at the description and do the exercises to improve your writing skills.

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then do the other exercises.

Preparation

My cousin laura.

Someone I admire is my cousin Laura. She’s five years older than me, so she’s 19 now and she lives in Bristol. She’s very friendly and confident and she’s got long, wavy, brown hair and greeny-brown eyes. She’s medium height, slim and very fit because she’s a dancer.

She’s been dancing since she was six years old and trains every day at her dance school. She wants to be a professional dancer, but it’s a very difficult profession because it’s so competitive. She often dances in shows and I’ve been to watch her several times. Her favourite type of dance is modern, which is sometimes a bit strange, but I love watching her dance.

Laura is very busy because she also studies photography at university. She’s a really good photographer and has taken lots of amazing photos of me and my family. Her photos have won a few prizes and last year one of her photos was in an exhibition at an art gallery in London.

Laura doesn’t have a lot of free time and she’s also trying to learn German because she wants to go to Germany next year to do a photography course. I think Laura is very hard-working and she deserves to become a professional dancer one day.

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write a biography on a family member who you admire

IELTS Cue Card – A Family Member I Admire

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.

A Family Member IELTS Cue Card

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test . If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.

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Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire: IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

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Updated on 01 December, 2023

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study abroad expert.

Akansha Semwal

Introduction:

In the IELTS Speaking test, describing a person you admire, especially from your family, is a common cue card topic that allows examiners to assess your ability to convey feelings and details about relationships. This topic not only tests your descriptive abilities but also your emotional intelligence and the cultural nuances of admiration.

Table of Contents

  • Sample Answer: 'The Matriarch of Wisdom'

Follow-Up Questions & Answers:

Tips for cracking the ielts speaking test:, download e-books for ielts preparation, sample answer: 'the matriarch of wisdom'.

Early Influence:

The person in my family I hold in highest esteem is undoubtedly my grandmother, a beacon of wisdom and strength. At ninety years of age, she embodies a living history, her life a tapestry of experiences that she shares with the eloquence of a seasoned storyteller.

Guiding Force:

Her influence on me is profound. From my earliest memories, she has been a guiding force, instilling values of kindness, perseverance, and education. A retired school principal, her commitment to learning did not cease with retirement; it merely shifted focus—from her students to her grandchildren.

Source of Inspiration:

Her resilience in the face of adversity is a source of daily inspiration. She lived through times of war and peace, joy and sorrow, and emerged with a spirit unscathed by cynicism. Her laughter is infectious, and her ability to find joy in the smallest of things, a lesson in gratitude.

Legacy of Love:

But, it is her unconditional love that has shaped me the most. In her eyes, I find the reflection of the person I aspire to be—compassionate, determined, and wise.

Q1: What qualities make your grandmother admirable?

A1: My grandmother's admirability stems from her unwavering moral compass, her dedication to lifelong learning, and her capacity for love and joy. Her resilience and optimism have not only seen her through significant historical events but have also been a guiding light for our family.

Q2: How has your grandmother influenced your life choices?

A2: She's influenced my life choices profoundly, especially in valuing education and personal growth. Her emphasis on learning has led me to pursue higher education and a career that values knowledge and ethical living.

Q3: Can you share a fond memory of your grandmother?

A3: A treasured memory is of her teaching me to read. The patience with which she'd guide me through the letters, the pride in her eyes at my first book read alone—those moments encapsulate the essence of her nurturing spirit.

Tip 1: Understand the Cue Card - Before you start speaking, take a moment to fully understand what the cue card is asking you to describe.

Tip 2: Structure Your Answer - Organize your thoughts into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion to keep your response coherent.

Tip 3: Be Personal and Specific - Use specific examples and personal stories to make your description vivid and authentic.

Tip 4: Expand Your Vocabulary - Use a wide range of vocabulary to describe emotions, relationships, and characteristics.

Tip 5: Practice Fluency - Speak smoothly without too many pauses or fillers ('um', 'uh', etc.) to maintain the flow of your speech.

Tip 6: Work on Pronunciation - Clear pronunciation can improve the comprehensibility of your response and leave a better impression on the examiner.

Tip 7: Engage with the Topic - Show genuine interest and engagement with the topic to make your answer more dynamic and interesting.

Tip 8: Use Varied Sentence Structures - Demonstrate your grasp of the English language by using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.

Tip 9: Manage Your Time - Keep track of the time to ensure you can complete your answer without being cut off by the examiner.

Tip 10: Stay Calm and Composed - Keep your nerves in check to ensure clarity of thought and speech.

Conclusion:

Describing someone you admire, particularly a family member, in the IELTS Speaking test can be a heartfelt and enriching experience. By following the provided structure, employing the tips, and engaging deeply with the question, you can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the examiner and showcases your command of the English language. Remember, the key to success lies in the authenticity and clarity of your response.

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Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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Literacy Ideas

How to Write a Biography

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Biographies are big business. Whether in book form or Hollywood biopics, the lives of the famous and sometimes not-so-famous fascinate us.

While it’s true that most biographies are about people who are in the public eye, sometimes the subject is less well-known. Primarily, though, famous or not, the person who is written about has led an incredible life.

In this article, we will explain biography writing in detail for teachers and students so they can create their own.

While your students will most likely have a basic understanding of a biography, it’s worth taking a little time before they put pen to paper to tease out a crystal-clear definition of one.

Visual Writing

What Is a Biography?

how to write a biography | how to start an autobiography | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

A biography is an account of someone’s life written by someone else . While there is a genre known as a fictional biography, for the most part, biographies are, by definition, nonfiction.

Generally speaking, biographies provide an account of the subject’s life from the earliest days of childhood to the present day or, if the subject is deceased, their death.

The job of a biography is more than just to outline the bare facts of a person’s life.

Rather than just listing the basic details of their upbringing, hobbies, education, work, relationships, and death, a well-written biography should also paint a picture of the subject’s personality and experience of life.

how to write a biography | Biography Autobiography 2022 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Full Biographies

Teaching unit.

Teach your students everything they need to know about writing an AUTOBIOGRAPHY and a BIOGRAPHY.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 26 reviews )

Features of a Biography

Before students begin writing a biography, they’ll need to have a firm grasp of the main features of a Biography. An excellent way to determine how well they understand these essential elements is to ask them to compile a checklist like the one-blow

Their checklists should contain the items below at a minimum. Be sure to help them fill in any gaps before moving on to the writing process.

The purpose of a biography is to provide an account of someone’s life.

Biography structure.

ORIENTATION (BEGINNING) Open your biography with a strong hook to grab the reader’s attention

SEQUENCING: In most cases, biographies are written in chronological order unless you are a very competent writer consciously trying to break from this trend.

COVER: childhood, upbringing, education, influences, accomplishments, relationships, etc. – everything that helps the reader to understand the person.

CONCLUSION: Wrap your biography up with some details about what the subject is doing now if they are still alive. If they have passed away, make mention of what impact they have made and what their legacy is or will be.

BIOGRAPHY FEATURES

LANGUAGE Use descriptive and figurative language that will paint images inside your audience’s minds as they read. Use time connectives to link events.

PERSPECTIVE Biographies are written from the third person’s perspective.

DETAILS: Give specific details about people, places, events, times, dates, etc. Reflect on how events shaped the subject. You might want to include some relevant photographs with captions. A timeline may also be of use depending upon your subject and what you are trying to convey to your audience.

TENSE Written in the past tense (though ending may shift to the present/future tense)

THE PROCESS OF WRITING A BIOGRAPHY

Like any form of writing, you will find it simple if you have a plan and follow it through. These steps will ensure you cover the essential bases of writing a biography essay.

Firstly, select a subject that inspires you. Someone whose life story resonates with you and whose contribution to society intrigues you. The next step is to conduct thorough research. Engage in extensive reading, explore various sources, watch documentaries, and glean all available information to provide a comprehensive account of the person’s life.

Creating an outline is essential to organize your thoughts and information. The outline should include the person’s early life, education, career, achievements, and any other significant events or contributions. It serves as a map for the writing process, ensuring that all vital information is included.

Your biography should have an engaging introduction that captivates the reader’s attention and provides background information on the person you’re writing about. It should include a thesis statement summarising the biography’s main points.

Writing a biography in chronological order is crucial . You should begin with the person’s early life and move through their career and achievements. This approach clarifies how the person’s life unfolded and how they accomplished their goals.

A biography should be written in a narrative style , capturing the essence of the person’s life through vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and quotes. Avoid dry, factual writing and focus on creating a compelling narrative that engages the reader.

Adding personal insights and opinions can enhance the biography’s overall impact, providing a unique perspective on the person’s achievements, legacy, and impact on society.

Editing and proofreading are vital elements of the writing process. Thoroughly reviewing your biography ensures that the writing is clear, concise, and error-free. You can even request feedback from someone else to ensure that it is engaging and well-written.

Finally, including a bibliography at the end of your biography is essential. It gives credit to the sources that were used during research, such as books, articles, interviews, and websites.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Biography

Biography writing tip #1: choose your subject wisely.

There are several points for students to reflect on when deciding on a subject for their biography. Let’s take a look at the most essential points to consider when deciding on the subject for a biography:

Interest: To produce a biography will require sustained writing from the student. That’s why students must choose their subject well. After all, a biography is an account of someone’s entire life to date. Students must ensure they choose a subject that will sustain their interest throughout the research, writing, and editing processes.

Merit: Closely related to the previous point, students must consider whether the subject merits the reader’s interest. Aside from pure labors of love, writing should be undertaken with the reader in mind. While producing a biography demands sustained writing from the author, it also demands sustained reading from the reader.

Therefore, students should ask themselves if their chosen subject has had a life worthy of the reader’s interest and the time they’d need to invest in reading their biography.

Information: Is there enough information available on the subject to fuel the writing of an entire biography? While it might be a tempting idea to write about a great-great-grandfather’s experience in the war. There would be enough interest there to sustain the author’s and the reader’s interest, but do you have enough access to information about their early childhood to do the subject justice in the form of a biography?

Biography Writing Tip #2: R esearch ! Research! Research!

While the chances are good that the student already knows quite a bit about the subject they’ve chosen. Chances are 100% that they’ll still need to undertake considerable research to write their biography.

As with many types of writing , research is an essential part of the planning process that shouldn’t be overlooked. If students wish to give as complete an account of their subject’s life as possible, they’ll need to put in the time at the research stage.

An effective way to approach the research process is to:

1. Compile a chronological timeline of the central facts, dates, and events of the subject’s life

2. Compile detailed descriptions of the following personal traits:

  •      Physical looks
  •      Character traits
  •      Values and beliefs

3. Compile some research questions based on different topics to provide a focus for the research:

  • Childhood : Where and when were they born? Who were their parents? Who were the other family members? What education did they receive?
  • Obstacles: What challenges did they have to overcome? How did these challenges shape them as individuals?
  • Legacy: What impact did this person have on the world and/or the people around them?
  • Dialogue & Quotes: Dialogue and quotations by and about the subject are a great way to bring color and life to a biography. Students should keep an eagle eye out for the gems that hide amid their sources.

As the student gets deeper into their research, new questions will arise that can further fuel the research process and help to shape the direction the biography will ultimately go in.

Likewise, during the research, themes will often begin to suggest themselves. Exploring these themes is essential to bring depth to biography, but we’ll discuss this later in this article.

Research Skills:

Researching for biography writing is an excellent way for students to hone their research skills in general. Developing good research skills is essential for future academic success. Students will have opportunities to learn how to:

  • Gather relevant information
  • Evaluate different information sources
  • Select suitable information
  • Organize information into a text.

Students will have access to print and online information sources, and, in some cases, they may also have access to people who knew or know the subject (e.g. biography of a family member).

These days, much of the research will likely take place online. It’s crucial, therefore, to provide your students with guidance on how to use the internet safely and evaluate online sources for reliability. This is the era of ‘ fake news ’ and misinformation after all!

COMPLETE TEACHING UNIT ON INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS USING GOOGLE SEARCH

how to write a biography | research skills 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teach your students ESSENTIAL SKILLS OF THE INFORMATION ERA to become expert DIGITAL RESEARCHERS.

⭐How to correctly ask questions to search engines on all devices.

⭐ How to filter and refine your results to find exactly what you want every time.

⭐ Essential Research and critical thinking skills for students.

⭐ Plagiarism, Citing and acknowledging other people’s work.

⭐ How to query, synthesize and record your findings logically.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip #3: Find Your Themes In Biography Writing

Though predominantly a nonfiction genre, the story still plays a significant role in good biography writing. The skills of characterization and plot structuring are transferable here. And, just like in fiction, exploring themes in a biographical work helps connect the personal to the universal. Of course, these shouldn’t be forced; this will make the work seem contrived, and the reader may lose faith in the truthfulness of the account. A biographer needs to gain and maintain the trust of the reader.

Fortunately, themes shouldn’t need to be forced. A life well-lived is full of meaning, and the themes the student writer is looking for will emerge effortlessly from the actions and events of the subject’s life. It’s just a case of learning how to spot them.

One way to identify the themes in a life is to look for recurring events or situations in a person’s life. These should be apparent from the research completed previously. The students should seek to identify these patterns that emerge in the subject’s life. For example, perhaps they’ve had to overcome various obstacles throughout different periods of their life. In that case, the theme of overcoming adversity is present and has been identified.

Usually, a biography has several themes running throughout, so be sure your students work to identify more than one theme in their subject’s life.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing

While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person’s life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject’s life is not enough. The student biographer should not be afraid to share their thoughts and feelings with the reader throughout their account of their subject’s life.

The student can weave some of their personality into the fabric of the text by providing commentary and opinion as they relate the events of the person’s life and the wider social context at the time. Unlike the detached and objective approach we’d expect to find in a history textbook, in a biography, student-writers should communicate their enthusiasm for their subject in their writing.

This makes for a more intimate experience for the reader, as they get a sense of getting to know the author and the subject they are writing about.

Biography Examples For Students

  • Year 5 Example
  • Year 7 Example
  • Year 9 Example

“The Rock ‘n’ Roll King: Elvis Presley”

Elvis Aaron Presley, born on January 8, 1935, was an amazing singer and actor known as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Even though he’s been dead for nearly 50 years, I can’t help but be fascinated by his incredible life!

Elvis grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, in a tiny house with his parents and twin brother. His family didn’t have much money, but they shared a love for music. Little did they know Elvis would become a music legend!

When he was only 11 years old, Elvis got his first guitar. He taught himself to play and loved singing gospel songs. As he got older, he started combining different music styles like country, blues, and gospel to create a whole new sound – that’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!

In 1954, at the age of 19, Elvis recorded his first song, “That’s All Right.” People couldn’t believe how unique and exciting his music was. His famous hip-swinging dance moves also made him a sensation!

Elvis didn’t just rock the music scene; he also starred in movies like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.” But fame came with challenges. Despite facing ups and downs, Elvis kept spreading happiness through his music.

how to write a biography | A4H32CWFYQ72GPUNCIRTS5Y7P4 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Tragically, Elvis passed away in 1977, but his music and charisma live on. Even today, people worldwide still enjoy his songs like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Elvis Presley’s legacy as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll will live forever.

Long Live the King: I wish I’d seen him.

Elvis Presley, the Rock ‘n’ Roll legend born on January 8, 1935, is a captivating figure that even a modern-day teen like me can’t help but admire. As I delve into his life, I wish I could have experienced the magic of his live performances.

Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis faced challenges but found solace in music. At 11, he got his first guitar, a symbol of his journey into the world of sound. His fusion of gospel, country, and blues into Rock ‘n’ Roll became a cultural phenomenon.

The thought of being in the audience during his early performances, especially when he recorded “That’s All Right” at 19, sends shivers down my spine. Imagining the crowd’s uproar and feeling the revolutionary energy of that moment is a dream I wish I could have lived.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical prodigy; he was a dynamic performer. His dance moves, the embodiment of rebellion, and his roles in films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock” made him a true icon.

After watching him on YouTube, I can’t help but feel a little sad that I’ll never witness the King’s live performances. The idea of swaying to “Hound Dog” or being enchanted by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” in person is a missed opportunity. Elvis may have left us in 1977, but he was the king of rock n’ roll. Long live the King!

Elvis Presley: A Teen’s Take on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Icon”

Elvis Presley, born January 8, 1935, was a revolutionary force in the music world, earning his title as the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Exploring his life, even as a 16-year-old today, I’m captivated by the impact he made.

Hailing from Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis grew up in humble beginnings, surrounded by the love of his parents and twin brother. It’s inspiring to think that, despite financial challenges, this young man would redefine the music scene.

At 11, Elvis got his first guitar, sparking a self-taught journey into music. His early gospel influences evolved into a unique fusion of country, blues, and gospel, creating the electrifying genre of Rock ‘n’ Roll. In 1954, at only 19, he recorded “That’s All Right,” marking the birth of a musical legend.

Elvis wasn’t just a musical innovator; he was a cultural phenomenon. His rebellious dance moves and magnetic stage presence challenged the norms. He transitioned seamlessly into acting, starring in iconic films like “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock.”

how to write a biography | Elvis Presley promoting Jailhouse Rock | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

However, fame came at a cost, and Elvis faced personal struggles. Despite the challenges, his music continued to resonate. Even now, classics like “Hound Dog” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” transcend generations.

Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. He was known for his unique voice, charismatic persona, and electrifying performances. He sold over one billion records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling solo artists in history. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including three Grammy Awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Elvis’s influence can still be seen in today’s music. Many contemporary artists, such as Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake, have cited Elvis as an inspiration. His music continues to be featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials.

Elvis left us in 1977, but his legacy lives on. I appreciate his breaking barriers and fearlessly embracing his artistic vision. Elvis Presley’s impact on music and culture is timeless, a testament to the enduring power of his artistry. His music has inspired generations and will continue to do so for many years to come.

how to write a biography | LITERACY IDEAS FRONT PAGE 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teaching Resources

Use our resources and tools to improve your student’s writing skills through proven teaching strategies.

BIOGRAPHY WRITING TEACHING IDEAS AND LESSONS

We have compiled a sequence of biography-related lessons or teaching ideas that you can follow as you please. They are straightforward enough for most students to follow without further instruction.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 1:

This session aims to give students a broader understanding of what makes a good biography.

Once your students have compiled a comprehensive checklist of the main features of a biography, allow them to use it to assess some biographies from your school library or on the internet using the feature checklist.

When students have assessed a selection of biographies, take some time as a class to discuss them. You can base the discussion around the following prompts:

  • Which biographies covered all the criteria from their checklist?
  • Which biographies didn’t?
  • Which biography was the most readable in terms of structure?
  • Which biography do you think was the least well-structured? How would you improve this?

Looking at how other writers have interpreted the form will help students internalize the necessary criteria before attempting to produce a biography. Once students have a clear understanding of the main features of the biography, they’re ready to begin work on writing a biography.

When the time does come to put pen to paper, be sure they’re armed with the following top tips to help ensure they’re as well prepared as possible.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 2:

This session aims to guide students through the process of selecting the perfect biography subject.

Instruct students to draw up a shortlist of three potential subjects for the biography they’ll write.

Using the three criteria mentioned in the writing guide (Interest, Merit, and Information), students award each potential subject a mark out of 5 for each of the criteria. In this manner, students can select the most suitable subject for their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 3:

This session aims to get students into the researching phase, then prioritise and organise events chronologically.

Students begin by making a timeline of their subject’s life, starting with their birth and ending with their death or the present day. If the student has yet to make a final decision on the subject of their biography, a family member will often serve well for this exercise as a practice exercise.

Students should research and gather the key events of the person’s life, covering each period of their life from when they were a baby, through childhood and adolescence, right up to adulthood and old age. They should then organize these onto a timeline. Students can include photographs with captions if they have them.

They can present these to the class when they have finished their timelines.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 4:

Instruct students to look over their timeline, notes, and other research. Challenge them to identify three patterns that repeat throughout the subject’s life and sort all the related events and incidents into specific categories.

Students should then label each category with a single word. This is the thematic concept or the broad general underlying idea. After that, students should write a sentence or two expressing what the subject’s life ‘says’ about that concept.

This is known as the thematic statement . With the thematic concepts and thematic statements identified, the student now has some substantial ideas to explore that will help bring more profound meaning and wider resonance to their biography.

BIOGRAPHY LESSON IDEA # 5:

Instruct students to write a short objective account of an event in their own life. They can write about anyone from their past. It needn’t be more than a couple of paragraphs, but the writing should be strictly factual, focusing only on the objective details of what happened.

Once they have completed this, it’s time to rewrite the paragraph, but they should include some opinion and personal commentary this time.

The student here aims to inject some color and personality into their writing, to transform a detached, factual account into a warm, engaging story.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING BIOGRAPHIES

how to write a biography | biography and autobiography writing unit 1 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

Teach your students to write AMAZING BIOGRAPHIES & AUTOBIOGRAPHIES using proven RESEARCH SKILLS and WRITING STRATEGIES .

  • Understand the purpose of both forms of biography.
  • Explore the language and perspective of both.
  • Prompts and Challenges to engage students in writing a biography.
  • Dedicated lessons for both forms of biography.
  • Biographical Projects can expand students’ understanding of reading and writing a biography.
  • A COMPLETE 82-PAGE UNIT – NO PREPARATION REQUIRED.

Biography Graphic Organizer

FREE Biography Writing Graphic Organizer

Use this valuable tool in the research and writing phases to keep your students on track and engaged.

WRITING CHECKLIST & RUBRIC BUNDLE

writing checklists

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To Conclude

By this stage, your students should have an excellent technical overview of a biography’s essential elements.

They should be able to choose their subject in light of how interesting and worthy they are, as well as give consideration to the availability of information out there. They should be able to research effectively and identify emerging themes in their research notes. And finally, they should be able to bring some of their personality and uniqueness into their retelling of the life of another.

Remember that writing a biography is not only a great way to develop a student’s writing skills; it can be used in almost all curriculum areas. For example, to find out more about a historical figure in History, to investigate scientific contributions to Science, or to celebrate a hero from everyday life.

Biography is an excellent genre for students to develop their writing skills and to find inspiration in the lives of others in the world around them.

HOW TO WRITE A BIOGRAPHY TUTORIAL VIDEO

how to write a biography | YOUTUBE 1280 x 720 11 | How to Write a Biography | literacyideas.com

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15 Awesome Recount & Personal Narrative Topics

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Personal Narrative Writing Guide

  • Practice Test
  • Useful Tips – Tricks
  • Full Writing Review
  • General Writing Task
  • Writing Task 1
  • Writing Task 2
  • Writing Exercises
  • Writing Sample – Topics
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  • Speaking Vocabulary
  • Intro Question
  • Speaking Part 1
  • Speaking Part 2
  • Speaking Part 2 – Audio
  • Speaking Part 3
  • IELTS Books
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  • Essay from Examiners
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Describe a person you love/like/admire

You should say

  • who that person is
  • what you usually do with this person
  • how often you see this person

and explain why you love/like/admire this person.

Sample Answer 1: 

“More often than not, if people are asked this question, their answer would either be a celebrity like an actor or a singer, a politician, or someone who is famous. But for me, I would have to say that the person I most admire is a family member. 

For everyone, ‘family’ is the most valuable asset. One cannot exist without a family, and a family is a place where everyone may expect to get anything without expecting anything in return. That is why the person I look up to the most is my father. He keeps our family together. In my life, he is my hero. For his exceptional abilities, my father is extremely admirable.

He has led me along the right route so that I can excel in both my professional and personal lives. He aided me in every way imaginable while I was a child, and as I grew older, he showed me how to make decisions. The most essential thing is that he never compels me to do or perform something against my choice. He always gives me the benefit of the doubt, presents me the options, and leads me to choose the best path. I am now a well-known photographer in our city, thanks to his guidance. When he learned that I wanted to be a photographer, he lowered his costs in half and purchased me the first camera of my life.

My father is no longer employed and spends his time with his family and friends. Most of his pals have retired as well, and they spend their time together reminiscing about their youth. My father also takes my mom out on occasion. They spend the entire day outside and return at night, just like they did when they first married. My parents’ romanticism appeals to me. Furthermore, my father enjoys gardening and looks after the garden in front of our house. He frequently purchases flowers in various categories and requests that I photograph him with the plants.

I admire and will continue to admire my father for his honesty, integrity, and sense of duty. I have never seen him neglect his obligations to my family. My father’s most distinguishing characteristic is his compassion for people, regardless of their relationship with him. In the midst of his hundreds of tasks, he rushed to care for a member of the family who had become ill. He also used to assist the poor and keep the events hidden from us. I am extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful father.”

Follow-up Question:

Does your father know how much you admire him?

“Yes, I have told him before and I would definitely continue to let him know how much I admire and respect him not just as my father but as a person as well. He deserves to know the kind of impact he had on me and my siblings.”

Do you think you would also become a good father in the future? 

“It’s really hard to know what the future holds, but if I would be like my father, even half of what he has accomplished, I’d be extremely grateful. He has become a good father to me and my siblings and a good husband to my mom and we couldn’t ask for anything. I sure hope to be like him when the time comes.“ 

from: englishproficiency

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Describe someone in your family who you like.

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 437 with Model Answer:

Describe someone in your family who you like.

  • how this person is related to you
  • what this person looks like
  • what kind of person he/she is

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Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire - IELTS Cue Card

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The International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) is a test that non-native English learners can take anywhere in the world. It checks how well a person can use all four language skills to interact in English: reading, speaking, listening and writing. The speech test is often the hardest of these parts because it is so unplanned, and many people get nervous when they have to talk to a judge in person.

There are cue cards in the IELTS that give candidates a specific topic to talk about for one to two minutes. These cards are used to help candidates prepare for the speaking part. "Describe the person in your family who you most admire" is a popular cue card question that tests a candidate's ability to talk about personal experiences and ideas in a way that makes sense and is attractive. In this piece, we'll explore what the IELTS and cue cards involve and why cue card practice is crucial. We will also provide example answers and tips for successfully handling the "Describe the person in your family who you most admire" cue card.

What is an IELTS Cue Card?

An IELTS cue card is a job card given to students during the speaking part of the IELTS test. It offers a specific topic that the candidate must speak about for 1-2 minutes. The cue card usually includes a short prompt or question related to the topic.

Here's a breakdown of the time for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card:

During the 1-minute planning time, candidates can make short notes on the cue card to organise their thoughts. After this, they must speak continuously for 1-2 minutes.

Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?

The speech part of the IELTS tests a candidate's ability to interact successfully in English in a casual setting. Cue cards play a crucial role in this assessment by giving candidates a specific topic to talk about extemporaneously.

Practicing cue card tasks helps people build essential skills for the IELTS speaking test, such as:

  • Organising thoughts and ideas coherently
  • Speaking smoothly without excessive pauses or repeat
  • Using suitable words and grammar patterns
  • Expressing views and life situations clearly

By simulating the cue card experience, candidates can boost their confidence for the IELTS speaking test. With Yocket’s personalised study plans and expert guidance, you'll refine your skills and ace the exam. Elevate your IELTS preparation with Yocket and excel in the IELTS speaking section .

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Sample Answer 1: Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire

Introduction.

The person in my family whom I value the most is my maternal grandfather. He has been a source of motivation and knowledge throughout my life, profoundly changing my values and views.

Where was the person from, and what did they do?

My grandpa was born and raised in a small village in rural India. Despite facing numerous obstacles and hardships, he was driven to continue his education and became a respected professor. For over four decades, he committed himself to teaching information and developing moral ideals in generations of students.

Why do you admire this person?

I admire my grandpa's unwavering commitment to education and selfless dedication to improving others. Even after retiring, he continued to offer free tuition to poor children in our community, driven by his belief that education is the key to breaking the circle of poverty and building a better future.

How did this person affect you?

My grandfather's impact on me has been significant. From a young age, he established in me the value of hard work, dedication and the quest for information. He taught me to accept obstacles as chances for growth and to always aim for success in everything I do. His caring nature and commitment to helping others have driven me to live a life of meaning and positively affect those around me.

In conclusion, my grandfather is the person in my family whom I admire the most. His steadfast commitment to education, his kindness and his unwavering moral code have made me into the person I am today. He is a live example of the ideals I hold dear, and his influence continues to guide me on my life journey.

Sample Answer 2: Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire

My older sister, Emily, is the person in my family I value the most. She has been a steady source of motivation and support, showing incredible grit and drive in the face of hardship.

Emily was born and raised in the same city as me, but her life took a surprising turn when she was diagnosed with a chronic illness at a young age. Despite the difficulties posed by her condition, she refused to let it define her or limit her goals.

I admire Emily's steadfast spirit and ability to face challenges gracefully and happily. Even on her most difficult days, she keeps a happy outlook and an unshakeable trust in herself. Her resilience inspires me to approach obstacles similarly, viewing them as chances for growth rather than insurmountable hurdles.

Emily's impact on me has been profound. She has taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. Her dedication to chasing her dreams, despite the challenges she faces, has pushed me to chase my own goals with the same grit and determination.

In conclusion, my sister Emily is the person in my family whom I value the most. Her unshakable resolve, upbeat attitude and drive in the face of hardship are a steady source of inspiration. She tells me that any challenge can be defeated with the right attitude and determination. Emily's strength of character and her ability to find joy in the face of hardship are traits I try to copy in my own life.

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Sample Answer 3: Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire

The person in my family whom I value the most is my father. He is a self-made man who has beaten numerous hurdles through hard work, drive and unwavering beliefs.

My father grew up in a poor home in a small town with limited means and chances. Despite these difficulties, he was driven to pursue higher education and finally earned a degree in engineering. He then started a successful career in the building business, going from an entry-level job to becoming a recognised project manager.

I respect my father for his fantastic work ethic and his dedication to excellence in everything he does. He has taught me the value of hard work and the importance of taking pride in one's successes. Additionally, I respect his steadfast ethics and commitment to ethical principles, even in the face of temptation or hardship.

My father's impact on me has been profound. His example has ingrained in me a strong sense of duty and the desire to achieve my goals through hard work and perseverance. He has taught me the value of keeping high ethical standards and always trying to do the right thing, even when challenging.

In conclusion, my father is the person in my family whom I admire the most. His journey from poor beginnings to professional success, gained through sheer hard work and drive, is remarkable. His unshakable ethics, commitment to greatness, and dedication to providing for his family constantly remind me of the values I strive to keep in my own life.

Sample Answer 4: Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire

The person in my family I admire the most is my maternal aunt, Sara. She is a wonderful person who has committed her life to helping others and positively affecting the world.

My Aunt Sara was born and raised in a small town in rural Canada. From a young age, she was drawn to social causes and sincerely desired to change the lives of those less fortunate. After finishing her studies in international development, she devoted her career to working with different non-profit groups, often in areas hit by war, poverty and natural disasters.

I respect my Aunt Sara for her kindness, her humanity and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Despite the challenges and risks that come with her work, she has never weakened in her commitment to helping those in need. Her courage and resolve in the face of hardship are genuinely unique.

My Aunt Sara's impact on me has been profound. From a young age, she taught me the value of understanding, kindness and giving back to the community. Her stories of the people she has helped and the difficulties she has faced opened my eyes to the complex realities many around the world face. She has inspired me to approach life with a spirit of service and to use my skills to touch the lives of others positively.

In conclusion, my Aunt Sara is the person in my family whom I value the most. Her selfless dedication to charitable causes, courage in the face of hardship and unwavering commitment to positively changing the world is truly unique. She is a steady reminder that one person can make a significant difference, and her example inspires me to live a life of meaning and service.

Sample Follow-up Questions and Answers

How can families encourage love and respect for one another.

Families can promote a sense of love and respect by building an environment of open conversation, understanding and appreciation for each other's strengths and successes. Regular family talks, sharing activities and recognising one another's efforts and wins can go a long way in building a strong bond and mutual respect.

Do you think it's essential for children to have role models within their families?

Absolutely. Having good role models within the family is essential for children's mental and moral growth. Family members who demonstrate ideals like ethics, hard work, resilience and kindness can deeply form a child's character and goals. These role models give children a real example of the traits and actions they should try to copy.

How can praising a family member inspire personal growth?

Admiring a family member can be a strong driver for personal growth. Watching the successes, strength of character and good traits displayed by someone we admire within our family can inspire us to aim for similar levels of greatness and personal growth. Their example can push us to test ourselves, beat barriers and develop the qualities we admire in them.

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Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card "Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire"

To successfully handle this cue card topic, consider the following tips:

  • Choose a suitable family member: Select someone who sparks awe and respect within your family relationship. This could be a parent, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle or cousin.
  • Highlight specific qualities and successes: Focus on highlighting the attributes, values or achievements that make this person noteworthy. Use specific examples to show their good effect on your life or the lives of others.
  • Organise your answer: Structure your response with a clear opening, body lines describing the person's past, the reasons for your respect and how they have affected you, and a brief conclusion.
  • Use detailed language: Employ colourful and descriptive words to depict the person's character, actions and effects. This will help interest the reviewer and show your range of words.
  • Practice fluency: While planning, focus on speaking smoothly and clearly, without excessive pauses or repeats. This will showcase your ability to converse effectively in English.
  • Maintain eye contact and body language: During the real speaking test, maintain eye contact with the tester and use suitable body language to communicate confidence and interest in the topic.

Mastering the "Describe the person in your family who you most admire" cue card is a stepping stone toward success in the IELTS speaking test. By following the tips and strategies described in this thorough guide, you can develop the skills necessary to show your love for a family member clearly and engagingly. Remember, the key lies in mixing lively descriptions, well-structured answers and a genuine appreciation for the person's traits and effect. With thorough practice and a deep understanding of what examiners seek, you can easily handle this cue card subject and showcase your English skills. Embrace the chance to share your personal experiences while showing your speaking skills.

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FAQ's on Title: Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire - IELTS Cue Card

Can I choose a family friend who has passed away?

Yes, you can describe a dead family member you liked if their effects were significant in your life.

Is it better to choose an older or younger family member?

The family member's age is less important than their traits, successes and the reasons for your love. Choose the person who connects most with you.

Can I talk about different family members?

While it is possible to name other family members quickly for background, it is recommended to focus mainly on the one person you admire most to keep a clear and organised answer..

Maintaining eye contact with the examiner is crucial as it shows confidence, interest and practical communication skills. Avoid excessive moving or looking away, which can be viewed as disengagement.

What if I cannot think of a family member I genuinely admire?

While choosing a family member you truly respect is ideal if you cannot think of anyone, you can explain a close friend, instructor or public person who inspires you. However, be prepared to defend your choice if questioned.

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Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire

Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire: IELTS Exam Cue Cards Sample Topic

The speaking test is one of the phases of the IELTS exam . In this part, the competitors are given a cue card which contains a topic about which they need to discuss on the spot. You need to prepare thoroughly and with appropriate planning to secure good marks in the speaking test.

You will be given a cue card with the topic written on it, and you will be given a minute to prepare for your answer. The questioner will give you two minutes to talk about the topic. The questioner will at that point ask some subsequent questions about the topic given on the cue card.

One inquiry which is regularly posted in the IELTS exam is to describe a person in your family that you admire. We should perceive how you will continue.

IELTS Cue Card Topic – Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire

The prompts for this cue card topic are:

  • Who is he or she?
  • What does he or she do for a living?
  • What is he or she like?
  • Explain why you admire the person?

Also Read: Describe a Performance You Recently Watched: IELTS Cue Card Sample Question

Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire: IELTS Exam Cue Cards Model Answer 1

Introduction of ielts exam cue card topic.

Family is an important thing for everyone, and one cannot imagine a life without a family. A family is the one place where anyone can get anything, without expecting something in return. I live in a joint family, with my parents, grandparents, uncle, aunt, cousins and siblings. All the family members care about me and offer me advice in time of need.

Who is He or She?

The one person I would like to talk about is my uncle. He is my fathers younger brother but has always treated me as his child. He was quite a handsome man in his youth with a deep voice. He is currently in his late 50s.

What He or She Does for a Living?

He is the owner of a printing press and also has a poultry farm. My father and he are also business partners in multiple projects. He along with my father provide for our family. He is quite educated and has always told me that studies come first. He has two children and both of them are younger than me.

What is He or She Like?

He is someone who has a good sense of humour. I have never seen him get angry or lose his temper. He treats even his juniors and his employees with utmost respect and humility. Whenever a situation gets tense, he defuses it with a joke. He is kind to all our respective.

Explain why You Admire the Person?

Even though he is my father’s brother, he has always treated me as his friend. I could share anything with him, and I would always get the right advice from him. He has helped me whenever I have been in a pickle but he has never let me off unpunished. Whenever I would get a scolding from my parents, he would console me but always tell me that they have my better at heart.

Whenever I am at a crossroads in life my uncle is the one person I look up to. I respect everyone in my family, but my uncle is the person I admire the most.

ALSO READ Describe a Time When You Needed to Use Imagination: Cue Card for IELTS

Describe a Person in Your Family That You Admire: IELTS Exam Cue Cards Model Answer 2

There are many individuals in my family, and I respect and admire all of them. It is in our culture to respect our elders. There are some days when one loses respect for a person due to something the individual did or some decision he took. But, when it comes to my elder brother, I can’t help admiring him even on his worst days.

My brother is around 4 years older than me, and since my youth, he is the individual who cared for me without my folks as both of them were working parents. I can even now clearly recall those occasions when I was permitted to play outside with my friends, and I would not like to get back, yet it was my elder brother who had pulled me up with his two hands and basically “grabbed” me from the jungle gym. I can likewise recollect those extraordinary occasions when my elder brother continued playing animation motion pictures in a steady progression until I picked the one which I chose to watch eventually.

What He or She does for a Living?

My elder brother is currently working as a computer engineer, and when I was in college completing my degree, I would always turn to him for a little bit of extra pocket money. He has been contributing to the family ever since he has started working.

What is He or She like?

He is a kind-hearted but determined person. I have never seen him give up on anything ever. I was not that bright a student in middle school, but he would help me with my studies late at night, even though he was often tired after completing his studies. He has never shied away from helping the needy and is also part of an NGO, which teaches the underprivileged.

I truly admire my brother mostly because he is a cherishing and quiet individual for his age. Indeed, in my 22 years of life, I have never seen my brother get frantic at me even though I have done a lot of things to bother him.

As an elder brother, he realized his job completely well without our folks as I recollect him cooking for me and taking care of me in any event, during the days when he fell sick. I would like to thank him for everything he has done for me.

Also Read: Describe Your Favourite Clothes Cue Card Topic: IELTS Exam Speaking Test

If you need to improve your speaking test capabilities for the IELTS exam, by then visit this blog to perceive how to break your topic and how to address it. This is quite possibly the most secure and most ideal way to deal with improving IELTS talking scores. The topic is isolated into wide branches and covers all the critical pieces of the IELTS exam.

Our strategies, at IELTS Ninja, are generally fitting to give you better practice for the IELTS exam and will help you with achieving a higher band. Take a gander at our IELTS courses for the IELTS exam.

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Describe Someone in your Family [IELTS Speaking]

Posted by David S. Wills | Apr 5, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Speaking | 4

Describe Someone in your Family [IELTS Speaking]

In the IELTS exam, you sometimes have to talk about families . We have discussed that before on this blog, looking at common questions and vocabulary for family and friends . However, today we will look specifically at part 2 of the IELTS speaking test and a cue card that says “Describe someone in your family.”

In this lesson, we will look at how to give a good answer to this cue card by analysing it properly, picking the right vocabulary, and then speaking confidently.

Cue Card: Describe Someone in your Family

In part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be shown a cue card on which there will be a task for you to complete. This will tell you to describe something – a person, a place, a memory, etc. Today, we will look at a cue card about describing a person:

Describe someone in your family who you really admire. You should say: – what relation this person is to you – what are your first memories of this person – how often you see this person and explain why you really admire this person.

First of all, it is worth considering what exactly we must describe:

  • It should be someone in my family (not another person’s family)
  • It should be someone that I really admire

The bullet points contain some things that I should aim to talk about, but it’s not vitally important that I do this. To be honest, they typically provide a good framework that can help you give a fluent answer, but don’t worry too much about them. You won’t lose marks for missing one or talking about other (on-topic) things.

Language for Describing Family Members

I written before about language for describing families and friends. You can learn some words in this slideshow:

Today, though, let’s look at appropriate language for describing a specific person. Think carefully about what you might need to say. Here are some words/phrases stemming from the ideas suggested in the bullet points:

When we talk about people, it is good to provide a sort of verbal portrait of them. This is really hard to do, even for native speakers, but if you can do it reasonably well, it will show the examiner that you have a good grasp of English.

Culturally, people in English-speaking countries now try to steer clear of physical descriptions of people because it can sometimes be seen as offensive. However, in other countries, it is still common. When I was in China, all my students would say, “My mother is very beautiful” or “My brother is very handsome.” It sounds weird to a native speaker of English, but it’s not wrong exactly. Instead, I would recommend using personality adjectives:

Making Notes

You only have 1 minute to make notes, so do it quickly and efficiently. Don’t write too much – just write down words that will help you remember what to say later, and also any important vocabulary that you could use.

Avoid wasting time by thinking too much about who you should describe! You have no time to waste. Instead, focus on picking a person quickly and then how to describe them well.

Here are some ideas:

  • playing football
  • infrequently

As you can see, my notes are very brief. These correspond to the points on the cue card, and I have included two good words – “infrequently” and “integrity”.

Sample Band 9 Answer

I really admire one of my cousins. He’s about two years older than me, so I’ve known him all my life. When I was very young, my mum and my aunt spent a lot of time together and so my cousin and I would often play together in his garden. Mostly we played football, but we did other things too. We were very close at that time, although in later years we saw each other less and less. Still, we sometimes see each other; just a little infrequently. I live abroad now, but whenever I go home I try to meet him and we hang out for a while. We maybe see each other about once every year or two. He is now married with two young children, and I feel very happy when I see photos of his family and think about how well his life has gone.

I think that I’ve always looked up to him to some extent. Maybe it’s because he has a lot of integrity. Ever since I’ve known him, I’ve been impressed by his honesty. He’s a really great guy – very generous and compassionate. Most people are attracted to his sense of humour, actually. He’s very funny and also quite optimistic, so people naturally gravitate towards him. It’s for all of those reasons and more that I admire him.

Notes on the Answer

I have used verb tenses carefully to reflect the reality of our relationship throughout this speech. Note these parts:

  • I’ve known him all my life

This is present perfect tense. It shows that I knew him in the past and continue to know him now.

  • my aunt spent a lot of time together
  • we played football

I used past simple often for things that happened in the past but also finished in the past. Remember that if they could continue now, you would use present perfect.

  • I live abroad now
  • He is now married

When I switched to talk about the present, I used present simple. Again, it is very important to use verb tenses to show this accurately. The wrong verb tense could lead to a lot of confusion!

Let’s also note the vocabulary used:

  • looked up to him
  • compassionate
  • gravitate towards

All of these words and phrases are really useful for describing people! They can make your descriptions vivid and compelling.

Animated Version

On my various social media channels ( Facebook , Instagram , Twitter ), I like to post visual lessons. Here is one made from the above sample answer. It provides a little more detail:

write a biography on a family member who you admire

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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Farhad

Very tremendous guidance. Thank you David for this essay and your frequent e mails.

David S. Wills

You’re welcome. Good luck with your IELTS preparation.

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IELTS Speaking Cue Card

write a biography on a family member who you admire

Describe a person you admire the most

Who is this person?

How you know him/her?

What qualities he/she has?

And explain why you admire this person?

Many people have inspired me in my life, but the person I admire the most is my mother. She is a strong woman who held me close and safe even in the most difficult times. Not only is she a great parent but also a remarkable teacher. She teaches science to high school students and has conducted many workshops to demonstrate the use of eco-friendly products in our daily lives. Moreover, she believes in reuse and recycling methods; she makes flowerpots out of used bottles and grows plants in them. 

She is a kind-hearted lady who always lends a helping hand to anyone in need. She conducts scholarship drives to help students who cannot afford tuition fees which I find inspiring. Besides, she has a great sense of humor and can turn a bad day into a good one. I share all of my  woes  with her as she has a  jovial  nature and always tries to understand a situation from my perspective instead of jumping to conclusions. This has helped me not to lie about anything in general and to be upfront about my thoughts and feelings. 

Although we sometimes have disagreements, we have an undying bond that connects us. I have learned to be compassionate and patient because of my mother and I am proud to have such an inspiring woman in my life. I aspire to be independent and have my own identity as she does. 

Vocabulary:

  • Remarkable- exceptional
  • Woes- troubles
  • Jovial- cheerful and friendly
  • Compassionate- showing sympathy for others

Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

1. do you think people who are famous are more admired than others.

On an average, I think you're likely to find that you consider at least most of them good, generous, hospitable, caring people. You might be tempted to think those people really are just ‘better’ people, because maybe being a ‘better’ person makes you more likely to be rich and successful. You would be wrong. The truth is that being successful makes people see you as a better person. Why? Because our brains are hard-wired to indiscriminately make the assumption that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.

2. Which celebrities, according to you, should be admired more? Politicians, authors, sports person or movie star?

In my perspective, if any celebrity is genuinely concerned about the well being of his fellow humans and goes out of the way to contribute towards their welfare, then he or she deserves to be admired irrespective of the field he or she is in.

3. Do you think that scientists or army men should be admired more?

Both scientists and the army men deserve to be admired and recognised for their selfless service to their countries. Only men and women of high calibre can be in theses positions and hence we need to be indebted to their services.

4. Do you think people also see the weaknesses of the people they follow or they just avoid them?

As human beings each and every one of us has got our own strengths and weaknesses. The same is true in the case of celebrities too. If a person has attained celebrity status through his good nature, then his or her fans try to overlook his or her weaknesses too and don’t make a big deal out of it.

IELTS Speaking Cue Card - Questions

Describe a person you admire the most

Describe a person you admire the most...

Describe a plan in your life that is not related to work or study..., describe someone you know who has started a business..., describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend..., describe a course that impressed you a lot....

EduHash

Preparing for the IELTS exam can be very challenging, but also extremely rewarding. You need to cover many different topics and try out multiple tests to ensure you have the possible results and experience. That's where IELTS Web comes into play. .... Read More

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Cue Card Sample

Ielts cue card sample 389 - describe a family member you would like to work with, describe a family member you would like to work with..

  • who this person is
  • what kind of person he or she is
  • whether you have worked together before
  • Describe a family member.
  • Describe someone talented you know about.
  • Describe your family.
  • Describe a person you admire.
  • Describe a profession you know about.
  • Describe something interesting you want to do.
  • Describe someone from your family.
  • Describe a teacher who has a great influence in your life.
  • Describe a person you would like to work with.

write a biography on a family member who you admire

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IMAGES

  1. Writing a Family Biography (Part 2)

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

  2. The Person i Admire The Most

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

  3. Speaking Part 2

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

  4. Describe someone in your own family who you really admire (new cue card)

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

  5. A Family Member I Admire 9

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

  6. essay on person I admire most/paragraph on the person who I admire the most

    write a biography on a family member who you admire

VIDEO

  1. The family member that I admire

  2. My Family Essay writing in English

  3. Who is the family member you have not forgiven? Today, your family can be set free!

  4. Wahaj Ali LifeStyle Biography

  5. About My Family

  6. My Family Essay in English

COMMENTS

  1. Person in your family who you most admire

    Describe the person in your family who you most admire. You should say: what his/her relationship is with you. what he/she has done in your life. what he/she does now. and explain why you admire this person the most. [You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say.

  2. How to Write a Biography: 8 Steps for a Captivating Story

    8. Send a copy to your subject. Consider sending a copy of your manuscript to the person whose life you wrote about in your book. The copy may serve as a thank-you gift, but also, if you intend to publish your work, you will need them to approve, as well as fact check, everything you put into the story.

  3. Describe the person in your family who you most admire

    Sample Answer 2. Family is a very precious bond. It is the only place where you can get selfless love, and people would do things without expecting anything in return. So, no matter what goes wrong, you can always be grateful to be able to get back to your family at the end of the day. The person I admire the most in my family is my mother.

  4. Someone I admire

    Someone I admire - writing practice 418.33 KB. Discussion. Tell us about a friend or family member who you admire. Language level. B1 Intermediate. Topics. describing people. friends. writing. Average: 2.7 (12 votes) Rate. Personal online tutoring. EnglishScore Tutors is the British Council's one-to-one tutoring platform for 13- to 17-year ...

  5. How to Write a Biography: 5 Steps to a Captivating Story

    Double-check all the information you find. Accuracy is key. Cross-check dates, names, and events with reliable sources to make sure your biography is credible and trustworthy. Create a timeline of your subject's life. This can help you visualize their story and spot any gaps in your research.

  6. IELTS Cue Card

    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.

  7. Describe a person in your family that you admire IELTS cue card

    Note: 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. Model Answers and follow up questions to describe a person in your family that you admire IELTS cue card: Model Answer 1:

  8. How to Write a Biography: 6 Tips for Writing Biographical Texts

    Whether you want to start writing a biography about a famous person, historical figure, or an influential family member, it's important to know all the elements that make a biography worth both writing and reading. Biographies are how we learn information about another human being's life. Whether you want to start writing a biography about ...

  9. 11 Do's & Don'ts of Writing Family Biographies

    Here, then, are eleven do's and don'ts of writing family biographies using real examples from real biographies that we've really written…or rewritten. 1. Do Begin with an Interesting Story or Detail to Engage The Reader's Interest. "With no way of knowing that a ceasefire would be signed exactly one month later, James Ralph Wilson ...

  10. How to Write About Family in a Memoir

    Forgiveness. Hold these words in your mind as you write about your family. Allow them to pulse through the pages of your memoir. Know that you can't presuppose how your family members will react to your writing about them, but if you keep these precepts in mind, you will reduce your chances of hurting or angering them.

  11. Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire: IELTS Cue Card Sample

    Describing someone you admire, particularly a family member, in the IELTS Speaking test can be a heartfelt and enriching experience. By following the provided structure, employing the tips, and engaging deeply with the question, you can craft a compelling narrative that resonates with the examiner and showcases your command of the English language.

  12. Describe a family member who has had an important influence on you

    Describe a family member who has had an important influence on you. And explain why you think this person is important to you. BAND 8 Sample. I am going to talk about my mother who has played an essential role in my life. She is my guardian, my friend and my role model. My mother is in her forties now, but she still maintains a youthful look.

  13. How to Write a Biography

    BIOGRAPHY WRITING Tip: #4 Put Something of Yourself into the Writing. While the defining feature of a biography is that it gives an account of a person's life, students must understand that this is not all a biography does. Relating the facts and details of a subject's life is not enough.

  14. Describe someone in your family

    She is my mother/ he is my father etc. 3. What you do together: We walk out in the evening together/ cook together/ study together/ enjoy our conversations/ talk a lot about family issues etc. 4. What this person looks like: He/she is handsome, beautiful, has a kind and gentle face, has a genuine smile and so on. 5.

  15. Speaking Part 2

    Describe a family member you admire. You should say: Who this person is; How this person looks; What you usually do with this person; And why you admire this person. Sample answer band 8 + I'd like to talk about my beloved grandpa - the one whom I look up to the most in my extended family. His name is Phuu, which is an extremely uncommon ...

  16. Describe a Person You Admire

    how often you see this person; and explain why you love/like/admire this person. Sample Answer 1: "More often than not, if people are asked this question, their answer would either be a celebrity like an actor or a singer, a politician, or someone who is famous. But for me, I would have to say that the person I most admire is a family member.

  17. Descriptive Essay About A Person You Admire

    A descriptive essay is an essay that requires the student to provide a detailed and precise description of their chosen subject. When writing about a person, the goal is to introduce your reader to the person you are writing about. You will want to include important facts about them and discuss their personality, including their beliefs ...

  18. Describe someone in your family who you like

    Describe someone in your family who you like. 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 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.

  19. Describe the Person in Your Family Who You Most Admire

    Mastering the "Describe the person in your family who you most admire" cue card is a stepping stone toward success in the IELTS speaking test. By following the tips and strategies described in this thorough guide, you can develop the skills necessary to show your love for a family member clearly and engagingly.

  20. Describe a Person in Your Family that You Admire: IELTS ...

    The questioner will give you two minutes to talk about the topic. The questioner will at that point ask some subsequent questions about the topic given on the cue card. One inquiry which is regularly posted in the IELTS exam is to describe a person in your family that you admire. We should perceive how you will continue.

  21. Describe Someone in your Family [IELTS Speaking]

    In part 2 of the IELTS speaking test, you will be shown a cue card on which there will be a task for you to complete. This will tell you to describe something - a person, a place, a memory, etc. Today, we will look at a cue card about describing a person: Describe someone in your family who you really admire. You should say:

  22. Describe a person you admire the most

    Many people have inspired me in my life, but the person I admire the most is my mother. She is a strong woman who held me close and safe even in the most difficult times. Not only is she a great parent but also a remarkable teacher. She teaches science to high school students and has conducted many workshops to demonstrate the use of eco ...

  23. IELTS Cue Card Sample 389

    Describe a family member. Describe someone talented you know about. Describe your family. Describe a person you admire. Describe a profession you know about. Describe something interesting you want to do. Describe someone from your family. Describe a teacher who has a great influence in your life. Describe a person you would like to work with.