The topic of describing a gift received on a special occasion is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and potential for rich discussion.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions related to gifts and special occasions. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy receiving gifts?
- What was the last gift you received?
- Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
- Are there any special occasions when people in your country typically exchange gifts?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy receiving gifts?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find great pleasure in receiving gifts, especially when they’re thoughtful and personalized. It’s not just about the material value, but the sentiment behind the gesture that really touches me. I believe gift-giving is a wonderful way to strengthen relationships and show appreciation for one another.”
Describe an item of clothing you like to wear can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to demonstrate your vocabulary related to fashion and personal preferences.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a gift you received on a special occasion
You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- Why it was special to you
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a gift I received on my 18th birthday. It was a beautiful leather-bound journal given to me by my grandmother. I remember unwrapping it with excitement on the morning of my birthday.
The journal was exquisitely crafted with a soft, brown leather cover and thick, cream-colored pages. It had my initials embossed in gold on the front, which made it feel very personal.
This gift was special to me for several reasons. Firstly, it came from my grandmother, who I’m very close to. Secondly, it symbolized my transition into adulthood, as 18 is considered a significant age in my culture. Lastly, it encouraged me to start writing regularly, which has since become a cherished hobby.
I was deeply touched by my grandmother’s thoughtfulness. She knew I had always admired her own habit of journaling and wanted to inspire me to do the same. This gift has become a treasured possession, and I use it to record my thoughts, dreams, and important moments in my life.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you the story of an extraordinary gift I received on my 18th birthday – a meticulously crafted, leather-bound journal presented to me by my beloved grandmother. The moment I delicately unwrapped it on that momentous morning is etched indelibly in my memory.
This exquisite piece was a testament to fine craftsmanship, boasting a supple, rich brown leather exterior and sumptuous, cream-colored pages within. What truly set it apart was the personal touch – my initials elegantly embossed in gleaming gold on the cover, elevating it from a mere object to a cherished keepsake.
The significance of this gift transcends its physical beauty. Primarily, it represents the profound bond I share with my grandmother, a relationship I hold dear. Moreover, in my culture, turning 18 marks a pivotal milestone – the threshold of adulthood – and this journal symbolized that transition poignantly. Perhaps most importantly, it sparked in me a passion for writing that has since blossomed into a deeply fulfilling pursuit.
I was profoundly moved by the thoughtfulness behind my grandmother’s choice. She had astutely observed my admiration for her lifelong journaling habit and sought to nurture that interest in me. This gift has become far more than a simple notebook; it’s a tangible reminder of her love and wisdom, a repository for my innermost thoughts, aspirations, and life’s most precious moments.”
Follow-up Questions
- How did you express your gratitude for this gift?
- Has this gift influenced your life in any way?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
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“I expressed my gratitude by giving my grandmother a heartfelt hug and thanking her sincerely. I also wrote her a thoughtful thank-you note, explaining how much the gift meant to me and how I planned to use it.”
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“This gift has significantly influenced my life by nurturing my love for writing. It inspired me to start journaling regularly, which has become a form of self-reflection and stress relief. It’s also improved my writing skills, which has been beneficial in my studies and personal life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the tradition of gift-giving is changing in modern society?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe the tradition of gift-giving is evolving in modern society. With the rise of e-commerce and digital gifting, people now have more options and convenience when it comes to selecting and sending gifts. There’s also a growing trend towards experiential gifts rather than material objects, as many people value experiences over possessions. Additionally, there’s an increasing awareness of sustainability, leading to more eco-friendly gift choices.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Indeed, I’d say the landscape of gift-giving is undergoing a significant transformation in our modern society. The advent of e-commerce and the proliferation of digital platforms have revolutionized the way we select and deliver gifts, offering unprecedented convenience and a vast array of options at our fingertips.
Moreover, there’s a discernible shift towards prioritizing experiences over material possessions. This trend reflects a deeper societal change in how we perceive value and happiness. Many people now opt for gifts that create memories, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or travel experiences, believing these to have more lasting impact than tangible items.
Another noteworthy development is the growing consciousness around sustainability and environmental impact. This has led to a surge in eco-friendly gifting options, from biodegradable products to second-hand items and donations to charitable causes in the recipient’s name. This trend underscores a broader societal move towards more responsible consumption patterns.
Furthermore, the concept of personalization has gained significant traction. With advancements in technology, it’s now possible to create highly customized gifts, from monogrammed accessories to bespoke artwork based on personal data. This epitomizes the modern desire for unique, meaningful presents that resonate on a personal level.”
Describe a childhood memory that you cherish is another topic that can help you showcase your ability to narrate past experiences and express emotions effectively in your IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Exquisitely crafted /ɪkˈskwɪzɪtli krɑːftɪd/ (adjective phrase): Made with great skill and attention to detail.
Example: The gift was an exquisitely crafted piece of jewelry. -
Embossed /ɪmˈbɒst/ (adjective): Decorated with a raised design or pattern.
Example: The journal had my name embossed on its cover in gold letters. -
Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): Loved and protected with care.
Example: This book has become one of my most cherished possessions. -
Momentous /məˈmentəs/ (adjective): Of great importance or significance.
Example: Receiving this gift was a momentous occasion in my life. -
Nurture /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ (verb): To encourage or help develop.
Example: This gift helped nurture my passion for writing.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a gift you received:
- Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of the gift and the occasion.
- Express emotions: Share how the gift made you feel and why it was significant.
- Provide context: Explain the relationship with the gift-giver and any cultural significance.
- Use a variety of tenses: Practice using past, present, and present perfect tenses appropriately.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions: Use natural-sounding phrases to enhance your fluency.
- Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all aspects of the cue card.
- 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 is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to speak naturally and confidently about a wide range of topics. Regular practice with various subjects will help you improve your overall speaking skills.
Describe an occasion when you gave a gift to someone can be an excellent way to further explore the topic of gift-giving from a different perspective in your IELTS Speaking preparation.