In the IELTS Speaking test, Parts 2 and 3 can be quite challenging. One common topic you may encounter is “Describe an interesting old person you have met.” To respond effectively, you need to speak clearly and coherently, demonstrate detailed descriptions, analyze personality traits, and share your experiences with the person. This guide from IDP offers useful strategies and strong ideas to help you prepare for this IELTS topic.
1. Topic Analysis – IELTS Speaking Part 2: “Describe an Interesting Old Person You Have Met”
In Part 2, you will receive a cue card and have 1 minute to prepare, followed by 1–2 minutes of speaking. You must describe a person, event, or experience as outlined, using rich vocabulary and varied grammar structures.
Cue card prompt: Describe an interesting old person you have met
You should say:
Who this person is
When/Where you met this person
What you did with this old person
And why you think this person is interesting
2. Outline & Key Points – Sample Response for Part 2
Below is an outline and sample arguments you can refer to for the topic - Describe an interesting old person you have met:
Who this person is
| The interesting old person I want to talk about is my grandmother, who is in her late 80s. She has lived through significant historical events, like the Vietnam War, which has shaped her perspective on life. |
When/Where you met this person | When I was a child, I actually spent quite a lot of time with my grandparents, especially my grandmother. She was the one who took care of me, preparing my meals, bathing me, and playing games with me. |
What you did with this old person
| My grandmother has taught me many important life lessons, especially about resilience and appreciating the small things in life. One of my most cherished memories is when she taught me how to make her famous dumplings, and she patiently guided me through each step. |
And why you think this person is interesting | People call my grandmother a benevolent person because she is always willing to give others in our locality a hand when they need it. She has a good sense of humour. Her funny and amusing stories always turn her into the life and soul of a party. |
3. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe an interesting old person you have met
One remarkable elderly individual I encountered was my great-grandfather, who was well over 90 years of age. He was a war veteran and possessed a wealth of captivating stories to narrate about his experiences.
Whenever I visited him, he would regale me with anecdotes from his life, ranging from his idyllic childhood in the serene countryside to his participation in the national liberation struggle. His narratives were always imbued with wit, sagacity, and a profound reverence for life.
Despite his advanced age, my great-grandfather maintained a razor-sharp intellect and a great sense of humor. He was always eager for thought-provoking conversations and offered a distinctive perspective on life, one that had been sculpted by his experiences.
What truly distinguished my great-grandfather was his indomitable spirit and optimistic outlook on life. Having endured numerous hardships and personal losses, he never allowed them to diminish his enthusiasm for life. He greeted every encounter with a warm smile and spoke kindly to all who crossed his path.
Spending time with my great-grandfather was always a pleasure; I learned so much from him. He imparted to me the importance of resilience, humor, and maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity. His stories and wisdom will always be cherished memories for me, and I feel lucky to be his great-grandchild.
4. Discussion Ideas – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q: Can old people and young people share interests?
Sample answer:
Absolutely. I believe both older and younger generations can share interests, even though their life experiences differ. For example, many television shows and films appeal to all ages, such as “Next Top Model” or “The Voice.” Activities like fitness and community service also bring people of different ages together, fostering intergenerational connections and a shared sense of purpose.
Q: What challenges do elderly people face in modern society?
Sample answer:
Older individuals today face many challenges. One major issue is loneliness, which often comes from changing family dynamics or loss of loved ones. Health problems and high medical costs can also burden them. Additionally, rapid technological development has widened the digital divide, making it harder for older adults to stay engaged with modern society.
Q: Is it beneficial when someone shows genuine interest in another?
Sample answer:
Undoubtedly. Genuine interest in someone else strengthens relationships by building trust and mutual understanding. When you show sincere curiosity about someone’s thoughts, emotions, and experiences, you affirm their value. In turn, the relationship deepens. I firmly believe meaningful bonds begin when one person genuinely wants to understand the other more deeply.
5. Key Vocabulary & Idioms – Topic: Describe an Interesting Old Person
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
contagious | inspiring | His joyous spirit was contagious |
age-friendly | supportive of seniors | The city has many age-friendly parks |
kind-heartedness | compassion | Her kind-heartedness touched everyone |
breadwinner | main earner | After her husband retired, she became the breadwinner |
have something in common | share interests | Despite their differences they had much in common |
spin captivating stories | tell engaging stories | My aunt could spin captivating stories all evening |
hold in high regard | respect deeply | The community holds him in high regard |
insight into | deep understanding | She had an insight into human nature |
Idioms:
as fit as a fiddle – very healthy
the life and soul of a party – energetic and entertaining
a twinkle in one’s eye – joyful excitement
a fountain of wisdom – someone full of good advice
youthful at heart – lively and young-minded
leave someone in stitches – make people laugh a lot
reduce differences and reconcile – bridge gaps
Prepare and Shine in IELTS Speaking with IDP
We hope these strategies, vocabulary, and sample answers give you confidence to tackle the topic “Describe an interesting old person you have met.” Use these insights to enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, and remember to review IELTS Speaking criteria for better preparation.
At IDP, you can choose between computer-delivered and paper-based IELTS formats. We offer multiple test locations and flexible dates each week.
Register for your IELTS test with IDP today and take a step closer to achieving your goals!