Describe a teenager you know – Cue Card IELTS Band 8 Sample

Sample Answer 1

It is an exciting topic for me, as my nephews, cousins, and nieces are all in their teenage years. But, I want to talk about my 15-year-old cousin Dorothy and till she turned fourteen, we resided under the same roof. Later, my family and I had to relocate due to my father’s business. 

Dorothy and I have practically grown up together. Besides being my cousin, she was also an excellent friend, so I know her well. The age of fifteen was consequential for my cousin as she was preparing for her tenth board exam and was apprehensive about it. She worked very hard to score well in the exam and made her parents proud, for which I admired her diligence. Besides being a hard worker, Dorothy loves to paint and spend time with her family. It is how we became such good friends. 

Despite her busy study schedule, she always took the time to sit and chat with her family. It is a quality that many teenagers lack. Her maturity level always made me marvel at her even more. As she loves to paint, she often used to go to visit the art exhibitions held in the city. I accompanied her sometimes as she pestered me to come along. I am not a fan of craftwork, but I was astounded by her unique perspective on arts. She always said that she wanted to excel in academics and painting. It is a hobby that she looks forward to pursuing in the future. I always looked up to her and hoped I could inculcate some of her qualities.

Sample Answer 2

I’m going to talk about my cousin, John. He’s my aunt’s son and is 17 years old. He lives in the same neighbourhood so we practically grew up together.

This year is an important one for John, because he has to take the university entrance examination. He’s aiming pretty high so he has been studying really hard. However, he still spends time with friends and relatives and tries to catch up on their lives. This is what I like about him. No matter how busy he is, he always has time for family and friends.

Hoang is also very handsome and can sing very well. One time I heard him play guitar and sing a popular song and thought it was a singer. No wonder he’s been receiving a lot of flowers and love letters from girls at school and in the neighbourhood. But he says he will have to take care of the exam first, so he doesn’t want to have a relationship at the moment.

Sample Audio

Click on the audio to listen to the sample answer above. Pay attention to the intonation and pronunciation of the words

Vocabulary

• Practically: virtually; almost.
  Eg: Practically, there is no solution to this problem
• Aim: to point or direct (a weapon or camera) at a target 
  Eg: The police aimed the gun towards the robber. 
• Catch up: to reach someone or something by moving faster than the other person or thing 
  Eg: Rose managed to catch up with her boss in the evening. 
• No matter: regardless of. 
  Eg: No matter what, her parents will not agree to let her go out on a trip. 

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