Describe an Old Person You Know and Respect- IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common question types is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time. Consider the sample Cue Card below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

Sample Answer

I have always believed that age is riches and that the more you age, the better your perspective becomes. Given the fact that I have a great sense of admiration for elderlies and a great deal of respect for them, I have always loved being surrounded by older people. One such person whom I respect and adulate is my grandmother, who is 75 years of age.

My grandmother and I had always treasured a great bond with each other right from the times when I developed my sense. Apart from the fact that she and I share a blood relationship and are bound to have a great attachment, she is genuinely a lovely human being and is entirely a people’s person. I have never heard a single word of whining or cribbing about her, even from the mouth of the people who keep on finding nooks in others.

Although I believe that she is a living mine of human virtues, the best thing I love about her is her sagacity and perspicacity that come into the picture at difficult times. In our family, if there is a person to who we all blindly turn, it is my grandma. Time and again, she has proved her wit and intellectual capabilities in guiding us in the best possible way. One thing that all of us who know her is her indomitable spirit and ebullience towards life. Never would someone ever listen to her saying that she is getting older. Instead, she says that she is getting richer with each passing day and this inclination and perspective towards life sets her apart.

Besides being a phenomenal person, my grandma has a great predilection towards music and composition, which draws me more towards her. She prefers composing a vernacular song all the time when she is idle and makes sure that we listen to what she writes and it always is a masterpiece. Overall, she is a great human being and I would want to grow at least 50% of the qualities that she has.

Vocabulary

• Adulate

Meaning: to sing the glory of someone or something.
Eg.: Zucchini has always been an avid lover of that book and often adulates every version of it.

• Whining

Meaning: complaining or criticising
Eg.: People who don’t do anything are often seen whining about others.

• Sagacity

Meaning: the quality of having or showing understanding and the ability to make sound judgments
Eg.: Our principal displayed his sagacity when the rebels came to attack our college during the riot.

• Ebullience

Meaning: the quality of being full of energy and happiness
Eg.: Pete, the dragon, is known for his ebullience even during his illness.

• Phenomenal

Meaning: great
Eg.: The troupe gave a phenomenal performance yesterday.

Part 3 Questions

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

Taking care of someone or, particularly, an older person requires a sense of responsibility and respect for the person. Having a sense of admiration towards that person makes it easier for one to look after that person properly. Secondly, one has to be extremely patient with older adults as they often tend to be vexed and aggressive, requiring a soft inclination.

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

Certainly, elderly people should be taken care of in their homes. Senior people were once young and they took care of us when we were younger; hence, it is entirely our responsibility to look after them. Moreover, what they desire the most is the feeling of being wanted and loved and being important in the lives of their family members. Therefore, it becomes all the more vital for them to be taken care of at home as much as we can.

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

Having a good neighbourhood is bliss and having good neighbours can significantly make life easier. During an epidemic or a pandemic, when we are not always in a perfect condition to look after the elderly of our family, neighbours can play an instrumental role in taking care of them. For instance, in a family of four, if the three of the younger members are suffering from the epidemic disease and the old family member is safe, the least we would want would be to infect the member. In that case, good neighbours could be of great help to accommodate them and fulfil their needs.

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

Well, yes, I have witnessed this kind of cordial and responsible relationship in our society. We all are fortunate enough to have some of the amazing people as our neighbours where we all stand in solidarity during tough times and hold each other in any situation.

Vocabulary

• Vexed

Meaning: irritated
Eg.: Sush was often seen being vexed at such questions.

• Bliss

Meaning: blessing
Eg.: Having a friend like him is bliss.

• Epidemic

Meaning: a severe contagious outbreak of a disease
Eg.: During an epidemic, we all should limit ourselves to being at home.

• Instrumental

Meaning: vital
Eg.: They all played an instrumental role in the success of this venture.

• Solidarity

Meaning: unity
Eg.: True friends stand in solidarity with each other through thick and thin.