# Describe your favourite actor or actress: IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 2 - Media

Describe your favourite actor or actress.

You should say:
- who this person is
- what kinds of films or shows they have been in
- how you first came to know about them
- and explain why you like this actor or actress

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 6 sample

My favourite actor is Shah Rukh Khan. He is very famous Indian actor and many people call him the King of Bollywood. He has been working in films for more than thirty years, so almost everyone in my country know him.

He acted in many different kinds of films. Most of his old films are romantic films, for example 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', which is about a young couple who fall in love in Europe and then try to convince the girl's father. But he also did some serious films. My favourite one is 'Chak De! India', where he played a coach of the women's hockey team. In recent years he made action films also, like 'Pathaan', and it was a big hit.

I first knew about him when I was a child, because my mother is a big fan of him. Every time his film was on TV, she called everyone to the living room and we watched together. At that time I thought his films were too long, but slowly I also started to like them.

There are some reasons why I like him. First, he is very good at showing emotions. When he is sad in a film, I also feel sad. Second, I like his life story. He came from Delhi and he didn't have any family in the film industry, but he worked very hard and become a superstar. Also he is very funny in interviews and he always speak politely.

So I think he is a great actor and also a good example for young people.

**Examiner notes.** This answer addresses every bullet and gives real examples of films, so the listener always knows where it is going. That said, the vocabulary is mostly basic ("big hit", "very good at showing emotions") and the reasons are listed with "First", "Second" and "Also". Errors are regular but meaning stays clear: "very famous Indian actor", "everyone in my country know him", "I first knew about him" and "become a superstar". For Band 7, the speaker would use more precise film vocabulary, such as "plays the role of" or "a box-office success", and keep verb forms accurate.

## Band 7 sample

The actress I'd like to talk about is Meryl Streep, who's an American actress and probably one of the most respected performers in Hollywood. She's been nominated for more Oscars than any other actor, which gives you some idea of how highly she's regarded.

What's impressive about her is the sheer variety of roles she's taken on. She's done serious historical dramas, like 'The Iron Lady', where she played Margaret Thatcher, but she's also been in light-hearted films such as 'Mamma Mia!', where she actually sings and dances. And of course there's 'The Devil Wears Prada', where she plays a cold, demanding fashion magazine editor.

I first came across her through that film, actually. I watched it with my older sister when I was about fourteen, and even though the story is mainly about the younger character, it was Streep's performance that stuck with me. She hardly ever raises her voice in it, yet she's absolutely terrifying, and I remember thinking that was a really clever way to play the role.

The main reason I like her is that she seems to completely disappear into her characters. She changes her accent, her body language, even the way she moves, so you forget you're watching a famous actress. I also respect the fact that she's kept working at such a high level well into her seventies, at a time when Hollywood often overlooks older women.

So, all in all, I'd say she's set the standard for what good acting looks like, and I'll watch pretty much anything she's in.

**Examiner notes.** This is a coherent Band 7 answer that supports each point with a specific film. The speaker uses some less common items naturally ("the sheer variety of roles", "stuck with me", "disappear into her characters") and manages complex structures like "it was Streep's performance that stuck with me". Ideas are well linked, but some phrasing is familiar ("all in all", "pretty much"). For Band 8, the speaker would analyze the acting more precisely, for example by explaining what makes a quiet performance powerful, and use a wider range of idiomatic language with full control.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/describe-your-favourite-actor-or-actress).

## Part 3 follow-up questions

1. Why do you think some actors become so famous?
2. Do you think actors deserve the very high salaries they are paid?
3. Are actors and actresses good role models for young people?
4. Do you prefer watching films at the cinema or at home? Why?
5. How has streaming changed the kinds of films and shows that get made?

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.