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

You should say

Who he or she is?
How do you know this person?
What is he or she like?
And explain why you respect him or her.

21 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific values did your grandmother teach you that you cherish the most?

She taught me the importance of honesty, kindness, and resilience. These values have shaped my character and guide my actions in life.

How do you think your grandmother's progressive views influenced your family?

Her progressive views encouraged my parents to adopt a more open-minded approach to life, promoting equality and supporting our dreams.

Can you share a memorable experience you had with your grandmother?

One of my fondest memories is when she took me to a local women's empowerment event. It opened my eyes to the importance of supporting each other and pursuing our passions.

Band 7

00:00

One elderly person I deeply respect is my grandmother. She is in her late 80s, but her wisdom, kindness and resilience make her stand out. What I admire most about her is her calm demeanor and the way she handles challenges with grace. Despite her age, she is incredibly sharp and always knows how to guide the best advice, whether it's about life, relationship or career decisions. My grandmother has lived through a lot of hardship, but she never complained or dwelled on the past. Instead, she chose to focus on the positive side of life. She has a remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued, always offering encouragement which supports her story through often respected and rich with a lesson about empathy and the importance of the family. She is also a very active person, enjoying daily work and tending to her garden. She believes in staying physically and mentally engaged to live a full life. I find her attitude toward aging inspiring as she embraces every stage of life with optimism. My grandmother's strength, both physically and emotionally, is something I aspire to carry with me throughout my own life. In summary, my grandmother is not just an elderly person, but a role model who embodies strength, wisdom and kindness. She has taught me countless valuable lessons and I truly respect and admire her for the person she is.

Follow up questions

What specific lessons have you learned from your grandmother?

I've learned the importance of resilience and positivity from my grandmother. She taught me to face challenges head-on and to always look for the silver lining in difficult situations. Her ability to empathize with others has also shown me how crucial it is to support and uplift those around us.

How do you think society can better support elderly people?

Society can support elderly people by providing more community programs that promote social interaction and physical activity. Additionally, increasing access to healthcare and ensuring that they have opportunities to share their wisdom and experiences can help them feel valued and connected.

In what ways do you think aging can be viewed positively?

Aging can be viewed positively as it brings wisdom, experience, and a deeper understanding of life. It allows individuals to reflect on their journeys, appreciate relationships, and contribute to the community. Embracing aging with a positive mindset can lead to a fulfilling and enriched life.

Band 6-7

00:00

He is none other than my grandfather. He was an ex-army officer. As his designation says, he is a disciplined person and very calm and polite in nature. Not only this, but he is an experienced person and shares everything with his experience. He always retrospects every situation and then comes up with a solution. There is one very nice saying that says, new brooms sweep clean but old brooms know the corners. It is correctly said because his experience helped me a lot in my life. He was the one who helped me a lot in choosing my career path. Additionally, he helped me with getting prepared for banking exam and interviews. There was one thing that he always wanted me to do. He wanted me to get selected for Reserve Bank of India, which I couldn't do. I failed in one of the exams, which was economics. He had a lot of aspirations in me. He wanted me to be a part of this organization. Nevertheless, he never minded and motivated me towards my new career goal. However, I couldn't achieve to get the chair in Reserve Bank of India. But I got placement in one of the domestically important banks, i.e., ICICI.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make your grandfather a respected person?

My grandfather's discipline, calmness, and politeness are key qualities that earn him respect. His vast experience allows him to provide valuable insights, and his ability to reflect on situations before offering solutions showcases his wisdom.

How has your grandfather influenced your career choices?

He played a crucial role in guiding me towards my career path. His encouragement and support during my preparation for banking exams were invaluable, and he always believed in my potential, which motivated me to strive for success.

Can you share a specific lesson you learned from your grandfather?

One significant lesson I learned from him is the importance of resilience. Even after my failure in the Reserve Bank exam, he taught me to stay positive and pursue new opportunities, emphasizing that setbacks can lead to better paths.

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Band 6-7

00:00

The old person, I say, she was my family member, she is my grandmother. I respect her a lot because she is not only an old person, she loves me a lot. She has a lot of contribution in my life because when I was a child, my mother did not have a lot of time because she was a working person. So I spent my maximum childhood with her and she was one of my friends. But it is very sad to me, I lost her for two years.

Follow up questions

What specific qualities do you admire in your grandmother?

I admire her kindness, patience, and wisdom. She always knew how to make me feel better and taught me valuable life lessons. Her ability to listen and provide support was unmatched, and I strive to embody those qualities in my own life.

Can you share a memorable experience you had with your grandmother?

One of my fondest memories is when she taught me how to cook my favorite dish. We spent hours in the kitchen, and she shared stories from her childhood. It was a bonding moment that not only taught me cooking skills but also deepened our relationship.

How do you think your grandmother influenced your values?

She instilled in me the importance of family, hard work, and compassion. Her stories and experiences shaped my understanding of life and taught me to value relationships and to always help others in need. Her influence is a guiding force in my life.

Band 6-7

00:00

One person whom I admire and deeply respect is my grandfather. His name is Matthews and he is 78 years old. Despite his age, he is active both mentally and physically. He has exceptional physical stamina and physicality which I really love. My grandfather usually leaves people stunned because of his physical fitness. I used to spend a lot of time in that house in my childhood, so I know him more than anything. He is a compassionate and loving human being. It's often seen that when people get older they behave in a rude way, but my grandfather is the friendliest man in the town. His socialization skills and communication skills are fabulous. Even if people at this age usually don't like to communicate that much with youngsters, but my grandfather usually slides away with youngsters, which is really amazing. His problem-solving skills are also good. He has the ability to remain calm even in stressful situations, which I love the most. Me and my grandfather have a special bond and the other cousins are jealous about it. I really love my grandfather and deeply respect him because of his hard working. He is a humble human being. If I wanted to be someone in my future, I would definitely say that I would like to be the same as my grandfather because he is the best person I have ever known in my life. I think he is the best role model and he should be an idol for the youngsters because of his hard work.

Follow up questions

What qualities do you think make your grandfather a good role model?

My grandfather's qualities such as his compassion, hard work, and ability to connect with people make him a great role model. He shows that age doesn't limit one's ability to be active and engaged in life. His humility and problem-solving skills inspire me to be a better person.

How do you think the elderly can contribute to society?

Elderly individuals like my grandfather can contribute significantly to society by sharing their wisdom and experiences. They can mentor younger generations, volunteer in communities, and participate in social activities, which helps bridge the gap between age groups and fosters mutual respect.

What activities do you enjoy doing with your grandfather?

I enjoy various activities with my grandfather, such as going for walks, playing chess, and listening to his stories about the past. These moments not only strengthen our bond but also allow me to learn valuable life lessons from his experiences.

Show all 21 answers

Cue 1:Who he or she is?

Introduce the person by name and relationship to you.
Mention their age and a brief background.

Example

The person I want to talk about is my grandfather, Mr. Ramesh Kumar. He is 78 years old and has lived in our village all his life. He is a retired school teacher who dedicated over 30 years to educating children in our community.

Cue 2:How do you know this person?

Explain your relationship and how often you interact with them.
Share any memorable experiences you have had together.

Example

I know my grandfather very well as I have lived with him since childhood. We spend a lot of time together, especially during weekends when I visit him. One of my fondest memories is sitting with him under the old banyan tree, listening to his stories about his youth.

Cue 3:What is he or she like?

Describe their personality traits and interests.
Mention any hobbies or activities they enjoy.

Example

My grandfather is a very kind and wise person. He has a great sense of humor and always knows how to make people laugh. He loves gardening and spends hours tending to his plants. He also enjoys reading books, especially historical novels.

Cue 4:And explain why you respect him or her.

Discuss the qualities that you admire in this person.
Explain how they have influenced your life positively.

Example

I respect my grandfather immensely because of his dedication to education and his selflessness. He has always encouraged me to pursue my studies and has taught me the importance of hard work and integrity. His life lessons have shaped my values and aspirations.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my grandfather is not just a family member but a role model for me. His wisdom, kindness, and dedication to helping others inspire me every day, and I hope to carry forward his legacy in my own life.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It's important to provide specific details about the person to create a clearer picture for the examiner.

Tip

Include specific anecdotes or characteristics that highlight the person's qualities and your relationship with them.

2: Don't Rush Your Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear pronunciation and missed details. This can make it difficult for the examiner to understand your points.

Tip

Take your time to think about your response and speak at a steady pace to ensure clarity and coherence.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain your personal connection to the person can make your answer feel impersonal. This connection is key to showing why you respect them.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience that illustrates your relationship and the respect you have for this person.

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