Describe a job your grandparents did: IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample Answer

Sample Answer 1

My father always inspired me by saying what my granddad used to do for a living. Unfortunately, they passed away and left us with only their memories. I feel proud to share my granddad’s job. My grandpa did not own any farm, so working in other’s fields was only the source of earnings. He started to work in the field at 17, after his marriage. He worked hard and diligently on the other’s farm for seven years until he acquired his farm of 4 acres.

He used to cultivate and grow various kinds of grain, especially wheat, rice, and lentils. Although chemical fertilizers were widely used among other farmers, he denied that and perpetuated organic farming. Consequently, his annual savings was little for a few years. But, surprisingly, after 4-5 years, his hard work and trust in organic farming produced fruit and demand for organic food, and he immediately managed to buy more land.

All this happened in my native place, where almost all residents of this place appreciate my grandfather’s work because he helped many people financially and strengthened their confidence. Several dwellers who did not hold any field got my grandpa’s help for their healthcare and daughter’s marriage. Moreover, it built morale for those who want to start organic farming.

In short, he made a fortune with nothing in hand except hard work. He is my primary source of inspiration, and I will never forget his contribution to the whole of my village.

Sample Answer 2

My grandparents were rice farmers. I think most old people in my country used to be farmers because in the past our country relied mostly on agriculture. Our country also went through many wars, which made agriculture even more important as we couldn’t afford food imports.

My grandparents were given some plots of land to grow rice on. It was a difficult job, they had to wake up very early in the morning, and there was virtually no machinery, so everything was done by hand. You also risk losing your harvest due to bad weather.

My grandparents told me about the famines where a lot of people died. But somehow that made people more united, and there was more sympathy for others. Nowadays, you can be pretty sure that you won’t starve, but most people just mind their own business, and that sense of unity seems to have been lost.

Vocabulary

• In the past: gone by in time and no longer existing.
  Eg: She regretted the mistakes, committed in the past. 
• Afford: have enough money to pay for.
  Eg: Rose can afford to buy only one dress. 
• Plots: the story of a book, film, play, etc.
  Eg: The movie has a very simple plot. 
• Virtually: nearly; almost.
  Eg: The natural disaster virtually rendered the city in ruins
• Sympathy: feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. 
  Eg: She had a great sympathy for the old man. 

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