ANGOL SZÖVEGÉRTÉS B2 – What does it feel to be old?

Szalai Nóri
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Középfok (B2)
Listen to the speaker and finish the sentences.

What does it feel like to be old?  

  1. The speaker was surprised by the question because ………. .
  2. Seeing her reaction the man who asked the question was ………..
  3. She wouldn’t trade all she has for ………. . (write two)
  4. She’s not angry at herself for ………. . (write two)
  5. She likes spending hours …………. .
  6. Sometimes she chooses to ………. .
  7. She gets pitying looks at ……….. .
  8. She thinks suffering can ……….. .
  9. She’s proud to keep ………. .
  10. The main reason she likes being old is that ……….. .

 

 TRANSCRIPT:

What does it feel like to be old?  

The other day, a young person asked me: – What does it feel like to be old?

I was very surprised by the question since I did not think of myself as old. When he saw my reaction, he was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question. And after reflection, I concluded that getting old is a gift.

Sometimes I am surprised at the person who lives in my mirror. But I don’t worry about those things for long. I wouldn’t trade everything I have for fewer grey hairs and a flat stomach. I’m not angry at myself for not making the bed, or for eating a few extra “little things.” I am within my rights to be a little messy, to be extravagant, and to spend hours staring at my flowers.

I have seen some dear friends leave this world before they had enjoyed the freedom that comes with growing old. Who cares if I sometimes choose to read a good book until 4 in the morning and then sleep until who knows what time? I will dance with me to the rhythm of the ’50s and ’60s. And if later I want to cry for some lost love…I will!

I’ll walk down the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over my plump body and dive into the waves letting myself go, despite the pitying looks of the bikini-wearers. They’ll get old too, if they’re lucky…

It is true that through the years my heart has ached for the loss of a loved one, for the pain of a child, or for seeing a pet die. But it is suffering that can give us strength and makes us grow. An unbroken heart is sterile and will never know the happiness of being imperfect.

I am proud to have lived long enough for my hair to turn grey and to keep the smile of my youth before the deep furrows appeared on my face. Now, to answer the question honestly, I can say: – The main reason I like being old is because old age makes me wiser and freer!

source: quora.com

Key:

What does it feel like to be old? 

  1. she did not think of herself as old.
    2. embarrassed.
    3. fewer grey hairs and a flat stomach.
    4. not making the bed and eating a few extra little things.
    5. staring at her flowers.
    6. read a good book until 4 in the morning.
    7. the beach.
    8. give us strength.
    9. the smile of her youth.
    10. old age makes her wiser and freer.