Similar to describe a time when you were surprised by a gift, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. Being able to articulate your experience effectively can significantly impact your band score.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you like receiving gifts?
- What kind of gifts do you usually give to others?
- What was the last gift you received?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely cherish receiving gifts, especially when they’re thoughtfully chosen. I believe gifts are a tangible expression of someone’s care and consideration. The last gift I received was a vintage camera from my sister, which was particularly meaningful because she knew about my growing interest in photography.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a gift that surprised you
You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- Why it surprised you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about an extraordinary surprise I received last year, which was particularly memorable. Like describe a time you changed your opinion about something, this experience really changed my perspective on gift-giving.
The gift was a handcrafted photo album that my best friend Sarah created for my 25th birthday. It wasn’t just any ordinary album – it was meticulously assembled with photographs spanning our decade-long friendship, each page thoughtfully annotated with personal messages and memorable quotes.
What made it particularly remarkable was the timing and effort involved. Sarah had secretly contacted various friends and family members over several months to collect photos and anecdotes. She even went to great lengths to obtain pictures from my childhood by reaching out to my parents.
The surprise element was amplified by the fact that I had no inkling about this undertaking. Similar to describe a friend who has different interests from you, Sarah’s artistic side really shone through in this project, despite her usually being more analytical.
I was completely taken aback by the level of detail and thought that went into this gift. It wasn’t just the physical album that moved me, but the incredible amount of time and effort she had invested in creating something so personal and meaningful.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a gift I got last year. It was a photo album from my friend Sarah for my birthday. She made it herself and put in lots of pictures of us together. I was really surprised because I didn’t expect her to make something like this. She spent a lot of time collecting photos and making the album look nice. It made me very happy because it showed how much she cares about our friendship.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- How have gift-giving traditions changed in recent years?
- Do you think expensive gifts are better than handmade ones?
- What role does technology play in modern gift-giving?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Gift-giving has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, particularly with the rise of digital platforms. While describe a person you think is very creative, modern gift-givers often leverage technology to create unique experiences. However, I firmly believe that the emotional resonance of a gift isn’t determined by its monetary value but rather by the thought and intention behind it.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Meticulously assembled /məˈtɪkjʊləsli əˈsembəld/ – carefully put together
- Thoughtfully annotated /ˈθɔːtfʊli ˈænəʊteɪtɪd/ – carefully added notes
- Taken aback /ˈteɪkən əˈbæk/ – surprised or startled
- Amplified /ˈæmplɪfaɪd/ – made stronger or more intense
- Extraordinary /ɪkˈstrɔːdənri/ – exceptional, remarkable
Similar to describe a time when you stood up for a friend, using these sophisticated expressions can help demonstrate your language proficiency and achieve a higher band score.