“Describe an intelligent person you know” is a common topic in the “Describe a person” category of IELTS Speaking. It requires you to talk about someone who impresses you with their intelligence. So how can you build a strong and coherent answer to score high? In this article, IDP IELTS will guide you through key ideas, sample answers, and useful vocabulary for this topic.
1. Topic Analysis: Describe an Intelligent Person You Know – IELTS Speaking Part 2
This Part 2 cue card asks you to talk about an intelligent person you know. You will receive a task card with the following prompt and bullet points:
Describe an intelligent person you know
Who the person is
What he or she does
Why you think he or she is intelligent
And explain how you feel about him or her
2. Suggested Outline for the Topic “Describe an Intelligent Person You Know”
After receiving the cue card, you will have 1 minute to prepare and speak for 1–2 minutes. Use the guiding questions to develop a structured and complete answer.
Introduction
I once met a guest lecturer at university who impressed me with his intelligence and sharp thinking.
Who the person is
He is a guest lecturer who taught a specialized subject at my university.
He is experienced, respectable, and highly intelligent.
What he or she does
He taught us an important subject using engaging methods.
He also guided us in real-life matters, not just academics.
Why you think he or she is intelligent
During a heated argument among students with different political views, he intervened calmly.
He used crowd psychology to turn conflict into unity, avoiding escalation.
His handling of the situation left a deep impression on everyone.
How you feel about him or her
His intelligence is evident in both knowledge and emotional awareness.
Even though he only taught for a week, I learned invaluable lessons on unity and critical thinking.
Conclusion
Intelligent people are not only knowledgeable but also know how to apply their intelligence effectively.
This lecturer is a true role model who I deeply admire and have learned so much from.
3. Sample Answer – Describe an Intelligent Person You Know (IELTS Speaking Part 2)
Describe an intelligent person you know
In life, there are individuals who not only possess exceptional intellect but also leave an indelible impression through their sagacity and masterful ability to navigate complex situations. One such person who had a profound impact on me was a guest lecturer at my university. He was not only a seasoned academician but also an exemplary and venerable mentor, admired for both his wisdom and integrity.
He taught Cultural Studies with remarkable expertise and an engaging pedagogical approach. Beyond academic content, he guided us in practical, real-life matters, fostering a sense of independence and ethical reasoning. What impressed me most was his constant encouragement for students to exercise critical thinking, raise probing questions, and examine issues from multifaceted perspectives.
I particularly admired his intelligence and quick-wittedness in managing delicate scenarios. I recall a time on campus when a heated argument erupted between two student groups with opposing political ideologies. The atmosphere quickly grew tumultuous, verging on confrontation. Rather than intervening with authority, he tactfully employed crowd psychology to shift the focus from division to solidarity. With thoughtful words, he helped everyone recognize that antagonism weakens the collective, while unity represents intrinsic fortitude. His strategic and emotionally intelligent intervention mitigated the tension almost instantly, preventing what could have become a serious conflict.
His brilliance was not merely academic—it manifested in his emotional intelligence, ability to navigate circumstances, and leadership qualities. Despite teaching us for only one week, the incisive intellect and lessons in human values that he imparted left an enduring imprint on me.
To me, truly intelligent individuals are not merely repositories of knowledge, but those who can judiciously apply their intellect to real-world situations with empathy and foresight. This lecturer epitomizes that rare combination of cognitive sharpness and moral grounding. I continue to hold deep admiration for him, and the insights I gained from his presence will resonate with me for a lifetime.
4. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: What can parents do to help their children become more intelligent?
Sample Answer: Parents can enhance their children’s cognitive development by providing proper nutrition during early childhood and encouraging activities that stimulate the brain. Engaging children in games like chess, puzzles, or educational apps helps develop creativity and problem-solving skills, while extracurricular programs teach teamwork and adaptability.
Question: Do you think intelligent people are helpful?
Sample Answer: I believe intelligent individuals tend to make wiser decisions. However, whether they are truly helpful depends on their empathy and willingness to contribute to others. Intelligence allows them to understand and solve complex issues, but compassion determines if they use that intelligence for the benefit of others.
Question: How do people assess someone’s intelligence?
Sample Answer: There are many ways to assess intelligence. Standardized tests like IQ exams are one method, but academic performance and real-world problem-solving are also strong indicators. Skills such as adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence reflect how well someone can think and respond in different situations.
5. Useful Vocabulary for “Describe an Intelligent Person You Know”
Common Vocabulary
Word | Part of Speech | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Sagacious | Adjective | Wise and perceptive |
Sharp-witted | Adjective | Quick to understand or respond |
Perceptive | Adjective | Insightful and observant |
Astute | Adjective | Clever and quick to understand |
Quick-thinking | Adjective | Able to think fast in tough moments |
Resourceful | Adjective | Good at solving problems creatively |
Intellectual | Adjective | Relating to the use of the intellect |
Rational | Adjective | Based on logic and reason |
Erudite | Adjective | Well-educated and knowledgeable |
Brilliant | Adjective | Extremely intelligent or talented |
Topic-specific Idioms and Phrases
Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
Critical thinking | The ability to analyze and evaluate objectively |
Logical reasoning | Thinking based on logic |
Problem-solving skills | The ability to resolve issues effectively |
A quick learner | Someone who learns things quickly |
Strong analytical skills | Excellent at analyzing and interpreting data |
High emotional intelligence | Understanding and managing emotions well |
A brilliant mind | Someone with outstanding intellect |
Think outside the box | To think creatively or differently |
Have a sharp mind | To be highly intelligent |
Pick someone's brain | To ask for advice or knowledge |
Put one's thinking cap on | To think hard or carefully |
Sharp as a tack | Extremely smart and quick |
Have a knack for | Have a natural talent for something |
Be on the ball | Be alert and quick to react |
Boost Your IELTS Speaking with IDP
We hope the ideas and sample answers above help you confidently tackle the topic “Describe an intelligent person you know” in your IELTS Speaking test. To explore more topics, access free IELTS preparation materials from IDP.
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