Model Answer for IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Topic: Describe an interesting old person

Describe an interesting old person.

You should say:
– Who that is
– How old she/he is
– What she does for a living
– Explain why you think she/he is interesting.

SAMPLE ANSWER

(Who that is) Today, I would like to describe an old person who I really admire. She is a source of joy and the star of the show, just like her name Star. Mrs Star is my relative with whom I spent most of my childhood. Even now that I have taken up residence in ABC city for my studies, I still go home every weekend and never forget to pay her a visit.

(How old she/he is) Coming across Mrs.Star, no one would think she is already in her 60s as most of them would look at her for some seconds and jump to the conclusion that she is only in her late 40s. Yet, being born in 1953, Mrs Star went through a tough time filled with wars and division, and has enjoyed the peace and fast-paced development of Vietnam at the present.

(What she does for a living) Mrs Star and her mom get by on very little money earned from selling rice noodles at a small market. Despite her poor financial background, she managed to send 4 of her children to school, two of which were able to enter the top ten university in my country.

(Explain why you think she/he is interesting) Mrs Sao is not an ordinary old person, she breaks down the stereotype that the elderly are annoying and outdated. She proves that someone in their 60s can know everything happening in the showbiz and which singer has just released their products to the general public. Apart from those entertainment related topics, Mrs Star, as someone who had the chance to go through different stages in the history of my country, has more than just historical stories to tell. While school was instrumental in helping me understand the surface knowledge of the events that took place, Mrs Star was the one that gave me in-depth knowledge about each event and how ordinary citizens lived in the time of wars. These are the 2 reasons for which I think she is another mommy of mine.

1. A source of joy (phrase)
A real source of joy can only felt by heart.

2. The star of the show (phrase)
Estella looked resplendent in her gold silk gown in the party, which made her become the star of the show.

3. Take up residence (phrase)
She took up residence in Canada.

4. Break down stereotype (phrase)
One way to break down stereotypes is to build knowledge.

5. Jump to a/the conclusion (phrase)
I didn’t want her to jump to the conclusion that the divorce was in any way her fault.

6. Fast-paced (adj)
It is a myth that all older people struggle with the fast paced evolution of information technology.

7. Get by (phrasal verb)
How can he get by on so little money?

8. General public (noun)
When will the product be available to the general public?

9. Instrumental in something (phrase)
She was instrumental in bringing about the prison reform act.