leap-scholar-logo
hamburger-menu
cue_card_backround_image_mobile

IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 24, 2024, 10:29

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card assesses your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given topic. During the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are presented with cue cards that contain a specific topic and guiding questions. 

 

Each cue card topic aims to elicit a personal response, allowing candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, pronunciation, and ability to organise ideas under timed conditions.

 

Today's cue card topic, ‘Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect,’ invites you to talk about someone who holds a special place in your esteem. This person might be a grandparent, a teacher, or a neighbour—someone whose wisdom, guidance, or character has left a lasting impression on you. This topic encourages candidates to effectively reflect on personal relationships and articulate their feelings and experiences.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect

You should say

  • Who he or she is?
  • How do you know this person?
  • What is he or she like?/li>
  • And explain why you respect him or her./li>
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who he or she is?):

 

  • The person I deeply respect is my grandfather, John Smith, who has been a pillar of strength and wisdom in my life.
  • He is a retired teacher with a passion for history and a knack for storytelling.
  • My grandfather is known for his gentle behaviour and his ability to impart valuable life lessons through anecdotes and experiences.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know this person?):

 

  • I have known my grandfather since childhood, growing up under his guidance and mentorship.
  • He played a pivotal role in shaping my values and beliefs through his consistent support and encouragement.
  • Our bond strengthened over shared interests such as reading and discussing world events, fostering a deep connection built on mutual respect and understanding.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What is he or she like?):

 

  • One of his standout qualities is his unwavering optimism and belief in the power of education to transform lives.
  • He exemplifies resilience, having overcome personal challenges with grace and determination.
  • His commitment to community service and philanthropy reflects his compassionate nature and dedication to making a positive impact on others.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why you respect him or her):

 

  • In conclusion, I deeply respect my grandfather for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering kindness.
  • He continues to inspire me with his humility and selflessness, leaving a lasting imprint on my life.
  • I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from his experiences and carry forward his legacy of compassion and resilience.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: Who he or she is?):

 

  • The person I deeply respect is my grandmother, Mrs. Leela Sharma, who has been a guiding light in my life since childhood.
  • She is a retired school principal renowned for her dedication to education and unwavering support for her students.
  • My grandmother is known in our family and community for her strong values, wisdom, and nurturing nature.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know this person?):

 

  • I have had the privilege of growing up under my grandmother's loving care and guidance.
  • As a former principal, she instilled in me a love for learning and a strong work ethic from a young age.
  • Our bond strengthened through her stories of perseverance during challenging times and her encouragement to pursue my dreams with diligence.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What is he or she like?):

 

  • My grandmother exemplifies resilience and compassion, having overcome personal hardships with grace and determination.
  • Her dedication to education extended beyond the classroom, as she mentored and supported countless students in their academic and personal journeys.
  • She is revered for her leadership skills and ability to inspire others through her actions and words.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why you respect him or her):

 

  • In conclusion, I deeply respect my grandmother for her profound influence on my upbringing and values.
  • She continues to inspire me with her strength of character, kindness, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
  • I am grateful for the lessons she has taught me and strive to uphold her legacy of compassion and resilience in my own life.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who he or she is?):

 

  • The person I deeply respect is my uncle, Mr. Rajesh Kapoor, who has been a role model and mentor throughout my life.
  • He is a retired army officer known for his discipline, integrity, and dedication to serving the nation.
  • My uncle's leadership and values have had a profound impact on shaping my character and aspirations.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know this person?):

 

  • I have known my uncle since childhood, admiring his commitment to duty and selfless service.
  • He shared inspiring stories of his military experiences, instilling in me a sense of patriotism and duty towards our country.
  • Our bond strengthened as he mentored me through challenges, offering guidance on career choices and personal development.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What is he or she like?):

 

  • Mr. Rajesh Kapoor embodies courage and resilience, having served in challenging terrains and situations during his military career.
  • His leadership skills and ability to remain calm under pressure have earned him respect among his peers and juniors.
  • Beyond his military service, he is known for his generosity and efforts in supporting veterans and their families.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why you respect him or her):

 

  • In conclusion, I hold my uncle, Mr. Rajesh Kapoor, in high esteem for his unwavering dedication to duty, values, and service to the nation.
  • He continues to inspire me with his integrity, selflessness, and commitment to making a positive difference in society.
  • I am grateful for his guidance and proud to carry forward his legacy of honour and patriotism in my own life.

Understanding how to structure your answer to ‘Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect’ can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. This preparation ensures that you can effectively communicate your thoughts within the allocated time and showcase your language proficiency to the examiner.

 

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will provide you with a cue card containing the topic ‘Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect.’ You will have one minute to prepare your response, during which you can jot down key points and organise your thoughts.

 

To answer this cue card effectively, follow these steps:

 

Introduction (Covers: Who he or she is?): 

 

  • Introduce the person by stating their name and your relationship with them (e.g., grandfather, teacher).
  • Mention briefly why you admire and respect this person.
  • State why you have chosen to talk about them today.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How do you know this person?): 

 

  • Describe the person's personality traits or qualities that you find admirable.
  • Share a specific memory or anecdote that illustrates their impact on your life.
  • Explain how this person has influenced your values, decisions, or aspirations.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What is he or she like?):

 

  • Highlight notable achievements or experiences of the person.
  • Discuss any challenges they have faced and how they have overcome them.
  • Provide details about their contributions to your community or to society.

 

Conclusion (Covers: And explain why you respect him or her): 

 

  • Summarise why this person is significant to you and others.
  • Reflect briefly on how your relationship with them has evolved over time.
  • Conclude with a statement about what you have learned or gained from knowing this person.

 

By structuring your response in this way, you can effectively utilise your two minutes to convey a comprehensive response that will help you achieve a good IELTS score


 

Also Read:

 

Follow-up Questions

Understanding what to expect in the follow-up question round, also known as Part 3 or the Two-way discussion round, is crucial after completing the cue card topic ‘Describe An Old Person You Know And Respect.’ This part of the interview allows you to delve deeper into related ideas and opinions, demonstrating your ability to discuss and expand upon the initial topic.

 

During this round, the examiner will ask you questions that build upon your cue card topic. You'll have the opportunity to share further insights, personal experiences, and perspectives related to caring for and respecting older individuals. This segment typically lasts for 4-5 minutes, providing ample time to explore various aspects of the topic in more depth.

 

Q1. What qualities does a person need to have to take care of old people?

Answer 1: Taking care of old people demands patience, empathy, and attentiveness. These qualities enable caregivers to understand their needs and provide compassionate support. For instance, my grandmother's caregivers demonstrate these traits daily, ensuring her comfort and well-being. Their dedication illustrates how these qualities contribute to effective elderly care.

 

Answer 2: Effective care for old people requires not only patience and empathy but also practical skills like administering medications and assisting with daily activities. These qualities ensure their safety and dignity in their later years, reflecting a comprehensive approach to elderly care that addresses both emotional and physical needs.

 

Q2. Do you think old people should be taken care of at home?

Answer 1: Yes, I believe old people benefit emotionally and mentally from familiar surroundings and family support. Being at home preserves their independence and allows for personalised care tailored to their needs, promoting a sense of security and comfort in their later years.

 

Answer 2: While home care offers comfort and familiarity, some elderly individuals may require specialised medical attention that family members may not be equipped to provide. In such cases, professional care facilities can offer necessary support, ensuring comprehensive medical and emotional care.

 

Q3. How can people in the neighbourhood help the elderly during an epidemic?

Answer 1: Neighbours can assist the elderly by running errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications. Regular check-ins via phone or video calls also provide social connection while maintaining physical distance, ensuring they receive essential supplies and emotional support during challenging times.

 

Answer 2: During an epidemic, neighbourhood support networks can organize food and medicine delivery services, ensuring elderly residents receive essential supplies without risking exposure. This proactive approach demonstrates community solidarity and compassion, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals during health crises.

 

Q4. Do you see this kind of help occurring in your neighbourhood?

Answer 1: Yes, in my neighbourhood, there's a strong sense of community. Many residents volunteer to help the elderly by offering assistance with daily tasks and providing emotional support during challenging times. This collective effort fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and cared for.

 

Answer 2: While there's some community support, more can be done to ensure comprehensive care for elderly residents, especially during emergencies like epidemics where vulnerable individuals require extra attention and support. Strengthening existing support networks can enhance community resilience and ensure no one is left behind during times of crisis.

Q5. Do you think teenagers must indulge in building a community for the elderly?

Answer 1: Absolutely, involving teenagers in building a community for the elderly fosters intergenerational bonds and teaches valuable lessons in empathy and responsibility. It also benefits teenagers by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities that contribute to personal growth and social development.

 

Answer 2: Engaging teenagers in community-building activities for the elderly promotes social cohesion and instils a sense of civic duty. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement that enhances community resilience and inclusivity, fostering a culture of care and respect across generations.

FAQs

Q. How to find resources for practising cue-card topics?

Ans.: There are several resources available to practice cue-card topics for the IELTS Speaking test. Websites and apps offer cue cards with sample questions and model answers. Additionally, language schools often provide practice materials, including mock tests and speaking workshops. Utilising these resources helps familiarise oneself with different topics, enhances fluency, and improves confidence in delivering structured responses during the test.

 

Q. Can I exceed the time limit during the speaking test?

Ans. No, exceeding the time limit during the IELTS Speaking test can adversely affect your score. Part 2 (the cue card section) allows exactly 1 minute for preparation and up to 2 minutes for speaking. Part 3 (the two-way discussion) lasts 4-5 minutes. Exceeding these time limits may result in penalties, affecting your ability to demonstrate time management and communication skills effectively.

Q. What is the difference between IELTS speaking parts 2 and 3?

Ans. IELTS Speaking Part 2 involves speaking about a cue card topic for up to 2 minutes after 1 minute of preparation. This part assesses your ability to speak coherently and fluently on a given topic. Part 3, on the other hand, is a two-way discussion where the examiner asks follow-up questions related to the cue card topic. It lasts 4-5 minutes and assesses your ability to discuss broader issues, express opinions, and elaborate on your ideas.

IELTS Important Information

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Accepting Countries

Top Speaking Sample with Answers

Master IELTS Speaking for ₹99