Of course! The topic "a classmate" is a very common one for IELTS Speaking Part 2 (the "cue card"). It's a personal topic that allows you to showcase your vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling abilities.

Here’s a complete guide to help you prepare for this topic, including a sample answer, useful vocabulary, and tips.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card

Describe a classmate you remember well.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• When and where you knew him/her
• What he/she was like
• And explain why you remember this person.

Sample Answer

(This is a well-structured, detailed answer that would score well.)

Of course, I'd be happy to talk about a classmate who left a lasting impression on me. His name was Alex, and I met him during my first year of university, about five years ago. We were both in the same Business Administration program at Fudan University in Shanghai.

Alex was a very distinctive person, both in terms of his personality and his appearance. He was quite tall and always stood out in a crowd. But what I remember most about him was his incredible charisma and his unwavering optimism. He was the kind of person who could walk into a dull, early-morning lecture and, with just a few well-placed jokes, instantly lighten the mood for everyone around him. He was also incredibly hardworking. While many of us were content with just passing our exams, Alex was always striving for excellence. I remember countless late nights in the library, where he would be the last one to leave, poring over case studies and preparing for presentations.

The main reason I remember him so vividly, however, is because of a specific project we worked on together. For our "Marketing Strategy" course, we were put into a group of five to develop a campaign for a local coffee shop. Our group was initially quite disorganized and a bit pessimistic about the challenging task. But Alex took charge. He didn't just assign tasks; he motivated us. He would say things like, "Come on, guys, this is our chance to create something amazing!" He helped us brainstorm ideas, mediate disagreements, and structure our final report. Thanks to his leadership and positive attitude, not only did we get an A for the project, but we also became a much closer-knit group.

Ultimately, I remember Alex because he was more than just a classmate; he was a source of inspiration. He taught me the importance of a positive mindset and proactive leadership. Even now, when I face a difficult task at work, I often think of Alex and remember that with the right attitude and a bit of effort, any challenge can be overcome.

Breakdown of the Sample Answer (Why it works)

• Introduction: Clearly states the person's name and the context (when, where, how you met). This is a direct answer to the first two bullet points.
• Paragraph 2 (What he was like): This paragraph describes his personality and character. It uses descriptive adjectives (distinctive, charismatic, optimistic, hardworking) and provides specific examples (jokes in lectures, late nights in the library). This is much better than just saying "he was nice."
• Paragraph 3 (The story): This is the core of the answer. It tells a specific anecdote (the marketing project) to illustrate his qualities. This makes the answer engaging and memorable. It uses narrative language ("initially," "took charge," "thanks to").
• Conclusion (Why you remember him): This paragraph directly answers the final bullet point and explains the deeper impact he had on you. It uses phrases of reflection ("Ultimately," "taught me the importance of") and connects the past experience to the present, showing personal growth.
• Vocabulary and Grammar: The answer uses a range of topic-specific and descriptive vocabulary (e.g., charisma, optimism, case studies, mediate disagreements, proactive leadership). It also uses a mix of sentence structures, from simple to complex.

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

To help you build your own answer, here are some useful words and phrases categorized by theme.

Describing a Person's Character

• Positive:
  • Charismatic: (adj.) Having a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
  • Enthusiastic: (adj.) Full of energy and interest.
  • Hardworking / Diligent: (adj.) Always working hard and carefully.
  • Outgoing: (adj.) Friendly and sociable.
  • Reliable: (adj.) Trustworthy and dependable.
  • Insightful: (adj.) Having a deep understanding of people or things.
  • Proactive: (adj.) Taking the initiative to make things happen.
• Neutral/Descriptive:
  • Reserved: (adj.) Not inclined to talk much; quiet.
  • Ambitious: (adj.) Having a strong desire and determination to succeed.
  • Meticulous: (adj.) Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

Describing Actions & Impact

• Stood out: (phrasal verb) To be much better or more noticeable than others.
• To take charge: (idiom) To take control of a situation.
• To mediate: (v.) To intervene between two sides in a dispute to bring about an agreement.
• To motivate / inspire: (v.) To give someone a reason for doing something; to fill someone with the urge to do something.
• To leave a lasting impression: (idiom) To have a significant and memorable effect on someone.
• To be a source of inspiration: (phrase) To be someone who encourages and motivates others.

Linking Words & Phrases

• To add more information: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, Not only... but also...
• To give an example: For instance, For example, To illustrate this point...
• To show a result/consequence: As a result, Consequently, Therefore, Thus, Thanks to...
• To conclude: Ultimately, In conclusion, To sum up, All in all...

Tips for Your Answer

1. Choose a Real Person: It's always easier and more natural to talk about someone you actually know. Your emotions and memories will make your story more authentic.
2. Brainstorm First: Before you start speaking, quickly jot down 3-4 keywords for each bullet point.
   • Who? (Name, relation)
   • When/Where? (University, high school, a specific course)
   • What was he/she like? (Keywords: funny, smart, hardworking)
   • Why remember? (Keywords: project, kindness, inspiration)
3. Tell a Mini-Story: The best answers for Part 2 are not just lists of adjectives. They are short stories. Pick one specific event (like a group project, a competition, or a time they helped you) to illustrate their character.
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Don't just repeat "nice" or "friendly". Try to use the words from the list above.
5. Connect to the Present: End your answer by explaining how knowing this person has influenced you. This shows reflection and depth.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice: Time yourself (you have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak). Record yourself to check your fluency, pronunciation, and grammar.