Sample Answer 2
Sample Answer 3
Describe A Successful Person That You Studied Or Worked With
IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Describe a successful person who you once studied or worked with
You should say:- who the person is
- when you studied or worked with them
- how the person became successful
Sample Answer 1
The person I'd like to describe is my former colleague, Derrick Johnson. Derrick and I worked together in a small start-up company about four years ago when I was only 26 and he was 30. Even then, I could tell that Derrick was heading toward great success. His passion for innovation and relentless work ethic stood out, and ability to motivate those around him was unparalleled.
Derrick went on to become one of the youngest CEOs in Silicon Valley. His success story is a testament to his dedication and skill but more than anything, his vision. What amazed me most was how he could see the bigger picture. He had this knack for identifying opportunities where others only saw challenges. When our start-up was struggling to gain traction, Derrick pivoted our business model and we ended up becoming a leading player in the cloud services tech industry.
Collaborating with Derrick was a great inspiration. You know, he had this infectious enthusiasm that made you want to dive headfirst into work every day. His ideas were always groundbreaking, but it was his belief in our team's ability to execute those ideas that truly set him apart.
Seeing Derrick's journey to success firsthand taught me the value of hard work, vision, and, most importantly, resilience. The obstacles he overcame on his path to success instilled in me a belief that anything is possible. Today, as I navigate my career, I often find myself thinking back to those days. Derrick's success wasn't just an inspiring experience - it gave me a blueprint for my own success.
Follow-up Question
In your country, do you think money is the only measure of success? Why do you think that?
In my perspective, success in my country is not solely measured by financial prosperity. While it's undeniable that financial stability is often linked with success, it's equally important to consider aspects such as personal fulfillment, societal contribution, and emotional well-being. The most successful individuals, in my opinion, are those who manage to find a balance between these different facets of life.
How do you personally define what makes someone a successful person?
To me, a successful person is someone who is truly content with their life and what they've achieved. They've set personal and professional goals, and have managed to achieve or exceed them, gaining satisfaction and happiness in the process. Success also means making a positive impact on others' lives and contributing to society. Lastly, resilience and the ability to bounce back from setbacks also define a successful person.
Sample Answer 2
Sure, I'd love to talk about my friend and former classmate, Jenna Gibson. Jenna and I went to university together, studying Computer Science and we also worked together during our internships at a start-up tech company. This was about 5 years ago.
Jenna's journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. From the get-go, she demonstrated unique skills in problem-solving and coding. She spent countless hours studying, creating her own projects, and even teaching others at coding workshops. Her determination was palpable, but it was her creativity that really distinguished her. She could take a complex problem and find a solution that was not only effective but also innovative. It was this ability that led her to create an algorithm that revolutionized our start-up's data processing speed.
However, what I admired most about Jenna was her humility and willingness to share her knowledge. She was always there, helping us understand intricate codes and instilling in us the same passion she had for coding. It felt like we were part of something bigger, something that could potentially change the tech world.
Working with Jenna was more than just educational; it was truly inspirational. The way she approached challenges with a positive mindset, and how she motivated us to strive for excellence, instilled in me a new perspective on success. It wasn't just about achieving a personal life goal, but also about uplifting those along the way.
Till today, whenever I encounter a challenging situation at work, I think about Jenna and how she would turn challenges into opportunities. She taught me that with passion and perseverance, you can create a significant impact. The way in which she managed to establish success is a testament to this and serves as a constant source of inspiration for me.
Follow-up Question
Do success and happiness conflict with each other?
Success and happiness are not inherently conflicting concepts. They can coexist harmoniously when one's definition of success aligns with their values and passions. While success often requires hard work and perseverance, it becomes truly fulfilling when it brings happiness along the journey. Therefore, the key lies in defining success in a manner that inherently includes happiness.
Sample Answer 3
One person who immediately comes to mind is my previous manager, Jake. I worked under Jake's leadership at a digital marketing agency from 2016 to 2018, right after I graduated from college. Jake, being in his mid-thirties, had already earned the reputation of being a trailblazer in the industry. He had managed to skyrocket the company's profits and client base in just a few years through his innovative thinking and relentless drive in analyzing market trends.
What sets Jake apart is how he thinks outside the box. I remember once we had a client who was struggling to gain traction online. Jake proposed a radical rebranding strategy, which was risky yet invigorating. He believed in the potential of the brand so much that he convinced the client to take the leap with us. The outcome was phenomenal; the client's online traffic tripled within six months, leading them to extend their contract with us for an additional three years.
Working with Jake didn't just feel like a job, it was an education. His optimistic outlook was infectious, and his knack for turning challenges into opportunities taught me to view problems from a different perspective. Jake's success, I believe, is rooted in his skills in inspiring his team, his readiness to take calculated risks, and his unyielding commitment to client success.
Being in the presence of such a successful entrepreneur made me feel both inspired and determined. I remember feeling a buzz in the air whenever Jake walked into the room. His energy was contagious, and it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and take on tasks I initially thought were beyond my capabilities. Working with him taught me that successful people don't achieve their success overnight; it's a result of consistent effort, resilience, and a positive mindset. In all honesty, I consider the time I spent working with Jake as the stepping-stone to my own success.
Follow-up Question
In your perspective, how crucial is academic success for future achievements in life?
Academic success is important, no doubt, but it's not the only thing that shapes our future. There's so much more to it! Traits like resilience, creativity, and adaptability are vital in achieving personal goals in our journey. Success, in my opinion, involves complex concepts that go beyond parental support to achieve grades in national tests. It's about personal growth, building character, and chasing our passions.
How To Answer IELTS Cue Cards: 7 Things You Need To Know
Here are a few tips to help you excel in your English speaking test:
- Get to Know the Format: Take some time to familiarize yourself with the test structure. Knowing what to expect will help calm your nerves and improve your performance.
- Practice Speaking English: Regularly practicing speaking English can rapidly improve your fluency and pronunciation. Try engaging in daily conversations online in English to gain confidence.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Work on expanding your vocabulary to express your ideas more effectively. Dedicate some time to learning new words and phrases.
- Listen Actively: Improve your listening skills by tuning into English radio stations or podcasts. This will help you understand different accents and speech patterns.
- Stay Focused on the Topic: Always answer the question asked in the cue card. Straying off-topic may result in lower scores.
- Make the Most of Preparation Time: You have one minute to prepare before speaking. Use this time to organize your thoughts and jot down quick notes.
- Relax and Be Yourself: Remember, it's okay to make mistakes. Focus on effective communication rather than striving for perfection. Show your authentic self and speak with confidence.
Good luck! You've got this!