During the IELTS Examination, you will receive a cue card with 3-4 questions and instructions. You have 1 minute to prepare and can jot down notes on paper provided. Then, you speak about the topic given in the IELTS cue card for 2 minutes. The entire IELTS cue card test lasts 2-3 minutes, including preparation. After speaking, the examiner may ask additional or follow-up questions.
Module 1: Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person
Who this person is
Being a self-confessed extrovert, I take pride in being someone who can readily initiate conversations, whatever the setting may be. Whether it is with someone waiting at the bus stop, the neighbourhood uncle enjoying tea at the nearby stall, or the aunty standing in line at the local grocery store, I can strike up a spontaneous interaction with just about everyone and anywhere. These discussions on most days remain fairly lighthearted and innocent, fading from the memory as soon as I would return home. However, there remains but one particular exchange, which stands out and continues to influence my perspective, especially on the topic of women’s empowerment.
Where did you have the conversation?
This conversation, which I talk of, was one that I had with Shalini Amma, an elderly lady in our locality who had recently opened a small hotel within her home. Knowing that she hailed from a well-to-do family, her decision to venture into entrepreneurship seemed unconventional to many, including myself. However, as she shared her motivations, I could not help but feel inspired and proud.
What did you talk about?
During our discussions, she shared that, for the majority of her life, she struggled with a sense of emptiness in her own identity. Despite her academic accomplishments, which included earning a master’s degree in the 80s, she found recognition solely as the wife of a textile mill owner and later as the mother of a doctor and an engineer. However, today, at this stage of her life, with her children happily settled, she finally seeks to define her own identity —as the proud owner of an authentic Bengali hotel.
And explain how you felt about the experience.
Listening to her thoughts and seeing her passion made me realize the significance of individuals having lives beyond their immediate family spheres. Moreover, in witnessing the constraints of patriarchy within my own family, our conversation highlighted how it is never too late for women to seek and value their own sense of self. And while things are unquestionably getting better, I feel more compelled than ever to play my part in this cause.
Module 2: Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person
Who this person is
Having worked in an elderly care facility, I have always found it fulfilling to engage with the seniors present, listening to stories from their past. Although, admittedly, most conversations with them wander without much coherence, there is one emotional tale from an elderly gentleman that continues to remain in my memory.
Where did you have the conversation?
This gentleman, a retired colonel, had a touching ritual. Every evening at the facility, he would sit by the fireplace and request two cups of tea. One for himself and another placed opposite him. Many dismissed this as a sign of senility, but my curiosity led me to inquire further. When he shared the reason, it brought tears to my eyes.
What did you talk about?
The custom he follows came about from a promise made with his long-lost love, an army nurse. Before both were stationed in the military, they vowed to share an evening tea, no matter where they were. Though she is no longer with him, he believes she is alive and will eventually join him. Unmarried and in peaceful solitude, the retired colonel quietly upholds this tradition, each and every passing day.
And explain how you felt about the experience.
The revelation, and the subsequent heartfelt interaction deeply impacted me, offering a lesson in the endurance of love and patience. These qualities, learned from that elderly colonel, are what I treasure and aspire to instill into my own life— that of the essence of true and selfless love.
Module 3: Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person
Who this person is
Growing up I always held the belief that education is what would lead me to success and the luxuries of a prosperous living. This conviction shaped much of my academic life, until I met with a rather unconventional and elderly Yogi during out annual family trip to Kolkata.
Where did you have the conversation?
Teaching young children beneath a large banyan tree at the banks of the Hooghly River, the yogi initially appeared unassuming. However, a conversation with him, revealed a surprising background—he was a graduate of IIT Bombay, one of India’s most esteemed educational institutions. Even more surprising was his decision to forsake it all, despite being a gold medalist with a promising future.
What did you talk about?
When questioned about the motivation, he explained that his lifelong mission had always been to dedicate his knowledge to enhance grassroots education in his hometown. Ever since then, he has selflessly taught numerous underprivileged children, many of whom have gone onto successfully pursue education at various IITs themselves.
And explain how you felt about the experience.
Engaging with the old Yogi about the simplicity of life and the need to use knowledge for the greater good proved to be a truly enlightening experience. While my aspiration to attain great success remains, it now exists with a desire to contribute positively to my community and uplift those around me.
Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person Follow up Question
Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe an interesting conversation you had with a very old person.
Can older adults and young people have common ideas and interests?
While the specific ideas and interests may differ due to age gaps and varied experiences, the underlying principles can still align for both older adults as well as young people. The world has become more compassionate and forgiving—a luxury not always available to previous generations. Embracing empathy and understanding, recognizing the potential for mutual learning, and striving to improve for future generations are what I believe we can and do share.
What skills can the old teach the young?
The old can teach the young about the importance of being present in the moment, understanding the necessity to pause and take a breath. They can also teach about the significance of hard work, emotional maturity, and help impart the wisdom gained from learning what pitfalls to avoid based on their experiences.
What skills can the young teach the old?
The young can teach the old about the appreciation for spontaneity and taking calculated risks. They can also help the older generation gain insight into the benefits of technology. That said, while I do acknowledge the importance of physical presence, the younger generation I believe, can teach the older individuals about learning to lead more independent lives, including engaging in activities they may not have experienced before.
Other Cue Card:
Describe a place where you would like to go to relax IELTS Cue Card
Describe a time when you helped a child IELTS Cue Card
Describe A Person You Know Who Is From A Different Culture IELTS Cue Card
Describe a Bag You Want to Own IELTS Cue Card
Neha Sharma is an IELTS faculty with a decade of experience in teaching IELTS. She holds a PhD in English from Stanford University, USA. Excelling in tailoring her teaching to individual student needs, she has helped over 50,000 students achieve their target scores. Actively involved in research, she ensures that her methods remain effective and innovative.
