Cue Card

Describe an old person who is interesting

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What you do with this person
• And explain why you think this person is interesting

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What can old people teach young people?
2. Do old people share the same interests as young people?
3. Do you think old people should live with their family?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandmother, Agnes, is the kind of person who can make a room feel more interesting just by walking into it. She's 85 years young, with a mop of curly white hair that she dyes a deep shade of purple every few weeks, and a wardrobe that's a riot of color and pattern. But it's not just her style that sets her apart - it's her stories, her wit, and her unwavering curiosity about the world. She's the kind of person who can effortlessly switch between discussing the finer points of quantum physics and the best way to make a perfect apple pie.

I've lost count of the number of times I've sat at her kitchen table, listening in awe as she recounts tales of her time as a young journalist in the 1950s, or her adventures traveling the world with my grandfather. She's got a way of making you feel like you're the only person in the room, like she's sharing secrets just with you. And even though she's lived through some of the most tumultuous decades of the 20th century, she's still got a spark in her eye that makes you want to sit up straight and pay attention.

What I love most about Agnes, though, is her refusal to be bound by convention. She's always been a bit of a rebel, and even in her 80s, she's still pushing boundaries and trying new things. She took up painting a few years ago, and now her artwork is scattered throughout her house, a vibrant testament to her creativity and enthusiasm. She's the kind of person who makes you realize that age is just a number, and that it's never too late to pursue your passions and make your mark on the world.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

riot of color

a vibrant and chaotic mixture of colors

The room was a riot of color, with paintings and rugs and furniture all competing for attention.

unwavering curiosity

a strong and consistent desire to learn and explore

She had an unwavering curiosity about the world, and was always asking questions and seeking out new experiences.

spark in her eye

a glint of enthusiasm and energy

He had a spark in his eye when he talked about his new business idea.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What can old people teach young people? One thing that I think old people can teach young people is the value of patience and perseverance. Growing up, I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my grandmother, who was an avid gardener. She would spend hours every day tending to her plants, carefully nurturing them, and watching them grow. What struck me was her ability to wait for the fruits of her labor to ripen, literally and figuratively. She would often tell me that good things take time, and that the most beautiful flowers bloom slowly. This lesson has stuck with me to this day, and I think it's something that many young people could benefit from learning. In today's fast-paced world, we're often encouraged to expect instant gratification, but my grandmother taught me that the best things in life are worth waiting for.

Do old people share the same interests as young people? While it's true that old people may not be as familiar with the latest technology or pop culture trends, I think they can still share many of the same interests as young people. Take, for example, a love of music. My grandfather was a huge jazz fan, and he would often listen to records with me when I was a kid. He'd tell me stories about the different musicians, and we'd spend hours listening to the same songs over and over again. As I got older, I started to appreciate the music on a deeper level, and we'd have these amazing conversations about the history and context behind the songs. It was incredible to see how something as simple as music could bridge the gap between our ages and bring us closer together.

Do you think old people should live with their family? I think it's really interesting to consider the cultural norms around elderly care, and how they vary from place to place. In some cultures, it's common for multiple generations to live together under one roof, and I think this can be a really beautiful way to foster intergenerational relationships and a sense of community. My friend's family, for example, has a big house where her grandparents live on the top floor. It's been amazing to see how her kids have grown up with their grandparents as a constant presence in their lives, learning from them and being cared for by them. Of course, it's not always possible or practical for families to live together, but I think it's definitely worth considering as an option. Not only can it be beneficial for the elderly, but it can also be a great way to pass down traditions, stories, and values to the next generation.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

the fruits of one's labor

the results or benefits of one's hard work or efforts

The company is finally seeing the fruits of their labor after years of research and development.

Her hard work in the garden paid off when she harvested the fruits of her labor.