Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about gratitude and appreciation:
- Do you often express gratitude to others?
- How do people in your country show appreciation?
- When was the last time you felt grateful?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I make it a point to express gratitude regularly, especially to those who have positively impacted my life. Just last week, I wrote a heartfelt thank-you note to my former professor who went above and beyond to help me develop my research skills. In my culture, we typically show appreciation through both verbal expressions and thoughtful gestures, like treating someone to a meal or giving meaningful gifts.”
Cultural differences in expressing gratitude during IELTS Speaking Part 1
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a situation that made you feel grateful. You should say:
- What the situation was
- When it happened
- Who was involved
- And explain why you felt grateful
Similar to describe a moment when you felt very thankful, here’s a model answer:
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an unforgettable experience that filled me with immense gratitude. It occurred during my final year of university when I was struggling to complete my thesis. My research supervisor, Dr. Thompson, demonstrated exceptional dedication by staying back after hours to help me refine my methodology.
What truly touched me was how she went out of her way to arrange additional consultation sessions, even during weekends. She not only provided academic guidance but also offered emotional support when I was feeling overwhelmed. Her unwavering commitment to my success made me realize how fortunate I was to have such a dedicated mentor.
This experience, much like describe a person you consider a mentor, profoundly impacted my approach to helping others. It taught me that small acts of kindness can have lasting effects on someone’s life.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has the way people express gratitude changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The expression of gratitude has undergone significant transformation in recent decades. While traditional methods like handwritten thank-you notes were once the norm, social media and digital platforms have revolutionized how we show appreciation. However, this shift has both advantages and drawbacks. The immediacy and reach of digital expression allow for more frequent appreciation, yet some argue it has made gratitude more superficial.”
Similar to describe a time when you showed kindness to a stranger, genuine expressions of gratitude can create meaningful connections.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.) – deep, significant effect
- Heartfelt appreciation /ˈhɑːtfelt əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃn/ (adj. + n.) – sincere gratitude
- Go above and beyond (idiom) – exceed expectations
- Life-changing experience (compound adj.) – transformative event
- Eternally grateful (adv. + adj.) – forever thankful
Examiner’s Tips
- Use personal experiences to make your answer authentic
- Include specific details and emotional responses
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary through synonyms
- Structure your response clearly with proper time management
- Practice expressing gratitude naturally in everyday situations
For those interested in describe a memorable event during your school days, similar storytelling techniques can be applied.
