Last Updated on October 24, 2025
A cue card for the question “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS Exam speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to share your thoughts fluently and confidently with the examiner.
We’ve included three model answers for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card, along with follow-up questions, a related vocabulary section, and a conclusion to help you prepare effectively for similar IELTS Cue Card topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you’ll receive a cue card topic with a few prompts. You will have 1 minute to prepare and must speak for 1–2 minutes.
The topic here is “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know.” It’s one of the most commonly asked IELTS Cue cards, as it allows you to describe personality traits, achievements, and inspiration — all while showcasing fluency and vocabulary for the IELTS Exam.
Cue Card Topic Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
You should say:
- Who he or she is?
- How you know about him or her?
- What has he or she achieved?
- And explain why he or she is famous?
Describe a Famous Athlete You Know – Model Answers
Here are three model answers for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card, each presenting a different approach to help you structure your response effectively for the IELTS Exam.
Model Answer 1 – Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
Introduction
One such athlete whom I greatly admire is Neeraj Chopra, an Indian javelin thrower that has made our country so proud.
Who he is and how you know about him
I initially encountered Neeraj at Tokyo Olympics in the year 2020, when he secured a gold medal in athletics in India, the first gold medal in Indian history. Since that time, I have been tracking his progress via the news stations and social media.
What he achieved
His milestones have been many which include gold medals at the Asian games and Commonwealth games. His perseverance and hard work have earned him a home name in India.
Why he is famous
Neeraj is not only a famous person, but he is humble and disciplined. He is symbolic of the new Indian sportsmen who think big and strive to be well known globally.
Conclusion
Neeraj Chopra is a role model to young players, thus a good choice to write on in regards to the IELTS Speaking Cue Card, Describe a Famous Athlete You know.
Model Answer 2 – Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
Introduction
The celebrity athlete that I would like to discuss is the iconic football player by the name of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Who he is and how you know about him
Since I was a child, I have been following his games, and I frequently read about him in sporting magazines and on social media.
What he achieved
He is the winner of several Ballon d’Or awards, a three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, and has the highest number of goals scored in international football.
Why he is famous
Ronaldo is well known due to his fitness, discipline, and unstoppable ambition. Not only is he an athlete, but he is also a model who keeps on going despite difficulties.
Conclusion
The story of how Cristiano Ronaldo was raised on a small Portuguese island and how he has become the brightest star in the world makes him an appropriate subject for the IELTS Cue Card topic, “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know”.
Model Answer 3 – Describe a Famous Athlete You Know
One of my favorite athletes who I greatly admire is PV Sindhu who is one of the most successful badminton players in India.
Who she is and how you know about him
The first time I heard about her was in Rio Olympics 2016, she won a silver medal on behalf of India. I have since been watching her games on a regular basis on the sports channel.
What she achieved
Sindhu has also earned a number of global awards among them a gold medal in the world championships. She is also among the very few Indian athletes to have won various Olympic medals.
Why she is famous
She is known to be disciplined, sporting and performing well in the international scene. Her achievement has been a role model to most young girls in India to pursue sport careers.
Conclusion
The hard work and success of PV Sindhu qualify her to be a role model to many and this makes her an ideal candidate in this IELTS Speaking Cue Card “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know”
Read more: Describe An Interesting Conversation You Had With Your Friend
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe a Famous Athlete You Know Follow-up Questions
Follow-up questions for “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know” are commonly asked in IELTS Speaking Part 3 to test your opinions and reasoning.
What kinds of sports are popular in your country?
Cricket, badminton, and football are among the most popular sports in my country.
Do you think athletes are good role models?
Yes, because they demonstrate discipline, determination, and perseverance — qualities that inspire others.
What qualities do successful athletes usually have?
They are hardworking, focused, mentally strong, and consistent in their performance.
Do young people in your country like to play sports?
Yes, with growing awareness of health and fitness, more young people are taking up sports seriously.
Do you think athletes are paid too much?
While top athletes earn a lot, their hard work, training, and global influence often justify their income.
Related Vocabulary – “Describe a Famous Athlete You Know”
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Endurance | The ability to keep doing something difficult for a long time | Long-distance runners have incredible endurance. |
| Determination | The quality of being persistent and motivated | Her determination helped her win the championship. |
| Sportsmanship | Fair and respectful behavior during a game | He showed great sportsmanship after losing. |
| Dedication | Commitment to a goal or cause | Success in sports requires total dedication. |
| Record-holder | Someone who has achieved the best performance in a category | Usain Bolt is the record-holder for the 100m sprint. |
| Perseverance | Continued effort despite challenges | His perseverance helped him overcome multiple injuries. |
| Discipline | The practice of training oneself to follow rules and focus | Athletes maintain strict discipline in their routine. |
| Inspiration | Something or someone that motivates others | PV Sindhu is an inspiration for aspiring athletes. |
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card “Describe An Interesting Conversation You Had With Your Friend” helps you practice descriptive storytelling and emotional expression. Such IELTS Cue Card topics are common in the IELTS Exam, testing your fluency, coherence, and ability to express opinions naturally.
FAQs
Cue cards in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are short topic cards that contain prompts for you to speak about for 1–2 minutes.
You can score 8.5 by practicing fluency, pronunciation, and coherent answers for common IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics.
Yes, IELTS Cue Card topics are frequently repeated across different exam sessions with slight variations.
Start with a simple and direct line, e.g., “One interesting conversation I had was with my best friend during college.”
Record your answers, time yourself for 2 minutes, and practice speaking on trending IELTS Cue Card topics daily.
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