On this page we will learn how to talk about an interesting old person 有趣的老雅思口语. In doing this we will learn how to describe people with a focus on figurative language. As old people have lived long lives they have many interesting stories to tell, including having had to overcome many of life’s difficulties. Figurative language can be very useful in expressing these stories because to be successful at sport you have to overcome many challenges. Many expressions from sport can also be used in the context of life experiences. For example in sport a hurdle is a challenge people have to overcome in a race; in life too we have to overcome hurdles in the form of challenges that life throws at us.
The main focus of this class will be how to answer the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question, below:
| Talk about an interesting old person you have have met
有趣的老人雅思口语 You should say: –How you know this person –Why you think this person is interesting –You should also say what you did with this person when you last saw them |
Synonyms for old people
- Elderly
- Old Age Pensioner (OAP)
- Senior citizen
- Retired
- A person of advanced years
Adjectives used to describe old people
Positive adjectives:
| Adjective | Meaning |
(similes: Energetic, active, fit as a fiddle) |
A person, usually old, who is full of life and energy. |
| 2)Independent | A person who is able to make decisions on their own and take care of themselves. Often an old person who is still able to travel on their own, for example if they have a car. |
| 3) Wise | A person, usually an old person, who is able to make good decisions and give good advice because they have lots of experience. |
| 4) Experienced | A person, often of mature years, who has had a lot of experiences |
Negative Adjectives
| Adjective | Definition |
| 5) Frail | This describes an old person who is physically weak due to their age. |
| 6) Senile | A person who has lost their mental skills due to old age. |
| 7) Lonely | Many old people live alone and don’t have supportive families, which can lead to loneliness |
| 8) Grumpy | A person who is often in a bad mood or angry |
Matching Task
Match the adjectives, above, with the pictures below.
A) ___________ |
B) ____________ |
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C) ____________ |
D) ______________ |
E) _________ |
F) __________ |
G) ______ |
H) ____________ |
Phrases used to describe old people
Set in his/her ways = stubborn, resistant to change
Recently my parents bought my Grandfather a smartphone, so that he could take photographs, send texts and access the internet. However, he doesn’t use any of the features. The only thing he uses if for is to make phone calls. They could have saved lots of money by buying him a basic mobile phone. I guess it is difficult for him to adjust to new technology, he is just set in his ways.
Over the hill = too old to achieve anything anymore
My Father seems to have finally realised it is time to retire. Despite having achieved a lot in his career he has found it really difficult to keep up with the young people in his workplace. It took him a long time to realise he is over the hill, but now he has accepted it and set his retirement date. His colleagues are very kind and have decided to throw a party for him. I plan to go to.
No Spring Chicken = not young anymore
Although she’s no spring chicken my mum still likes to stay active. These days she does very gentle exercise like yoga and tai chi. She also likes to go for walks in the park with her dog. I think it’a goood for older people to keep active and to keep up some form of exercise.
Mind over Matter = using your will power and determination to overcome a physical hurdle
My grandfather is an interesting old person (有趣的老人). He took up Tai Chi for the first time in his late 50s and has now been practicing for about 20 years. Despite being nearly 80 he is a very fit and flexible man and can do stretches that I can’t do. I really do admire him for turning back the clock and getting fit later in life.
Young at heart = of advanced years but still possesses a youthful attitude
My grandmother is old but she is really young at heart. She is always willing to try new things and has a healthy attitude to new technology. I admire her because she has shown me that people can learn and achieve things at any age. I hope that when I get to her age I am young at heart like her rather that set in my ways like my grandfather.
Past their prime (idiom) = abilities have faded due to old age
My Uncle used to be a champion swimmer but now he has slowed down and even he admits that he is past his prime. But he still loves swimming and last week he took me and my brother for a swim at his local pool. It was a really interesting experience to see how an expert swims and he gave us some great tips to improve our speed. In fact at the end of our session my brother even overtook him. This wouldn’t have happened a few years back, my uncle is obviously over the hill.
Figurative Language
1) Hurdles
Figurative language is very helpful when describing people’s experiences. Many of the most interesting old people had struggles in their early life which they overcame. We can call these challenges ‘Hurdles.’ The literal meaning of a hurdle is a frame that a runner must jump over in a race. Figuratively a hurdle is something that gets in the way of us getting to where we want to be or achieving what we want to achieve. We must either get round it or over it to succeed.
Have you had to overcome any hurdles in your life?
Do you know any old people that had to overcome hurdles such as poverty, illness, or even bad luck before they made a success of their life?
2) Against the odds
Odds are set before a horse racing event or other sporting event that people can bet on. A horse that wins against the odds is one that people didn’t expect to win, therefore before the race the odds will have been against it. For example in the race between the hare and the tortoise no one would have thought the tortoise could win so the odds would have been against it. But in the end the tortoise won against the odds.
3) Plain sailing
Plain is an adjective and a synonym of ordinary. It can be used in the context of sailing. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation when someone finds something very easy. For example if they did their IELTS exam and found it very easy they may describe the exam as plain sailing.
IELTS Part 2 Speaking – Describe an interesting old person
| Talk about an interesting old person you have have met
有趣的老人雅思口语 You should say: –How you know this person –Why you think this person is interesting –You should also say what you did with this person when you last saw them |
Part 3 quesions – old people
These part three IELTS speaking questions should follow the part 2 on describing an interesting old person.
Are old people respected in your society?
What activities can old and young people do together?
What things can young people learn from old people?
In what ways can young people help older people learn new things?
Do you think people should try to learn new things in old age?
Why do some old people find technology so difficult?
Should society invest more money in supporting old people and their health or young people with their educations?
Why do you think some leaders find it difficult to learn from the past?
Do you think that technology is advancing so fast that one day the past will become irrelevant?