Describe an older person you admire

In IELTS Speaking Part 2 you get this card, one minute to prepare and up to two minutes to speak. Below: the notes a strong candidate might make in that minute, a natural Band 7–8 answer, the words that make it work, and the Part 3 discussion the examiner usually moves on to.

The cue card

One-minute notes

Notes in the preparation minute should be keywords, not sentences — one line per bullet, plus the one detail that makes your story yours. Something like:

• my neighbour, Mr Aydin, ~80
• known him since we moved in, 10 yrs
• retired teacher; reads 3 newspapers, learning to use a tablet
• calm, funny, remembers everyone's name
• admire: curious at 80, never complains

Band 7–8 sample answer

The older person I'd like to talk about is my neighbour, a retired history teacher who's about eighty now. I've known him for roughly ten years, since my family moved into the building where he lives.

At first, he was just the polite man on the second floor who always held the door open. Then one day, when I was struggling with a history assignment at school, my mum mentioned it to him in the lift, and he offered to help. He ended up explaining the whole topic to me over tea and biscuits in his kitchen, and since then I've visited him fairly regularly.

What's he like? Calm, very funny in a dry way, and endlessly curious. He still reads three newspapers a day and argues with all of them out loud. A couple of years ago he decided he wanted to video-call his grandchildren abroad, so he asked me to teach him how to use a tablet. He was slow at first, but he took notes in a little notebook and practised every day, and now he's honestly better at it than my parents.

I admire him mainly because he hasn't stopped being interested in the world. A lot of people his age, understandably, feel that the world has moved on without them. He seems to see it as something new to figure out. He's also had some hard things happen to him — his wife passed away a few years ago — and I've never once heard him feel sorry for himself. I hope I'm half as positive when I'm his age.

About 265 words — roughly two minutes at a relaxed pace. Notice what it does: one specific story instead of general statements, every bullet covered, natural spoken linking rather than "firstly… secondly…", and the "why" part of the card answered properly at the end — that is where many candidates run out of things to say. Use it to see the structure; don't memorise it. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and your own story will always sound more fluent.

Useful vocabulary

• a dry sense of humour — humour that is quiet and serious-sounding
• endlessly curious — always wanting to learn more
• move on (without someone) — to change and develop while someone stays the same
• figure out — to understand or solve something
• feel sorry for yourself — to feel unhappy and focus on your own problems
• pass away — a polite way to say die

Part 3: questions and model answers

After your two minutes, the examiner moves to a discussion linked to the card's topic. These questions are more abstract: give an opinion, a reason and an example, and it's fine to say "it depends" — as long as you explain on what.

What can young people learn from older generations?

Patience, mainly, and perspective. Older people have lived through difficult periods and usually know that most problems pass. They also have practical knowledge — cooking, repairing things, dealing with people — that isn't written down anywhere and is easily lost if nobody asks.

Are older people respected enough in your country?

Traditionally, yes, but I think that's slowly changing. In big cities especially, older people can become quite isolated and invisible. Families are more spread out than they used to be, so grandparents often live alone, and society doesn't always value what they can still contribute.

Should people be encouraged to work past retirement age?

Encouraged, yes, but not forced. Some people love their work and stay healthier and happier by continuing. Others have physically demanding jobs and are exhausted by sixty. Flexible options, like part-time work or mentoring roles, would allow people to choose what suits them.

How has the role of grandparents changed?

In many families, grandparents have become essential childcare providers, because both parents work full-time. That's quite a big change from the past, when they were more like occasional visitors. It's positive for the bond between generations, but it can also put a lot of pressure on older people.

More cue cards about people

• Describe a person who has influenced you
• Describe a friend you have known for a long time
• Describe a teacher who helped you
• Describe a person who is very good at their job
• Describe a person you know who speaks a foreign language well

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