Of course! Talking about a "popular person" is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 2. The key is not just to describe the person, but to explain why they are popular and how they have influenced you or society.

Here is a complete guide to help you answer this question effectively, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and useful structures.

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a popular person you are interested in.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you first learned about them
• What they are popular for
• And explain why you are interested in this person.

Sample Answer

(A high-scoring, natural-sounding response)

"I'd like to talk about a person who has been incredibly influential and popular in recent years, and that's the South Korean filmmaker, Bong Joon-ho.

I first became aware of him a few years ago, not through his earlier films like 'The Host', but through the massive global success of his 2025 masterpiece, 'Parasite'. It was everywhere – social media was buzzing about it, it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and it eventually made history by winning four Oscars, including Best Picture. It was impossible to ignore.

He is popular for several reasons, but primarily for his unique ability to blend genres seamlessly. He masterfully combines elements of dark comedy, sharp social satire, and thrilling suspense. In 'Parasite', he tells a story about class inequality that is both hilarious and deeply tragic, all within the framework of a suspenseful thriller. His films are not just entertaining; they are incredibly intelligent and thought-provoking. He has a distinct visual style and a knack for creating unforgettable, symbolic moments that stick with you long after the credits roll.

The reason I'm so interested in him is that he represents a new wave of global cinema. He proved that a film with subtitles could become a cultural phenomenon, breaking down language and cultural barriers. His success is a huge inspiration because it shows that you don't have to compromise on artistic vision to achieve mainstream popularity. He uses popular cinema as a vehicle for profound social commentary, which I find absolutely brilliant. He’s a storyteller who makes you think, laugh, and feel all at the same time, and that's a rare and powerful combination."

Why this answer is a good band 7+ answer:

• Clear Structure: It follows the cue card points perfectly (Who, How, What, Why).
• Specific Example: It names a specific person (Bong Joon-ho) and a specific work ('Parasite'). This is much better than saying "a famous actor."
• Vocabulary Range: It uses a wide range of topic-specific and descriptive words (e.g., influential, masterpiece, global phenomenon, seamlessly, blend, social satire, suspenseful, thought-provoking, distinct visual style, cultural barriers, mainstream popularity, profound social commentary).
• Grammar and Fluency: It uses complex sentences and a variety of grammatical structures (e.g., "It was impossible to ignore," "He proved that a film with subtitles could become...").
• Depth and Opinion: It doesn't just describe the person; it explains why he is popular and why the speaker is interested, showing critical thinking. The final sentence summarises the key point effectively.

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

You can mix and match these to create your own unique answer.

Types of Popular People:

• A public figure (a general term)
• A celebrity / a star (actors, musicians, influencers)
• An icon (someone who is a symbol of an era or a movement)
• A trailblazer / a pioneer (someone who is first and paves the way for others)
• A role model (someone you admire and try to emulate)
• An influential figure / a thought leader (someone who influences opinions and ideas)

Adjectives to Describe Them:

• Charismatic (has a compelling charm)
• Charming (pleasant and attractive)
• Humble (modest, not arrogant)
• Visionary (thinks about the future with great imagination)
• Innovative (introduces new ideas)
• Groundbreaking (pioneering and new)
• Versatile (skilled in many different areas)
• Relatable (easy to identify with)
• Genuine / Authentic (real and not fake)

Verbs to Describe Their Popularity:

• To rise to fame / to become famous overnight (for sudden success)
• To captivate the public / to capture people's imagination
• To have a massive global following
• To be a household name (everyone knows who they are)
• To break records / to make history
• To inspire a generation

Reasons for Their Popularity:

• For their unique talent / exceptional skill
• For their groundbreaking work / innovative approach
• For their authenticity / relatable personality
• For their powerful message / social commentary
• For their dedication / hard work / perseverance
• For their ability to connect with people on a human level

Useful Structures for Your Answer

1. Introducing the Person:

   • "The person I'm going to talk about is..."
   • "I'm fascinated by a popular figure named..."
   • "If I had to choose a popular person, it would have to be..."

2. Explaining Their Popularity:

   • "He/She is famous primarily for..."
   • "What makes him/her so popular is the fact that..."
   • "The reason he/she has such a huge following is that..."

3. Expressing Your Interest:

   • "The thing that really interests me about him/her is..."
   • "I'm particularly drawn to his/her..."
   • "What I find most inspiring is..."
   • "He/She has had a profound impact on me because..."

Tips for Your Answer

• Choose someone you genuinely know about. It's much easier to speak fluently and passionately about a topic you are familiar with.
• Be specific. Instead of "a singer," say "Taylor Swift." Instead of "a scientist," say "Stephen Hawking." Details make your answer stronger.
• Connect it to yourself. The final part of the cue card ("explain why you are interested") is crucial. Don't just list facts; explain how this person has influenced your thinking, your interests, or your life.
• Practice. Read the sample answer out loud, then try to build your own answer using the vocabulary and structures provided. Record yourself to check your fluency and pronunciation.