IELTS VocabMaster

Describe someone who is older than you that you admire.

Describe someone who is older than you that you admire. You should say: - who this person is - how you know this person - what this person is like - and explain why you admire this person

Part 2 model answer

Someone older than me whom I truly admire is my mother. I know it might sound like a common choice, but the more I grow up, the more I realise how remarkable she really is.

She's in her late forties now, and she has been a homemaker for most of her life. But calling her "just a homemaker" would be a huge understatement. She manages the entire household, takes care of my grandparents, keeps track of every family expense, and still finds time to help neighbours whenever they need anything.

In terms of personality, she's incredibly patient and calm. I've rarely seen her lose her temper, even in really stressful situations. She's also very wise in a practical way. She didn't have the chance to go to university, because she got married quite young, but she reads newspapers every day and always has thoughtful advice when someone in the family has a problem.

What I admire most is her strength and sacrifice. A few years ago, my father went through a difficult period at work and our family faced some serious financial problems. During that time, my mother started a small home-based business making pickles and selling them to people in our area. She worked late into the night but never complained, and she made sure we never felt the pressure. Thanks to her, we got through that tough phase. She also always encouraged me to learn new things, even when others doubted me. So for me, she's not just a mother, but a real role model of resilience, kindness, and quiet strength.

Part 3 discussion

What can young people learn from older people?

Young people can learn a lot from the life experience of older people, such as patience, how to handle difficult situations, and the value of family and relationships. Older people can also teach practical skills and traditions that aren't found in books or online. For example, my grandmother taught me traditional recipes and home remedies that I would never have learned from the internet.

Do young people respect older people as much as they did in the past?

In general, I feel respect has decreased a little. In the past, young people rarely questioned their elders. Today, they're more independent and open about their opinions. However, I don't think that always means less respect; it's more that the relationship has become less formal and more like a friendship.

What problems do older people face in modern society?

Many older people feel lonely, because their children are busy or have moved to cities or abroad. They also struggle with health problems and rising medical costs. In addition, rapid changes in technology can make them feel left behind, for example when using digital banking or smartphones. As a result, some of them become dependent on others even for simple tasks.

Should older people live with their children or in elderly care homes?

In Bangladesh, most people believe elderly parents should live with their children, as it's part of our culture and gives them emotional support. However, in some cases, care homes can offer better medical attention. I think the decision should depend on the family's situation and the elderly person's own wishes. What matters most is that they feel loved and cared for, wherever they live.

How can different generations understand each other better?

By spending more quality time together and actually listening to each other. Young people can help older people with technology, while older people can share their experiences and wisdom. Family gatherings and community activities are great opportunities for this kind of exchange. Most importantly, both sides need to be open-minded and avoid judging each other too quickly.