The IELTS Speaking test is a comprehensive assessment of your ability to communicate in English. It consists of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). This section will discuss how to answer questions related to the topic “Describe A Gift You Received That Was Special” to help you achieve the highest possible score.
Examiners look for several elements when assessing your speaking abilities, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. The topic of “Describe a gift you received that was special” is frequently asked and understanding how to tackle it can significantly enhance your performance.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Potential Questions and Sample Answer
Examples of questions that an examiner might ask:
- What kinds of gifts do people give to each other in your country?
- What kinds of gifts do you prefer to give?
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: What kinds of gifts do people give to each other in your country?
A: In my country, gifts vary greatly depending on the occasion. On festive occasions like birthdays or weddings, people usually give items like clothes, jewelry, or gadgets. On more casual occasions, such as thanking someone, people might give chocolates, flowers, or some home-baked goods. The key is often thoughtfulness rather than the monetary value of the gift.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card and Sample Answer
Cue Card:
Describe a gift you received that was special. You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- Why it was given to you
- And explain why it was special
Sample Answer:
One of the most special gifts I’ve ever received was a handcrafted wooden photo frame from my best friend Sarah. She gave it to me during our college graduation as a token of our friendship. Sarah had spent countless hours crafting the frame herself, which made it incredibly personal and heartfelt. Inside the frame was a picture of us from our first day of college. This gift was special not just because of the effort she put into making it but also because it symbolized our journey and the bond we shared over the years. The photo frame remains on my desk as a constant reminder of our friendship and the wonderful memories we created together.
handmade photo frame
Follow-up Questions and Sample Answers
Q: Do you think handmade gifts are more valuable than purchased ones?
A: I believe handmade gifts often hold a greater sentimental value because they show the time, effort, and thoughtfulness of the giver. These qualities make the gift unique and personal, reflecting a deeper level of care and affection.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Discussion
Examiner: How do you think technology has changed the way people give gifts?
Answer: Technology has revolutionized gift-giving in many ways. Nowadays, people can easily purchase and send gifts online, making it convenient and sometimes even more personalized through customizable options. Digital gifts like e-books, online courses, or subscriptions have also gained popularity. However, this convenience might take away some of the personal touch that traditional, physical gifts often carry.
Examiner: Are expensive gifts necessarily better than inexpensive ones?
Answer: Not necessarily. Expensive gifts might be appreciated for their material value, but the thoughtfulness and emotional significance behind a gift often outweigh its cost. A simple, inexpensive gift can be incredibly meaningful if it resonates well with the recipient’s tastes and preferences.
Vocabulary and Structures to Score High
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Handcrafted (adj): /ˈhænd.kræftɪd/ – made skillfully by hand
- Token of our friendship (phrase): a small gift given as a symbol of friendship
- Countless hours (collocation): an extremely large amount of time
- Personal and heartfelt (adj): showing genuine feelings
- Symbolized (verb): /ˈsɪm.bə.laɪz/ – to represent something
- Revolutionized (verb): /ˌrɛv.əˈluː.ʃəˌnaɪzd/ – completely changed in a positive way
- Customizable options (noun): choices that allow for personalization
- Material value (phrase): the worth of an object based on its monetary cost
Example Sentences Using Key Vocabulary
- The handcrafted nature of the gift made it incredibly special to me.
- The photo frame was a token of our friendship, symbolizing years of shared memories.
- She must have spent countless hours on the gift, which made it personal and heartfelt.
- The gift symbolized our journey through college, making it irreplaceable.
- The advent of online shopping has revolutionized the way we give and receive gifts.
Examiner’s Tips
General Advice for Practicing Speaking
- Daily Practice: Practice speaking English every day. Focus on fluency and coherence by trying to speak for extended periods without pausing too often.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Read a variety of topics to broaden your vocabulary. Try to incorporate new words into your daily conversations.
- Record Yourself: Record your speaking practice and listen to it. This helps you identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice speaking on different topics under timed conditions to get comfortable with the format of the IELTS Speaking test.
- Seek Feedback: Practice with a tutor or a native speaker and ask for constructive feedback on your performance.
By following these tips and the detailed guidance outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
