IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a person you know who you think is very intelligent

Describe a person you know who you think is very intelligent
You should say:
– Who this person is
– How you know this person
– Why you think this person is very intelligent
And explain how you feel about this person

Useful Vocabulary and Expressions

1. Who this person is:

• Vocabulary: acquaintance, mentor, colleague, friend, relative
• Expressions:
  • “The person I am referring to is…”
  • “This individual is my…”
  • “He/She is known for…”

2. How you know this person:

• Vocabulary: met, encountered, acquainted, introduced, familiar
• Expressions:
  • “I have known him/her since…”
  • “We first met when…”
  • “I became acquainted with him/her through…”

3. Why you think this person is very intelligent:

• Vocabulary: knowledgeable, insightful, quick-witted, sharp, brilliant
• Expressions:
  • “I believe he/she is very intelligent because…”
  • “He/She has a remarkable ability to…”
  • “What impresses me most about him/her is…”

4. How you feel about this person:

• Vocabulary: admiration, respect, inspiration, awe, gratitude
• Expressions:
  • “I feel a great deal of…”
  • “He/She inspires me to…”
  • “I have a lot of respect for him/her because…”

Collocations

1. highly intelligent
2. vast knowledge
3. quick thinker
4. deep understanding
5. intellectual capacity
6. remarkable ability
7. brilliant mind
8. insightful observations
9. mental agility
10. inspiring figure

Sample Answer

The person I am referring to is my colleague, Sarah. She is known for her highly intelligent and quick-witted nature.

I have known her since I joined the company three years ago. We first met during a team project, and I immediately noticed her brilliant mind and deep understanding of complex concepts. We became better acquainted through various work interactions and team meetings.

I believe she is very intelligent because she has a remarkable ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently. Her vast knowledge in our field, combined with her mental agility, allows her to make insightful observations and come up with innovative solutions. What impresses me most about her is her ability to explain complicated ideas in a simple, understandable way. This showcases not only her intelligence but also her excellent communication skills.

I feel a great deal of admiration and respect for Sarah. She inspires me to push my intellectual boundaries and strive for excellence in my work. I have a lot of respect for her because she is not only intelligent but also kind and willing to help others. Her presence in the team is both motivating and reassuring, and I am grateful to have such an inspiring figure to look up to in my professional life.