IELTS Speaking · Part 2 Cue Card
A complete preparation guide: the cue card itself, a 60-second prep framework, a band 7.5 sample answer, topic vocabulary, and likely Part 3 follow-up questions.
Cue card
Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life.
You should say:
Specific to this cue card — not generic advice.
Read it once for shape, then aloud for rhythm. Don't memorise it — examiners can tell.
I'd like to talk about my aunt, who is essentially the reason I went into engineering. She's my mother's older sister, and although she lives in a different city, we've always been close — partly because she used to send me popular-science magazines when I was about ten. She's an electrical engineer by training, and what really stands out about her is how patient she is when she explains things. She never makes you feel stupid for asking. The moment that genuinely changed my life was the summer before I chose my university course. I was leaning towards business because everyone in my family said it was safer, but she sat me down and walked me through what an engineer actually does day-to-day. She didn't push me; she just gave me a realistic picture. By the end of that conversation, I'd basically made up my mind. Looking back, I think her influence has mattered because she modelled something I hadn't seen before — a woman who was technical, calm, and successful without being intimidating. Without that example, I don't think I'd have had the confidence to pick a male-dominated field.
Phrases used in the sample answer that lift fluency naturally.
essentially the reason
the main cause of something
lean towards
to start to prefer one option
model something
to demonstrate a behaviour for others
realistic picture
an honest, accurate description
make up my mind
to reach a final decision
stands out
is especially noticeable
male-dominated field
an industry mostly made up of men
The examiner will move from your story (Part 2) to broader, abstract questions (Part 3). Prepare answers for these.