Cue Card

Describe an old person you know and respect

You should say:

• Who he or she is
• How you know this person
• What he or she is like
• And explain why you respect him or her.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What qualities does a person need to take care of old people?
2. Do you think that old people should be taken care of at home?
3. How can people in the community help elderly people?
4. Do you see this kind of help in your neighborhood?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandma, Agnes, is a force to be reckoned with. She's 85, but you'd never guess it from her spark and energy. Her silver hair is always styled in a neat bob, and her bright blue eyes twinkle with mischief. She's the kind of person who can make you laugh with a single raised eyebrow.

I've always admired her independence and resilience. Growing up, she worked multiple jobs to raise her family, and even now, she still tends to her own garden and cooks meals from scratch. Her kitchen is a testament to her resourcefulness, with jars of homemade jam and pickles lining the shelves.

What I respect most about Agnes is her ability to adapt. She's learned to use a smartphone and even has her own Instagram account, where she posts photos of her famous apple pies. But she's not afraid to speak her mind and challenge the status quo. She's a fierce advocate for social justice and always encourages me to take a stand for what I believe in.

One of my favorite memories is of us arguing about politics over Sunday dinner. She'd listen intently, her eyes narrowing as she considered my points, before launching into a passionate counterargument. It was exhilarating to see her so engaged and invested in the world around her.

As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate the value of Agnes's life experience and wisdom. She's lived through wars, recessions, and social upheaval, yet remains optimistic and open-hearted. Her presence in my life is a reminder that age is just a number, and that it's never too late to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

a force to be reckoned with

a person or thing that is impressive and commands respect

My grandma is a force to be reckoned with – she's always speaking her mind and standing up for what she believes in.

raise an eyebrow

to express surprise or skepticism by raising one's eyebrows

She raised an eyebrow at my suggestion, clearly unconvinced.

take a stand

to firmly support or defend a particular cause or principle

My grandma encouraged me to take a stand against injustice and fight for what I believe in.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What qualities does a person need to take care of old people? When it comes to taking care of old people, I think one of the most important qualities a person needs is patience. My grandmother's caregiver, for example, has this quality in spades. She's always calm, gentle, and understanding, even when my grandmother gets frustrated or confused. She takes the time to listen to her, to explain things clearly, and to make sure she's comfortable and safe. It's not always easy, but she does it with a smile and a kind word, which makes all the difference. I think that's what makes her such an excellent caregiver - she's not just doing a job, she's showing genuine care and compassion.

Do you think that old people should be taken care of at home? I think that's a great idea, whenever possible. My grandfather, for instance, was able to stay in his own home until he passed away, and it made a huge difference in his quality of life. He was surrounded by familiar surroundings, his own furniture, and his beloved garden, which gave him a sense of comfort and independence. Plus, he was able to maintain his routine and do things on his own terms, which was really important to him. Of course, it required a lot of support from family and caregivers, but it was worth it to see him happy and content in his own home.

How can people in the community help elderly people? One way people in the community can help elderly people is by simply being good neighbors. I remember when I was growing up, our elderly neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, would often need help with her groceries or yard work. My family would always lend a hand, and it made a big difference to her. She'd invite us over for dinner, and we'd chat about our lives, and it was a great way to build a connection. Now, I try to do the same for my own elderly neighbors - I'll offer to shovel their snow, or drive them to appointments, and it's amazing how much it's appreciated. It's not a lot to ask, but it can make a huge difference in someone's life.

Do you see this kind of help in your neighborhood? Actually, yes, I do see this kind of help in my neighborhood, and it's really heartening. There's a local organization that pairs volunteers with elderly residents who need assistance with errands, household chores, or just companionship. I've seen volunteers helping with gardening, walking dogs, or even just sitting and chatting with seniors who might otherwise be lonely. It's amazing to see how it brings people together and creates a sense of community. Plus, it's a great way for younger people to learn from the wisdom and experience of older generations, and for older people to feel connected and valued.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

in spades

in large quantities or to a great degree

She's got patience in spades

He's got talent in spades