Describe an old person you admire | Speaking for IELTS PDF Download

You should say:

• Who this person is?
• How long you have known him/her?
• What qualities he/she has?

Sample Answer:

• I commend the hardships the older generation had to go through to make a living. Unlike the millennials, they never had access to such an extensive range of resources. Yet, they managed to fend for themselves somehow. So, if I have to talk about one old person I admire the most, it would be my maternal grandfather.
• Practically, I have known him since I opened my eyes on the earth. However, I got to understand him only lately. Throughout my childhood, I have been close to my grandpa. From telling me stories to experiencing life with me from a different angle, there are a lot of memories to cherish with him.
• Talking about discrete qualities, he has been an exceedingly hard-working man. His parents passed away when he was a teenager. He had to leave his life and home behind in Pakistan and create everything from scratch in India after the partition. None of his siblings came to his rescue. And he was left to scrounge through life on his own.
• He learned mechanical techniques on his own and began doing odd jobs to survive. Regardless of the circumstances, his quality of never giving up bewilders me to no extent. Also, he is filled with love for his family – a quality that is quite rare these days.

Follow-ups
Q1: What qualities do you think make an old person admirable?
Ans: I believe qualities such as wisdom, kindness, patience, and resilience make an old person admirable. Their life experiences often give them a unique perspective on situations, and they tend to have a calm and thoughtful approach to challenges.

Q2: Do you think age affects a person’s ability to learn new things?
Ans: Age can sometimes affect a person’s ability to learn new things, but it doesn't mean they can't learn. Older people may take longer to adapt or learn something new due to physical or mental changes, but many still remain curious and capable of learning throughout their lives.

Q3: How can younger people learn from older generations?
Ans: Younger people can learn a lot from older generations by listening to their stories, gaining insights into their experiences, and asking for advice. Older people often have valuable lessons to share about life, relationships, and handling difficult situations.

Q4: In what ways can society show more respect for older people?
Ans: Society can show more respect for older people by valuing their contributions, seeking their advice, and ensuring they are not marginalized. Providing support through healthcare, social programs, and community involvement can also help older people maintain their dignity and lead fulfilling lives.