Describing a moment when you felt very thankful is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to express emotions, narrate personal experiences, and use a wide range of vocabulary. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about gratitude and thankfulness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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Do you often feel thankful for things in your life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I make a conscious effort to practice gratitude daily. I believe it’s crucial for maintaining a positive outlook on life. Each evening, I reflect on at least three things I’m thankful for, which helps me appreciate the good aspects of my day, no matter how small they might seem.”
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How do people in your country express gratitude?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “In my country, expressing gratitude is deeply ingrained in our culture. We have various verbal and non-verbal ways of showing appreciation. Verbally, we use phrases like ‘thank you so much’ or ‘I’m truly grateful,’ often accompanied by specific reasons for our gratitude. Non-verbally, a sincere smile, a respectful bow, or even a thoughtful gift are common ways to express thanks, especially in more formal situations or for significant gestures of kindness.”
Describe a time when you forgot or missed an appointment is another topic that may come up in the IELTS Speaking test, which similarly requires you to narrate a personal experience.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a moment when you felt very thankful
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Who you were thankful to
- Why you felt so thankful
- And explain how you expressed your gratitude
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I felt incredibly thankful. It was during my final year of university when I was struggling with my dissertation. I was feeling overwhelmed and unsure about my research direction.
The person I was thankful to was my professor, Dr. Smith. He noticed my distress and offered to meet with me outside of his office hours to discuss my project. He spent several hours reviewing my work, suggesting improvements, and helping me refine my thesis statement.
I felt so thankful because his guidance was crucial in helping me complete my dissertation successfully. His support went above and beyond what was expected of him as a professor.
To express my gratitude, I wrote him a heartfelt thank-you note detailing how his help had impacted my academic journey. I also made sure to acknowledge his contribution in my dissertation’s acknowledgments section.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a moment of profound gratitude that occurred during my final year at university. I was grappling with my dissertation, feeling utterly overwhelmed by the complexity of my research topic and the looming deadline.
The individual to whom I owe immense gratitude is my professor, Dr. Emily Smith. She astutely perceived my distress and, of her own volition, offered to dedicate her personal time to assist me. What struck me was not just her willingness to help, but the extent of her commitment. She meticulously reviewed my work, providing incisive feedback and helping me hone my thesis statement to razor-sharp precision.
The depth of my gratitude stemmed from the realization that her guidance was pivotal in salvaging my academic project. Her support transcended the typical student-professor relationship, demonstrating a level of dedication that I found truly inspiring.
To convey my appreciation, I crafted a heartfelt letter of thanks, articulating in detail the profound impact her mentorship had on my academic journey and personal growth. Additionally, I made a point of prominently acknowledging her contribution in my dissertation, ensuring that her invaluable input was recognized by the academic community.”
Grateful student expressing thanks to professor for dissertation guidance
Follow-up Questions:
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How did this experience change your perspective on gratitude?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “This experience was truly eye-opening and transformative in terms of how I view gratitude. It made me realize that gratitude isn’t just a polite social convention, but a powerful tool for building meaningful relationships and fostering personal growth. I’ve become much more cognizant of the efforts others make on my behalf, and I now make a concerted effort to express my appreciation more frequently and sincerely. This shift in perspective has led to more positive interactions in both my personal and professional life.”
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Do you think people express gratitude enough in modern society?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “I believe there’s room for improvement in how we express gratitude in modern society. While social media has made it easier to share quick ‘thanks’ or ‘likes’, I think we often miss opportunities for deeper, more meaningful expressions of gratitude. In our fast-paced world, we sometimes take things for granted or forget to acknowledge the efforts of others. However, I’ve noticed a growing awareness of the importance of gratitude, with more people practicing gratitude journaling or participating in gratitude challenges, which is a positive trend.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to gratitude and its role in society. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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How does gratitude contribute to personal well-being?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Gratitude plays a significant role in enhancing personal well-being. When we practice gratitude regularly, it helps shift our focus from negative aspects of life to positive ones. This can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and increased overall happiness. Moreover, expressing gratitude can strengthen our relationships, as it makes others feel valued and appreciated.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Gratitude is instrumental in fostering personal well-being on multiple levels. From a psychological perspective, regularly practicing gratitude can recalibrate our cognitive processes, shifting our focus from perceived lacks or shortcomings to the abundance in our lives. This cognitive shift can lead to enhanced mental resilience, reduced stress, and an overall increase in life satisfaction.
Physiologically, studies have shown that gratitude practice can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and even boost immune function. On a social level, expressing gratitude strengthens interpersonal bonds by acknowledging others’ contributions to our lives, thereby creating a positive feedback loop of goodwill and support.
Furthermore, gratitude can serve as a coping mechanism during challenging times, helping individuals find meaning and silver linings in difficult situations. This ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity is a key component of emotional intelligence and psychological well-being.”
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Do you think gratitude can be taught, or is it an innate quality?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards gratitude, I firmly believe that it is a skill that can be cultivated and taught. Like any other emotional intelligence competency, gratitude can be developed through consistent practice and mindful awareness.
Education systems could play a pivotal role in fostering gratitude by incorporating it into social-emotional learning curricula. This could involve activities like gratitude journaling, appreciation exercises, or community service projects that help students recognize and value the contributions of others.
However, the most effective ‘teaching’ of gratitude often occurs through modeling. When children observe adults in their lives consistently expressing genuine appreciation, they’re more likely to internalize this behavior. This underscores the importance of parents, teachers, and community leaders in demonstrating grateful attitudes.
It’s worth noting that cultural factors can significantly influence how gratitude is expressed and valued. Therefore, any formal ‘teaching’ of gratitude should be culturally sensitive and context-appropriate.
Ultimately, while some may find it easier to feel and express gratitude, with conscious effort and the right guidance, anyone can enhance their capacity for gratitude, leading to improved personal well-being and stronger social connections.”
Describe a time you felt embarrassed and how you handled it is another topic that requires you to discuss emotions and personal experiences, similar to describing a moment of gratitude.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking when discussing gratitude, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Profound gratitude /prəˈfaʊnd ˈgrætɪtjuːd/ (noun phrase): Deep and sincere thankfulness.
Example: “I felt profound gratitude for her unwavering support during my difficult times.” -
To be indebted /ɪnˈdetɪd/ (adjective): Feeling that you owe gratitude to someone for their help.
Example: “I am forever indebted to my mentor for her guidance in my career.” -
To appreciate /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ (verb): To recognize the full worth of something or someone.
Example: “I truly appreciated his honesty in that challenging situation.” -
To acknowledge /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (verb): To express or display recognition for something.
Example: “She publicly acknowledged the team’s efforts in making the project a success.” -
Heartfelt thanks /ˈhɑːtfelt θæŋks/ (noun phrase): Sincere and deeply felt gratitude.
Example: “I expressed my heartfelt thanks to the stranger who helped me during the emergency.” -
To reciprocate /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ (verb): To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
Example: “I wanted to reciprocate her kindness by offering my assistance on her project.” -
Overwhelmed with gratitude /ˌəʊvəˈwelmd wɪð ˈgrætɪtjuːd/ (phrase): Feeling an intense sense of thankfulness.
Example: “I was overwhelmed with gratitude when I saw how many friends had come to support me.” -
To take for granted /teɪk fɔː ˈgrɑːntɪd/ (phrase): To fail to appreciate the value of something or someone.
Example: “We often take our health for granted until we face a medical issue.”
Describe an important journey that was delayed is another topic where you might need to express feelings of gratitude or frustration, depending on the circumstances.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude:
- Practice narrating personal experiences related to gratitude, focusing on clear structure and coherent delivery.
- Expand your vocabulary related to emotions and appreciation. Use these words naturally in your responses.
- Prepare to discuss gratitude from various angles – personal experiences, societal trends, and abstract concepts.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to convey sincerity when expressing gratitude.
- Be ready to provide specific examples and elaborate on your points to demonstrate depth of thought.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just using advanced vocabulary, but using it accurately and naturally within the context of your responses. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continuously improve your speaking skills.
Describe a time when you forgot something important is another topic that may require you to discuss emotions and consequences, which can be related to feelings of gratitude or regret.
IELTS candidate practicing speaking about gratitude
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss moments of gratitude and other personal experiences in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity and fluency are key, so focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and confidently.
Describe a time when you felt very proud of someone else is a topic that can also involve expressing positive emotions, similar to describing moments of gratitude.
