Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an elderly person whom you enjoy talking to - Cue Card # 567
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 13 August 2025 14:16
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 79333
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an elderly person whom you enjoy talking to.
You should say:
- who this person is
- what he/she is like
- how often you see him/her
and explain why you enjoy talking to this person.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I enjoy the company of several elderly people in my extended family. I even get the opportunity to talk to some of them every now and then. But, I certainly don’t enjoy talking to them as much as I enjoy talking to my grandmother.
My grandmother is almost 75 years “young”. Yes, she doesn’t really like being called “old”, and she, of course, has reasons for that. In fact, even at her 75 years of age, she pretty much has all her teeth, and she very seldom uses any glasses unless she has to read some fine print. Of course, she sometimes complains about the joint pains in her body, but that hardly ever stops her from walking like a 40-year-old young and getting her things done without any help from others around her.
By the way, I have found my grandmother to be very “conservative” when it comes to spending money, even though she is considered to be a reasonably wealthy person since her husband (my grandfather) left a considerable amount of wealth for his wife before passing away. And because of this conservative approach to spending money, I have never seen her keep more than just a few sets of dresses. But just because she doesn’t like spending money, it doesn’t mean that she keeps her dresses untidy or dirty. Rather, I have found her dresses to be always ironed and spotlessly clean. Anyway, since my grandmother lives with us, it is quite natural for me to see her and talk to her at least a couple of times a day – once before going out to work and the other time before going to bed at night.
Anyway, I enjoy talking to my grandmother, primarily because she is very soft-spoken. In fact, I have hardly ever found her to be cranky like other elderly people of her age. Besides, I also enjoy talking to her because she shares a lot of funny and interesting stories from her childhood and young days.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you so much for this nice topic. It instantly makes me think of my neighbour, Mr. Harris, who lives just two houses down from me. So, I would like to talk about this person for this topic here.
Mr. Harris is in his late seventies, but honestly, if you didn’t see the grey hair and gentle wrinkles, you’d never guess his age from the way he talks and moves. He’s tall, always neatly dressed in a checkered shirt, and has this warm, slightly mischievous smile that makes you feel like you’re about to hear something fascinating.
I see him at least twice a week - sometimes when we bump into each other outside our houses, and other times when I intentionally pop over for a chat. He’s one of those people who can make even the most ordinary afternoon feel like an adventure. He has lived such a rich life, travelling to over forty countries, working as a marine engineer, and then running a small bookshop after retirement.
What I enjoy most about talking to him is that his stories are never just stories - they’re little life lessons wrapped in humour. He can go from telling me about a storm at sea where he genuinely thought he wouldn’t make it back, to giving me tips on how to stay calm when life feels overwhelming. He also has this knack for asking the right questions, so our conversations feel like two-way exchanges rather than just him talking about “the good old days.” Mr. Harris is a reminder that wisdom isn’t just about age - it’s about curiosity, kindness, and keeping your mind open. Every time I leave his porch after a chat, I feel lighter, more inspired, and somehow more grounded.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you very much for the opportunity to let me talk about a senior person whom I enjoy talking with. Well, my grandfather is the elderly person in my family and lives with us here in Wellington. He is an intelligent and active man even in his 60s. Most of his stories are from his real-life experiences when he was a soldier in the army. So, I enjoy talking with this person and learn numerous invaluable lessons from each conversation. This is a great topic for me, and I would like to thank you for this.
My grandfather, Thomas Connor, was a brave soldier and served in the army for over 20 years. He was promoted to a higher rank in the army and received an early retirement for his poor vision. But he looked very strong and smart in his official uniform, as I recall from my childhood. He was a brave soldier and a devoted patriot.
I frequently meet him, and during weekends, I am glued to my grandfather the whole day. If my college is off and I have nothing important to do, I like to spend time with him, and listen to his stories from his youth. His stories are so adventurous, and I like to ask him many questions. I also seek his advice whenever I have something important to decide.
I love talking with my grandfather because he is honest, straightforward and has a great way of telling stories. His stories are so thrilling and pure pleasure to listen to. Moreover, he is not a people pleaser, and I can get a straight answer whenever I have some doubts about something. Finally, when I need some advice, I know that I can rely on his wisdom and experience.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you very much for this interesting topic. It gives me a wonderful opportunity to talk about an elderly person whom I have a great deal of respect for and truly enjoy talking to: a retired professor from my university, Professor Rahman.
Professor Rahman is a very kind and wise man in his late 70s. He has a gentle demeanour, a calm voice, and a warmth that instantly puts people at ease. He is a fountain of knowledge, not just in his academic field of history, but also about life in general. He has a great sense of humour, and his eyes always seem to sparkle when he tells a story or shares a piece of wisdom. He is the kind of person who listens more than he speaks, but when he does speak, every word is thoughtful and meaningful.
I don't see him as often as I'd like to, as he's now retired. I usually visit him at his home once every couple of months, sometimes for a cup of tea or just a chat. Our conversations are never rushed; we can sit for hours talking about a wide range of topics, from historical events to current affairs, or even just personal anecdotes. He still attends some university events, so I occasionally bump into him there and we catch up briefly.
I enjoy talking to Professor Rahman for a number of reasons. Firstly, he offers a unique and invaluable perspective on life. Having lived through so many historical changes and personal experiences, his insights are incredibly deep and well-considered. He can connect historical events to current situations in a way that I've never heard from anyone else. Secondly, he is a fantastic storyteller. He has a way of narrating past events and personal stories with such vivid detail that it feels like you were right there with him. Finally, and most importantly, he is a great mentor. He's always encouraging, and his advice is never prescriptive; he simply shares his experiences and lets me draw my own conclusions. Talking to him feels like a privilege, and I always leave our conversations feeling inspired, more knowledgeable, and with a renewed sense of clarity.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe an elderly person whom you enjoy talking to. It requires you to talk about who this person is, what they are like, how often you see them, and why you enjoy talking to them. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. My former school principal - Mr. Harry:
Mr. Harry is a retired principal who has a calm, wise, and patient personality. He often shares stories about his experiences in education and the values of discipline and lifelong learning. I usually meet him once a month when he visits our local library. I enjoy our conversations because he inspires me to think critically and value education in a broader sense.
2. My grandmother’s older brother - Uncle Tran:
Uncle Tran is in his late seventies and has a cheerful, lighthearted nature despite his age. He enjoys telling stories from his youth, especially about how life was decades ago without modern conveniences. I meet him whenever our extended family gathers for festivals or holidays. I like talking to him because his stories are rich in history and humour, giving me a glimpse into a completely different era.
3. My neighbour - Mrs. Kapoor:
Mrs. Kapoor is a graceful and articulate woman in her eighties who loves discussing literature and poetry. I often see her in the park during my evening walks, and we sometimes sit together on a bench to chat. I enjoy our talks because she introduces me to new books, shares deep insights about human emotions, and often makes me see everyday life from a more philosophical angle.
4. My former mentor - Mr. Ahmed:
Mr. Ahmed is a retired engineer with a sharp mind and a generous heart. He loves talking about technological innovations and the importance of ethical responsibility in science. I meet him about twice a year at community events. I value our conversations because they always leave me more informed and motivated to pursue my own career goals with integrity.
5. A senior family friend - Mrs. Li:
Mrs. Li is in her early seventies, gentle in demeanour yet very knowledgeable about traditional medicine and healthy living. I see her almost every week when visiting my parents. I enjoy our conversations because she gives practical health advice, shares fascinating cultural traditions, and always speaks with warmth and kindness that make me feel cared for and respected.
6. My childhood music teacher - Mr. Bennett:
Mr. Bennett is a retired music teacher who still plays the piano beautifully. He has a charming and encouraging personality. I visit him a few times a year, especially around the holidays, and we often talk about music, creativity, and life lessons he learned through teaching. I enjoy our conversations because they are always uplifting and filled with passion for the arts.
7. A distant relative - Aunt Farah:
Aunt Farah is a vibrant woman in her late seventies who has travelled to many countries. She has a lively personality and a sharp sense of humour. I usually meet her during family reunions, and we spend hours talking about her travel adventures, cultural differences she has observed, and her views on the changes in society over the decades. I enjoy her company because she has an endless supply of interesting and thought-provoking stories.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an elderly person you enjoy talking to, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey their identity, character, your relationship with them, and the reasons for your appreciation. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate their wisdom, warmth, and the valuable perspective they offer, making your response both respectful and heartfelt. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Elderly person: – A person of advanced age.
Example: My grandfather is a kind and wise elderly person whom I admire greatly.
Senior citizen: – A person over a certain age, often 65.
Example: We have a few senior citizens in our neighborhood who are full of interesting stories.
Wise: – Having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Example: He is a very wise man, always offering great advice based on his life experience.
Kind-hearted: – Having a kind and sympathetic nature.
Example: She is a kind-hearted woman who always has a warm smile for everyone.
Perspective: – A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
Example: I enjoy our talks because he offers a unique perspective on life.
Anecdotes: – Short, amusing, or interesting stories about a real incident or person.
Example: Our conversations are filled with his wonderful anecdotes from the past.
Life experience: – The totality of a person's life and the events, emotions, and lessons that have shaped them.
Example: His advice is always sound because it's rooted in a wealth of life experience.
Source of comfort: – A person or thing that provides consolation and reassurance.
Example: She is a great source of comfort to me during difficult times.
Invaluable wisdom: – Knowledge, experience, and good judgment that is extremely useful or precious.
Example: I have learned so much from her invaluable wisdom.
Patient listener: – Someone who is able to listen to others without becoming annoyed or anxious.
Example: He is a very patient listener, always giving me his full attention.
Cherished company: – Valued and beloved companionship.
Example: I truly cherish her company and the time we spend together.
Nostalgic: – Characterized by a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.
Example: Our talks often become nostalgic as we remember old times.
Humbling: – Causing a feeling of low self-importance or a deep sense of modesty.
Example: Listening to her life story was a humbling experience.
Inspiring: – Having the effect of inspiring someone.
Example: His resilience and positive attitude are truly inspiring.
Generation gap: – The differences in attitudes or experiences between people of different generations.
Example: We often discuss how the world has changed, bridging the generation gap between us.
Sage advice: – Advice that is profound and wise.
Example: I always look forward to our chats because of her sage advice.
If you can talk about this cue card topic, you should be able to answer the following topics as well:
1. Describe an old person you admire.
2. Describe someone you often have conversations with.
3. Describe someone in your family.
4. Describe one of your relatives whom you like.
5. Describe someone you like to spend time with.
6. Describe a person whom you turn to for advice.
Report