Describe something you learned from an older person
Describe something you learned from an older person.
You should say:
- who the person was
- what you learned
- how they taught you
And explain why this was useful to you.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
A practical skill, such as cooking, repairing or gardening, makes it easy to describe how you were taught.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| Who the person was | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What you learned | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How they taught you | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why this was useful to you. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
Something valuable I learned from an older person is how to grow vegetables, which my grandfather taught me when I was a teenager.
He'd been a farmer all his life, and even after he retired and moved to a small house in town, he turned his entire back garden into a vegetable patch. I used to spend summer holidays with him.
He taught me in a very hands-on way. He never gave long explanations; instead, he'd give me a job, like planting tomato seedlings or checking leaves for insects, and correct me as I went. He was very patient with my mistakes, and he'd explain things through stories about his farm, like the year a late frost destroyed the whole crop.
It's been useful in practical terms, because I now grow herbs and tomatoes on my balcony, which saves money and tastes better. But more than that, it taught me patience. You can't hurry plants, and you have to accept that some things fail. I find that idea comforting when I'm stressed about things I can't control.
About 177 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- all his life
- in a very hands-on way
- as I went
- in practical terms
- more than that
- things I can't control
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- What can young people learn from older generations?
- Do older people get enough respect in your society?
- Should older people keep working after retirement age?
- How has family life changed for the elderly in your country?
- Is the generation gap getting wider?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.