The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and memories. One popular topic that frequently appears is describing a memorable gift, particularly one received for your birthday. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and valuable tips to boost your performance.

Describe a time when someone gave you something can be a challenging task, but with proper preparation, you can excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic and impress the examiner with your English language skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about gifts and birthdays. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy receiving gifts?
2. What kind of gifts do you usually give to others?
3. How do you celebrate your birthday?

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy receiving gifts?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I love receiving gifts! It’s not just about the item itself, but the thought and effort that goes into choosing something special for me. It’s heartwarming to know that someone cared enough to select a present tailored to my interests or needs. That being said, I believe the act of giving is equally rewarding, if not more so, than receiving gifts.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Memorable Gift You Received For Your Birthday
You should say:

• What the gift was
• Who gave it to you
• When you received it
• Why it was memorable

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a truly unforgettable gift I received for my 18th birthday. It was a vintage polaroid camera, given to me by my grandfather. I remember the moment vividly – it was during my birthday celebration at home, surrounded by family and friends.

The gift itself was a beautifully preserved Polaroid SX-70 from the 1970s. What made it particularly special was that it had belonged to my grandmother, who had passed away a few years earlier. My grandfather had kept it safe all these years, knowing how much I loved photography and nostalgic items.

The significance of this gift goes beyond its monetary value. It represents a connection to my family’s history and a tangible link to my grandmother’s passion for capturing moments. I was deeply touched by the thoughtfulness behind this gift – my grandfather not only remembered my interest in photography but also found a way to intertwine it with our family’s legacy.

This gift has had a profound impact on me. It’s sparked a newfound interest in analog photography and encouraged me to view the world through a different lens, quite literally. I’ve since used the camera to document special moments with family and friends, creating instant memories that we can hold in our hands.

In essence, this gift is memorable not just for what it is, but for what it represents – family, history, and the passing down of passions from one generation to another. It’s a constant reminder of the importance of preserving memories and the power of a well-chosen gift to create lasting impressions.”

Vintage Polaroid camera as a memorable birthday gift

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has this gift influenced your hobby or interests?
2. Do you think expensive gifts are always the most memorable ones?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):
“This gift has significantly impacted my interest in photography. It’s introduced me to the world of analog photography, which I find fascinating. I’ve learned to appreciate the deliberate process of composing a shot when you have limited exposures. It’s also sparked an interest in vintage cameras and the history of photography. I now enjoy experimenting with different photographic techniques and even developing my own film.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think the tradition of gift-giving is changing in modern society?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question. I believe the essence of gift-giving remains unchanged – it’s still about showing appreciation and strengthening relationships. However, the methods and expectations surrounding gift-giving have evolved significantly.

Firstly, with the rise of e-commerce and social media, we’re seeing a shift towards more personalized and experience-based gifts. People are often opting for tailored subscriptions, digital gifts, or memorable experiences over traditional material presents. This trend reflects our increasingly digital lifestyle and the growing value placed on unique experiences.

Moreover, there’s a growing awareness of sustainability issues, which is influencing gift-giving practices. Many people are now prioritizing eco-friendly or ethically sourced gifts, or even opting for charitable donations in lieu of physical presents. This shift demonstrates an increased consciousness about the environmental and social impact of our consumption habits.

Another notable change is the influence of social media on gift-giving. The pressure to give ‘Instagram-worthy’ gifts or to publicly share received gifts has added a new dimension to this tradition. While this can lead to more thoughtful gift selection, it may also create unrealistic expectations and shift the focus from the sentiment behind the gift to its social media appeal.

In conclusion, while the fundamental purpose of gift-giving remains, the practice is adapting to reflect broader societal changes, including technological advancements, environmental concerns, and evolving social norms.”

Modern gift-giving trends in digital age

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Unforgettable/memorable (adjective) – /ʌnfəˈɡetəb(ə)l/ /ˈmem(ə)rəb(ə)l/ – Worth remembering because of being special or unusual
   Example: “The vintage camera was an unforgettable gift that I’ll always cherish.”

2. Nostalgic (adjective) – /nɒˈstaldʒɪk/ – Feeling or inspiring a wistful affection for the past
   Example: “The polaroid camera evoked nostalgic feelings of my childhood.”

3. Profound impact (phrase) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – A very significant or deep effect
   Example: “This gift has had a profound impact on my interest in photography.”

4. Intertwine (verb) – /ˌɪntəˈtwaɪn/ – To connect or link closely
   Example: “The gift intertwined my passion for photography with my family’s history.”

5. Spark an interest (phrase) – /spɑːk ən ˈɪntrəst/ – To ignite or stimulate curiosity or enthusiasm
   Example: “The camera sparked an interest in analog photography techniques.”

Describe a photograph that you like could be another interesting topic related to this gift, allowing you to showcase your descriptive skills and vocabulary related to photography.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a memorable gift:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language: Incorporate adjectives, adverbs, and vivid imagery to bring your description to life.

2. Show depth in your answers: Don’t just describe the gift itself, but also its significance, the emotions it evoked, and its impact on you.

3. Demonstrate a range of grammatical structures: Use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about personal experiences to improve your ability to talk at length without hesitation.

5. Incorporate relevant idioms and collocations: This shows a higher level of language proficiency. For example, “it’s the thought that counts” when discussing gifts.

6. Engage with the topic thoughtfully: In Part 3, try to analyze the topic from different perspectives and provide well-reasoned opinions.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about describing a memorable gift, but about demonstrating your overall English language skills through this topic. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you describe a memorable gift you received with confidence and eloquence.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about memorable gifts in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to describe the gift, but to use it as a springboard to demonstrate your English language skills comprehensively. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!