Sign in Get Started

Describe a skill that you learned from an older person

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe a skill that you learned from an older person

You should say:

  • What the skill was
  • Who you learned it from
  • What you did to learn it
  • And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What can children learn from their parents?
  2. What can children learn from their grandparents?
  3. What kind of help do you think older people need?
  4. What kind of skills can older people learn from young people?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I learned the art of woodworking from my grandfather. He was a master carpenter, and I was his eager apprentice. I must have been around 10 years old when he first handed me a small hammer and showed me how to drive a nail straight. It was a simple task, but it was the start of a lifelong passion. My grandfather had this old wooden workbench in his garage, and every summer I'd spend hours out there with him, learning the ins and outs of woodworking. He'd show me how to measure twice, cut once, and sand until it was smooth to the touch.

One summer, I must have been 12 or 13, he decided it was time for me to make my own project. He handed me a small block of wood and told me to make whatever I wanted. I was so excited, but also terrified. I mean, what if I messed up? What if it wasn't good enough? But my grandfather just smiled and said, 'That's the beauty of woodworking, kiddo. It's okay to make mistakes. That's how you learn.'

So I made a small birdhouse. It was nothing fancy, but I was so proud of it. My grandfather helped me hang it in the backyard, and we watched as the birds started to move in. It was an incredible feeling, knowing that I'd created something with my own two hands. And it's a feeling that's stuck with me to this day. Whenever I'm working on a project, I hear my grandfather's voice in my head, reminding me to take my time, measure twice, and never be afraid to make a mistake.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

measure twice, cut once
to carefully plan and prepare before taking action
Before you start a big project, make sure to measure twice, cut once to avoid costly mistakes.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What can children learn from their parents? One of the most valuable things children can learn from their parents is the importance of responsibility and hard work. I remember my mom teaching me how to cook and clean from a young age, and not just the basics, but the importance of doing it with care and attention to detail. She'd say things like, 'If you're going to do something, do it right the first time, so you don't have to do it again.' It wasn't just about getting the chore done, it was about taking pride in what you do and being responsible for your actions. She'd also tell me stories about how she learned to cook from her own mother, and how it brought their family closer together during tough times. As I grew older, I realized that those lessons went beyond just cooking and cleaning; they taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and the importance of taking care of oneself and one's family.

What can children learn from their grandparents? I think one of the most valuable things children can learn from their grandparents is the importance of storytelling and preserving family history. My grandmother used to tell me stories about her childhood, about growing up during the war, and about our ancestors. She'd talk about the struggles they faced and the sacrifices they made, but also about the joys and the triumphs. She'd show me old photographs and tell me about the people in them, and I was always fascinated by the way she could bring the past to life. She taught me that our family's history is a part of who I am, and that it's my responsibility to carry it forward and pass it down to my own children one day. She'd say things like, 'You are a part of something bigger than yourself, and it's up to you to keep our family's story alive.'

What kind of help do you think older people need? I think older people often need help with feeling connected and not alone. As people age, they may lose their spouse, friends, or family members, and it can be easy to feel isolated. I remember my grandmother struggling with loneliness after my grandfather passed away, and how much she appreciated it when I'd visit her and listen to her stories. She'd say things like, 'It's not just the physical help I need, it's the company and the conversation.' I think older people need help staying engaged with the world, whether it's through technology, social events, or simply having someone to talk to. They need to feel seen and heard, and that their experiences and wisdom are still valued. By spending time with them, listening to their stories, and showing them that we care, we can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

What kind of skills can older people learn from young people? I think older people can learn a lot about technology and adaptability from young people. My grandfather, for example, was hesitant to use a smartphone at first, but with the help of my younger cousin, he was able to learn how to use it and even started using it to video call with his friends and family who lived far away. He was amazed by how much easier it was to stay in touch with people and access information. He'd say things like, 'I had no idea how much I was missing out on!' Young people can teach older people about the latest technology, how to use social media, and how to stay connected with the world in new and innovative ways. By learning from each other, we can bridge the gap between generations and create a more inclusive and connected community.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

to pass something down
to give or teach something to someone, usually a younger person, so that they can continue it or keep it going
She passed down her grandmother's recipe to her daughter.
He passed down his knowledge of woodworking to his apprentice.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today