Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Something You Own That Is Very Important to You

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I understand the challenges candidates face when describing personal possessions in the speaking test. This topic frequently appears in IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective strategies to excel in this task, providing sample answers for various band scores and essential tips to boost your performance.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about personal belongings. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have many possessions?
2. What is your most valuable possession?
3. Have you ever lost something important to you?
4. Do you like to buy new things?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Examiner: What is your most valuable possession?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say my most valuable possession is my laptop. It’s not just because of its monetary value, but more importantly, it’s an essential tool for my work and studies. I use it daily for research, writing papers, and staying connected with colleagues. It’s practically my portable office, allowing me to work from anywhere, which is incredibly convenient in today’s fast-paced world.”

Laptop as valuable possession

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s focus on a cue card related to our topic:

Describe Something You Own That Is Very Important To You
You should say:

• What it is
• When you got it
• Why it is important to you
  And explain how you would feel if you lost it

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my bicycle, which is incredibly important to me. I got it as a gift from my parents for my 18th birthday, about five years ago. It’s a sleek, blue mountain bike that I use almost every day.

This bicycle is important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it’s my primary mode of transportation. I use it to commute to university and run errands around town. It’s not only eco-friendly but also helps me stay fit. Secondly, it reminds me of my parents’ love and support. They knew I needed a reliable way to get around, and this gift showed their thoughtfulness.

If I were to lose this bicycle, I’d be devastated. It’s not just about the inconvenience of losing my transport; it’s the sentimental value that would be hard to replace. I’ve had so many adventures with this bike, from long rides with friends to quiet solitary trips exploring the countryside. Losing it would feel like losing a part of my daily life and cherished memories.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe my grandfather’s vintage pocket watch, which holds immense significance for me. This exquisite timepiece came into my possession about three years ago, shortly after my grandfather’s passing. It’s a beautifully crafted, gold-plated watch with an intricate engraving of our family crest on the case.

This watch is of paramount importance to me for several reasons. Primarily, it serves as a tangible connection to my grandfather, a man I deeply admired. It embodies his values of punctuality and precision, which he always emphasized. Moreover, it represents our family’s heritage, having been passed down through generations. The watch is not merely a timekeeping device but a repository of family history and traditions.

If I were to lose this precious heirloom, I would be utterly devastated. The sentimental value far outweighs any monetary worth it might have. Losing it would feel like severing a link to my ancestors and losing a piece of my own identity. It’s not just an object but a symbol of continuity and legacy in our family. The thought of it being lost or damaged fills me with a sense of profound responsibility to preserve this piece of our family history.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you take care of this important possession?
2. Do you think people generally value material possessions too much?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:

“I take meticulous care of my grandfather’s pocket watch. I keep it in a specially designed, padded case when it’s not in use to protect it from dust and potential damage. Regularly, I gently clean it with a soft cloth to maintain its luster without risking any scratches. I’ve also researched proper maintenance techniques for vintage timepieces and take it to a specialized watchmaker for professional servicing every few years. This ensures that the internal mechanism remains in perfect working order. Moreover, I’m extremely cautious about where and when I wear it, reserving it for special family occasions to minimize the risk of loss or damage while still honoring its significance in our family history.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think the things people value most have changed over the generations?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe the things people value have changed quite a bit over generations. In the past, people seemed to value practical items more, like tools or household goods. Now, many people, especially younger generations, seem to value technology items like smartphones or laptops more. This change is probably because of how our lifestyles and work have changed with technology.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that there has been a significant shift in what people value most across generations. In previous eras, there was often a greater emphasis on tangible, durable goods that had practical applications or represented stability, such as land, jewelry, or high-quality furniture that could be passed down through families. These items often symbolized security and continuity.

However, in our current digital age, we’ve seen a marked transition towards valuing more ephemeral or rapidly evolving possessions, particularly in the realm of technology. Smartphones, laptops, and other digital devices have become prized possessions, not just for their practical use but also as status symbols and gateways to the digital world. This shift reflects broader changes in society, including increased mobility, the rise of the information economy, and changing concepts of what constitutes success or status.

That said, I think it’s important to note that this change isn’t universal or absolute. Many people still deeply value traditional items, especially those with sentimental or cultural significance. The key difference might be in how these values are balanced against newer priorities shaped by our rapidly changing world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Sentimental value (noun) – /ˌsen.tɪ.men.təl ˈvæl.juː/
   Meaning: The importance attached to an object because of personal or emotional associations.
   Example: “This old teddy bear has great sentimental value to me as it was a gift from my late grandmother.”

2. Heirloom (noun) – /ˈeə.luːm/
   Meaning: A valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations.
   Example: “The antique diamond ring is a precious family heirloom passed down for five generations.”

3. Tangible connection (noun phrase) – /ˈtæn.dʒə.bəl kəˈnek.ʃən/
   Meaning: A physical object that represents a link to something or someone.
   Example: “Her father’s old guitar serves as a tangible connection to her childhood memories.”

4. Repository (noun) – /rɪˈpɒz.ɪ.tər.i/
   Meaning: A place where things are stored and can be found.
   Example: “The museum serves as a repository for countless historical artifacts.”

5. Meticulous (adjective) – /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/
   Meaning: Very careful and precise, paying great attention to detail.
   Example: “He takes meticulous care of his rare book collection, ensuring optimal storage conditions.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing something you own:

1. Practice extensively: Regularly describe various objects you own, focusing on their importance and your emotional connection to them.

2. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to possessions and their significance.

3. Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all points in the cue card and elaborating where appropriate.

4. Show emotion: Don’t just state facts; express your feelings about the object to demonstrate a deeper connection and more advanced language use.

5. Use anecdotes: Include short stories or specific instances related to the object to make your description more engaging and memorable.

6. Vary your sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.

7. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and personal to you.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a memorable trip you took with friends. This can provide additional insights into structuring your responses and using descriptive language effectively.