Talk About an Interesting Old Person you Met Recently: IELTS Cue Card

IELTS^TM CUE CARD

Talk About an Interesting Old Person You Met Recently: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 11:02

Overview

In the topic ‘Talk About An Interesting Person You Met Recently’ you should include a small and general introduction about your talk with the old person. You should also include about how you met the person. Following that, you should describe what you felt after talking to the person. Finally, end the answer by summarising the context.

After the cue-card task, you will be asked follow-up questions in part 3. The questions in part 3 will be related to the cue-card topic given by the examiner.

Cue Card/Topic:Talk about an interesting old person you met recently

You should say

Who is this person?
How did you meet him?
How do you know him?
What do you do with this person?
Why did you find this person interesting?

Sample Answers

How to answer

Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

Recently, I had a delightful conversation with Mr. Sanjay, an elderly neighbour I often see in the community. We got talking when I helped him carry groceries to his house.

Describe your conversation:

I've known Mr. Sanjay for a while, as he lives down the street. Our chat started with casual greetings but became a fascinating discussion about his life experiences.
He shared stories about the neighbourhood's history and how things have changed.

Talk about your key observations from the conversation:

The conversation gave me a warm feeling, realising the wealth of wisdom and memories Mr. Sanjay holds. What made him interesting was not just his age but the way he recounted tales of the past, making me appreciate the history of our community.
Now, whenever we cross paths, we exchange friendly conversations, and I've learned to value the knowledge he brings to our community.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, meeting and chatting with Mr. Sanjay has been an enriching experience.
It's not just about the stories but the connection to the past that makes these interactions special.
It reminds us of the importance of bridging generations and cherishing our elders' knowledge.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

I recently had a fascinating conversation with Grandma Shanti, a charming elderly woman in my neighbourhood. We connected while sitting in the park, enjoying a sunny afternoon.

Describe your conversation:

I've known Grandma Shanti since I moved here, and our chat began as we shared a bench during a community event.
She started telling me about her life, sharing anecdotes from her youth and the adventures she had experienced. It was a spontaneous and heartwarming exchange.

Talk about your key observations from the conversation:

Listening to Grandma Shanti made me feel transported back in time. What captivated me was her resilience and positive outlook on life despite facing challenges. I found her interesting because of her age and the joy she found in simple moments.
Now, we occasionally meet for tea, and I've come to appreciate her stories, laughter, and the valuable life lessons she imparts.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, getting to know Grandma Shanti has been a delightful experience. It goes beyond a casual conversation – it's about understanding a different era through her eyes and finding inspiration in her unwavering spirit.
These interactions remind me of the beauty of connecting with people across generations.

Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

Recently, I spoke with Mr. Ajay, an elderly gentleman who frequents the local library where I often study.
Our interaction began when I noticed him reading a classic novel, sparking my curiosity about his literary preferences.

Describe your conversation:

Though we hadn't formally met before, our shared love for literature became the foundation of our conversation.
Mr. Ajay has been a regular at the library for years, and he kindly shared his favourite books, providing insightful recommendations based on his extensive reading experience.
We chatted about our favourite authors and the joy of losing oneself in a good book.

Talk about your key observations from the conversation:

The conversation left me feeling inspired and appreciative of the depth of knowledge Mr. Ajay possesses. His passion for reading, especially classic literature, made him particularly interesting.
Evidently, he found immense joy in the world of books, and our discussion opened my eyes to the timeless beauty of literature.
Now, whenever we cross paths at the library, we exchange book recommendations, turning the library into a hub for shared literary enthusiasm.

Conclusion:

Conversing with Mr. Ajay has added a delightful layer to my library visits.
It's more than just discussing books; it's about connecting with someone who has a profound appreciation for literature, transcending generational gaps through our shared love for the written word.

The IELTS Speaking test is conducted as a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner.

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look something like this:

The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it like this- no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights and a conclusion.

Considering that, here’s how we’ll break our topic down.

Introduction:

Mention the old person you spoke to.
Who is the person?
Set the context by describing the general experience of the conversation.

Describe your conversation with the old person:

Set some context about how you know him.
Support your claim with relevant instances.
Talk about how you met him.

Talk about your key observations from the conversation:

How did it make you feel?
Why did you find this person interesting?
What do you do with this person?

Conclusion:

Summarise your overall experience

Follow-Up Questions

IELTS cue cards are followed by Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, where you are asked questions about your topic. These are general questions, typically probing for your opinions and thoughts on the matter.

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!

With that, let’s dive in.

Q1. What skills can old people teach the young?

Answer 1: Older individuals often possess a wealth of life experiences, and their ability to share practical wisdom becomes a valuable skill they can teach the younger generation. From navigating challenges to making informed decisions, the insights gained over the years can guide the younger ones in various aspects of life.

Answer 2: The elderly often exhibit remarkable patience and resilience, qualities honed through a lifetime of facing ups and downs. These skills can be imparted to the younger generation, teaching them how to navigate setbacks with grace, maintain composure in challenging situations, and develop the resilience needed to overcome obstacles in life.

Q2. Do you think old people and young people can share the same interests?

Answer 1: Yes, old and young people can share the same interests, and when they do, it creates a strong foundation for meaningful connections. Shared hobbies, such as gardening, music, or sports, provide a common ground where generations can bond, learn from each other, and break down age-related barriers.

Answer 2: While some interests may naturally differ due to generational gaps, the diversity in hobbies and preferences can enhance relationships. Older individuals bring unique experiences and passions to the table, introducing the younger generation to a broader range of interests. Embracing these differences can lead to a more enriched and vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences.

Q3. Why should young people respect their elders?

Answer 1: Young people should respect their elders because it is often ingrained in cultural and traditional values. Many societies emphasise the importance of showing reverence to older generations to preserve and honour the wisdom, experience, and contributions they bring to the community.

Answer 2: Elders possess a wealth of knowledge and life experiences that can serve as valuable lessons for the younger generation. Respecting elders creates an environment conducive to learning from their wisdom and benefiting from their guidance.

Q4. What skills can the young teach the old?

Answer 1: The young bring a fresh perspective and adaptability to change. They can teach older individuals to embrace new ideas, concepts, and evolving societal norms. Encouraging open-mindedness and a willingness to explore different perspectives helps older individuals stay attuned to the ever-changing world, fostering a more dynamic and inclusive community environment.

Answer 2: The younger generation often excels in navigating and leveraging modern technologies. Young people can teach older individuals essential digital skills, helping them adapt to fast-paced technological advancements. From using smartphones and social media to navigating online platforms, bridging the digital divide through these skills enhances the overall connectivity and engagement of older individuals in the contemporary world.

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FAQs

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Some of the common mistakes made during the IELTS Speaking test are:

Poor pronunciation: Make sure you pronounce words clearly with proper pronunciation.
Lack of vocabulary: Do not use the exact words. Instead of repeating the same term, replace it with synonyms to display your vocabulary.
Taking too many pauses: Do not take too many pauses between your answers. This might look like you are stammering for words.
Lack of Confidence: Answer confidently and calmly.
Being inaudible: Make sure your answers are audible.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The three parts of your IELTS Speaking test are not marked separately. You will receive a band score for your overall IELTS Speaking test performance. Make sure your ideas are organised logically. Link and explain your ideas using more lexical resources, such as new words and phrases.

Q. Can I use idioms in my IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Yes, you can use idioms and phrases in your IELTS speaking test. Using popular idioms relevant to your topic will give a positive impression on your examiner. Idioms are words or phrases that have figurative, non-literal meanings attached to them. Some examples of idioms are ‘beating around the bush,’ ‘the early bird catches the prey,’ and ‘from A to Z.’

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest score you can get in your IELTS Speaking test is 0. The band score range for your IELTS Speaking test is 0-9. Here, 0 is the lowest score, and 9 is the highest score. The probability of getting a zero is relatively lower. Generally, a score above 6 and 6.5 is considered good.

Q. Can I change the topic in IELTS speaking?

Ans. No, you cannot divert from your topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Try to stick to your topic and cover all the related subtopics or points. The examiner is not checking your awareness of the subject. Instead, the focus is on your language usage and how well you frame it. Even if you do not know much about the topic, try to frame it properly and deliver it confidently.

Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Proper preparation and constant practice are the quickest ways to achieve a higher score on your IELTS Speaking test. Some good practices you can obey are:

Start with a catchy and pleasant introduction
Give definitions, examples, and scenarios for your answer
Stick to your topic
Use a variety of words
Use proper pronunciation
Maintain eye contact and speak confidently

Q. Is there any dress code for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, there isn’t any specific dress code for your IELTS speaking test. You can wear any clothes that make you comfortable and look confident. Formal clothes are not necessary. However, make sure you do not dress too casually. Making a good first impression is always better.

Q. How do I improve my speaking skills?

Ans. Improving your speaking skills is a long-term process. Some good habits to ensure this are:

Listen to daily podcasts, movies, news, and other videos in english
Interact with native english speakers
Listen to a variety of accents and try them
Try to watch movies without subtitles and try to figure out the words on your own
Try learning new words and applying them in your speech

Q. What are some tips for performing better in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Some good practices to improve your performance for your Speaking test are:

Understand the task properly
Use the preparation time wisely
Do not by-heart your answers
Speak clearly and fluently
Check Vocabulary and Grammar

Q. What is the duration of the IELTS cue card section?

Ans. The duration of your cue card section is 3-4 minutes. The first minute is the preparation time. You can use this to prepare and structure your answer well. Later, you will be given 2-3 minutes to speak. Speak confidently and make sure your speech is audible, clear, and concise.

Q. What if I fail my IELTS speaking test?

Ans. If by chance you fail your IELTS Speaking test, you can apply for a retake. The IELTS One-skill retake facility allows you to retake just one IELTS module at a time. If your score is low for a single module, then you do not need to retake the entire test. Make sure you prepare well for your retake.

Q. How many hours is the IELTS speaking test?

Ans. The IELTS speaking test is only 11-14 minutes long. You have three parts in your IELTS Speaking test. The duration of each part is as follows:

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
Part 2: Long turn or Cue Card (3–4 minutes)
Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)

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