Describe a historical figure – IELTS Cue Card

Sample Answer 1

Countless individuals throughout history have left their mark on human civilization through their deeds and achievements. Some of these people are remembered for their positive influence on society and others for their wrongdoings. One particular person whose influence is still felt, to this day is Charlie Chaplin.

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Charlie Chaplin was a pioneer in the art of filmmaking and was one of the most influential artists of his time. He was famous for his silent films that mostly had a comedic premise but also put forth deep and thoughtful ideas. Charlie Chaplin’s films are still quite popular even today, after 45 years of his death. The Tramp, which was the screen persona of Charlie Chaplin, was and still is a worldwide icon and is recognized by almost everyone. Chaplin started out initially as a comic actor and later began directing and acting in his own films. Films like Modern Times, The Kid, and The Great Dictator are considered classics and never fail to make the audience laugh, cry and experience a plethora of emotions.

I don’t think there is a single film enthusiast who is not fond of Charlie Chaplin. As a cinephile myself, I consider Charlie Chaplin to be one of my idols and easily one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. There are various factors that make his films unique and enjoyable. One of the most characteristic features of his films is the portrayal of social issues of that time in a comical way so that the audience has an easier time understanding the underlying message. These traits, along with the marvelous acting from Chaplin himself, make him one of my favorite directors.

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Sample Answer 2

Although there is a gamut of historical figures that I admire, the one who tops the chart would be Thomas Alva Edison. World-renowned and appreciated for his work, he was an American inventor who lived during the end of the 18th century. Apparently, Edison was named as one of the greatest inventors in the globe as he has more than 1000 patents to his name. 

Amidst other findings, one of the greatest inventions in his kitty is the bulb. In his biography, it was mentioned that Thomas had experimented more than 1000 times to invent this bulb but failed each time drastically. However, he didn’t give up. It was only through his strong persistence and determination that he finally found the bulb. Alongside, Thomas Edison was also the co-founder of General Electric – a giant multinational company that is still in existence today. However, it has been transformed into a high-tech company that sells a variety of products. 

One of the reasons why I like Edison is because of his determination. During that time, scientists only had to work with limited equipment. With no basic resources in hand, such as a calculator or a computer, Thomas didn’t give up but continued with his work. Not just his professional but personal life is motivating and inspiring as well. When he was a child, he dropped out of school because his teachers considered him too dumb to learn anything. I applaud him for what he has done for the world and it is no wonder that he is an idol for many people.

Vocabulary

• Gamut:  a complete range of something
  Example: This store has a gamut of clothing options.
• Renowned: acclaimed
  Example: Michael Jackson was one of the renowned singers. 
• Drastically: incredibly
  Example: His life has changed drastically after the accident.
• Persistence: determined to continue doing something
  Example: His persistence is going to take him to heights. 
• Applaud: praise
  Example: I applauded the play written by my friend.    

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