The Speaking section of the IELTS examination assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. Among the various questions, one common topic is describing a time when you bought a gift for someone. This question can appear in Part 2 of the Speaking test, which requires candidates to speak about a given topic for two minutes. This article will provide a detailed guide on how to answer this question effectively, including essential vocabulary and phrases to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners typically ask questions to introduce the topic and make the candidate comfortable. Here are some examples:
- Do you often buy gifts for your friends or family?
- What do you think makes a good gift?
- How do you feel when you receive a gift?
Sample Answer
Question: Do you often buy gifts for your friends or family?
Answer: Yes, I often buy gifts for my friends and family, especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. I believe that giving gifts is a way to show appreciation and strengthen our relationships.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Time When You Bought A Gift For Someone.
You should say:
- Who you bought the gift for
- What the gift was
- Where you bought it
- And explain why you chose that gift
Sample Answer
Who you bought the gift for: Last year, I bought a gift for my best friend, Jane, on her birthday.
What the gift was: It was a beautiful silver necklace with a pendant shaped like a heart.
Where you bought it: I bought the necklace from a well-known jewelry store in the city center, which is famous for its exquisite designs.
Explain why you chose that gift: Jane has always been very fond of elegant and timeless jewelry. I chose this necklace because I wanted to give her something that she could cherish for a long time. The heart-shaped pendant was a perfect symbol of our lasting friendship.
In addition to that, I knew that Jane had been eyeing that particular necklace for quite some time, but she never bought it because it was quite expensive. Seeing her eyes light up when she unwrapped the gift made me incredibly happy, and it was definitely worth every penny.
Bullet Points Follow-up Questions:
- How did Jane react when she received the gift?
- Have you ever received a gift that you cherished? What was it and why?
Bullet Points Follow-up Answer
Question: How did Jane react when she received the gift?
Answer: Jane was absolutely thrilled when she saw the necklace. She hugged me tightly and expressed how much she loved it. Her genuine excitement and gratitude made me feel warm and appreciated.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask questions related to the topic in a broader and more abstract context to assess the candidate’s analytical skills and ability to provide opinions.
Examiner’s Questions and Sample Answers
Question: How do you think gift-giving has changed over the years?
Answer: I believe that gift-giving has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, people tended to give more practical and homemade gifts, whereas now, with the rise of e-commerce and globalization, there is a wider variety of options available. Additionally, experiences, such as travel or concert tickets, have become popular gifts because they create lasting memories.
Question: What factors do you consider when choosing a gift for someone?
Answer: When choosing a gift, I consider several factors. Firstly, I think about the recipient’s personality and preferences. Secondly, I consider the occasion and the relationship I share with the person. Lastly, I take into account the quality and significance of the gift. I always aim to choose something meaningful and special.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some important vocabulary and phrases that can help enhance your answer:
- Cherish: (verb) to hold or treat as dear
- Example: She cherished the necklace because it was a gift from her best friend.
- Exquisite: (adjective) extremely beautiful and delicate
- Example: The jewelry store is famous for its exquisite designs.
- Sentimental: (adjective) having nostalgic value
- Example: She preferred sentimental gifts that had personal significance.
- Token of appreciation: A small gift given to show gratitude
- Example: I gave him a gift as a token of appreciation for his help.
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS Speaking test requires practice and attention to detail. Focus on speaking clearly, using a range of vocabulary, and structuring your answers well. For more topics and sample answers, you can refer to related articles such as Describe a time when you spent money on something special. Remember, a confident and well-prepared candidate is more likely to score high.
Giving a Birthday Gift
By following this guide and practicing regularly, you will be well-equipped to handle the Speaking section of the IELTS test confidently and effectively.
