Describe an old person you admire
Describe an old person you admire.
You should say:
- Who this person is?
- Where did you meet with him?
- What characteristics do you most like about him?
- Why do you admire this person?
One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.
How to plan it in one minute
- Choose a person you know well to make describing their personality traits much easier.
- Use one bullet point per minute to ensure you cover all prompts within time.
- Include sensory details like smells or sounds to make your narrative feel more authentic.
Band 8 model answer
I would like to talk about my grandfather, Arthur, who is a sprightly eighty-five-year-old. I first got to know him properly when I was a teenager and spent my summer holidays at his cottage in the Lake District. He had just retired from a long career as a cabinet maker, and he invited me to help him in his workshop, which was filled with the sweet, woody scent of cedar and oak. What I truly admire about him is his unwavering patience and his meticulous approach to everything he does. He never rushed a project, often telling me that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing slowly and correctly. Beyond his craftsmanship, he possesses a razor-sharp intellect and a wicked sense of humour that always lightens the mood, even during difficult times. I hold him in such high regard because he taught me the value of integrity and lifelong learning. Despite his age, he is constantly reading, learning to play the piano, or tending to his vegetable patch with a level of enthusiasm that puts many young people to shame. His resilience is particularly striking; he faced several health challenges over the years, yet he never complained or lost his optimistic outlook on life. He is a testament to the idea that ageing is not about decline, but about refining one’s character. His quiet wisdom and gentle guidance have shaped my own perspective on what it means to lead a fulfilling life, making him a true role model in my eyes.
253 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.
Vocabulary from the answer
- sprightly
- energetic and lively, especially for an older person
- meticulous
- showing great attention to detail and very careful
- razor-sharp
- extremely intelligent and quick to notice things
- hold in high regard
- to respect or admire someone very much
- resilience
- the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations
- testament
- a strong proof or evidence of something existing
- fulfilling
- providing a sense of satisfaction and personal achievement
- quiet wisdom
- deep knowledge gained through experience without being loud
Part 3 questions that follow this card
- What average age is normal for retirement in your opinion?
- What are the good things about being retired?
- What are the pros and cons of being retired?
- How does the government in your country treat the retired people?
- Can young specialists substitute the old ones who are in retirement in the workplace?
- What do you think is necessary to give retirement to people?
Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How should I start the cue card "Describe an old person you admire."?
Choose a person you know well to make describing their personality traits much easier.
How long should my answer be?
Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.
Can I use this model answer in the exam?
Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.
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