Describing a treasured item is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal experiences, emotions, and detailed descriptions. Given its frequency in past exams, it’s likely to remain a popular topic in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and boost your IELTS score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may warm up with questions related to personal belongings. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you have any items that are particularly special to you?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I have several items that hold sentimental value for me. One that stands out is a vintage watch I inherited from my grandfather. It’s not just a timepiece, but a cherished memory of him and a connection to my family history.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe an item that you treasure
You should say:
- What the item is
- When you got it
- Why it is important to you
- How you feel about it
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“The item I’d like to talk about is a handmade quilt that my grandmother gave me when I started college. I received it about five years ago, just before I moved into my dorm room.
This quilt is incredibly important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it was made by my grandmother, who spent months creating it specifically for me. She chose fabrics that reflected my interests and personality, making it a truly personal gift. Secondly, it serves as a reminder of home and family, which was especially comforting during my first year away at college.
I feel a deep sense of gratitude and love whenever I look at or use this quilt. It’s not just a blanket, but a tangible representation of my grandmother’s love and care. The time and effort she put into making it makes me feel valued and cherished. Moreover, it’s become a source of comfort during difficult times, almost like a warm hug from my grandmother when I’m feeling homesick or stressed.
In essence, this quilt is more than just an item to me. It’s a treasured keepsake that connects me to my family and serves as a constant reminder of their love and support.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The item I’d like to describe is a vintage leather-bound journal that I stumbled upon in an antique shop during a solo backpacking trip through Europe three years ago. At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary notebook, but its significance to me is profound and multifaceted.
This journal is of immense importance to me for several reasons. Primarily, it serves as a tangible reminder of my transformative journey across Europe, encapsulating the spirit of adventure and self-discovery that defined that period of my life. Secondly, the journal itself is a work of art, with its weathered leather cover, gilded edges, and handcrafted paper that speaks to a level of craftsmanship rarely seen in modern times. Lastly, it has become my confidant and creative outlet, housing my thoughts, sketches, and experiences from that trip and beyond.
My feelings towards this journal are a complex blend of nostalgia, inspiration, and gratitude. Whenever I hold it, I’m transported back to the cobblestone streets of Prague, the sun-drenched vineyards of Tuscany, and the misty highlands of Scotland. It evokes a sense of freedom and possibility that I strive to maintain in my daily life. Moreover, the journal has become a catalyst for my own creativity, encouraging me to continue documenting my life’s journey with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail that I did during my travels.
In essence, this journal is far more than just a receptacle for words and sketches. It’s a treasured companion that has weathered many adventures with me, a testament to personal growth, and a constant source of inspiration. It embodies the idea that the most valuable possessions are often those that hold our memories and fuel our aspirations.”
Vintage leather-bound journal found in European antique shop
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to have items they treasure?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I believe it’s quite important for people to have treasured items. These objects often hold special memories or emotions, which can be comforting and grounding. They can also serve as reminders of important people or experiences in our lives, helping us stay connected to our past and our values.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I firmly believe that possessing treasured items is integral to our emotional well-being and sense of identity. These objects often serve as tangible anchors to our personal histories, embodying memories, relationships, and experiences that have shaped us. They can act as touchstones, grounding us during turbulent times and reminding us of our core values and aspirations. Moreover, treasured items can foster a sense of continuity in our lives, bridging our past experiences with our present circumstances and future goals. In an increasingly digital and transient world, these physical mementos take on even greater significance, offering a tactile connection to our personal narratives and cultural heritage.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do you think the concept of ‘treasured items’ differs between generations?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think there’s quite a difference in how different generations view treasured items. Older generations might value physical objects more, like family heirlooms or handwritten letters. They often see these items as connections to their history and family. Younger generations, on the other hand, might treasure digital items more, like photos on their phones or social media memories. They’re more used to storing their memories electronically.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The concept of ‘treasured items’ undoubtedly varies significantly across generations, reflecting broader societal shifts and technological advancements. Older generations tend to place a premium on tangible, often hand-crafted items that have been passed down through families. These might include antique furniture, vintage jewelry, or handwritten letters, which serve as physical links to their ancestry and personal history.
In contrast, younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, often ascribe value to a more eclectic mix of physical and digital items. While they may still appreciate traditional keepsakes, they’re more likely to treasure experiences or digital artifacts. This could include curated playlists, Instagram photo collections, or even NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens). Their treasured items often reflect their digital native status and the emphasis on experiences over possessions that characterizes these generations.
However, it’s crucial to note that these are generalizations, and individual preferences can vary widely within generations. The common thread across all age groups is the emotional significance attached to these items, regardless of their physical or digital nature. What’s universally treasured are the memories, relationships, and personal growth these items represent, transcending generational boundaries.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Sentimental value [ˌsentɪˈmentl ˈvæljuː] (noun phrase): Importance based on personal or emotional associations.
Example: “This old guitar holds great sentimental value for me.”Cherished [ˈtʃerɪʃt] (adjective): Deeply loved; held dear.
Example: “The locket is one of my most cherished possessions.”Heirloom [ˈeəluːm] (noun): A valuable object passed down through generations.
Example: “The antique clock is a family heirloom.”To stumble upon [ˈstʌmbl əˈpɒn] (phrasal verb): To find or meet by chance.
Example: “I stumbled upon this rare book at a flea market.”Profound [prəˈfaʊnd] (adjective): Very great or intense.
Example: “The gift had a profound impact on our relationship.”Tangible [ˈtændʒəbl] (adjective): Perceptible by touch; clear and definite.
Example: “The photo album provides tangible memories of our vacation.”To encapsulate [ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪt] (verb): To express the essential features of something succinctly.
Example: “This painting encapsulates the spirit of the Renaissance.”Craftsmanship [ˈkrɑːftsmənʃɪp] (noun): The quality of design and work shown in something made by hand.
Example: “The intricate craftsmanship of the jewelry is remarkable.”To evoke [ɪˈvəʊk] (verb): To bring a feeling, memory, or image to mind.
Example: “The scent of lavender evokes memories of my grandmother’s garden.”Testament [ˈtestəmənt] (noun): Something that serves as evidence or proof of a specified quality.
Example: “His collection of books is a testament to his love of literature.”
Vocabulary collage for IELTS speaking success
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a treasured item:
Practice storytelling: Develop your ability to narrate personal experiences vividly and engagingly.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to emotions and personal significance.
Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing all points in the cue card.
Use specific examples: Provide detailed anecdotes or descriptions to support your points.
Show emotion: Don’t just describe the item; convey your feelings about it authentically.
Vary your language: Use synonyms and different sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
Practice timing: Aim to speak for the full 2 minutes in Part 2 without rushing or running out of things to say.
Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and seeking feedback. Consider recording yourself or practicing with a study partner to refine your speaking skills.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in learning how to describe a meal you would like to cook for a special occasion, another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. Additionally, practicing how to describe an interesting outdoor market can further enhance your descriptive skills for the IELTS Speaking exam.