The topic of describing a time when someone gave you something you really wanted is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, 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 the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to gifts and giving. Here are some typical questions an examiner might ask:
- Do you enjoy giving gifts to others?
- What was the last gift you received?
- How do you choose gifts for your friends or family?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Examiner: What was the last gift you received?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“The last gift I received was actually a beautifully crafted leather notebook from my sister for my birthday last month. It was particularly special because she knows how much I love writing and journaling. The notebook has a rich brown color and a delightful aroma of genuine leather. What made it even more meaningful was the personalized message she had engraved on the cover. It’s become my go-to journal for jotting down ideas and reflections.”
describe a flower you received as a gift
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a time when someone gave you something you really wanted
You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- Why you wanted it so much
- And explain how you felt when you received it
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the time I received a smartphone as a gift from my parents. It was a Samsung Galaxy model that I had been eyeing for months. I got this gift on my 18th birthday, which made it even more special.
I had wanted this phone desperately because all my friends had smartphones, and I felt left out when they were using various apps or taking high-quality photos. Plus, I needed a better device for my studies, as many of our school projects required internet research and collaborative work.
When I unwrapped the gift and saw the phone box, I was over the moon. My parents had kept it a secret, so it came as a complete surprise. I felt incredibly grateful and excited to finally have a modern smartphone. It was a milestone moment for me, symbolizing a step towards adulthood and independence.
The gift meant so much to me because it showed that my parents understood my needs and were willing to invest in my education and social life. I immediately started exploring all the features and downloading apps. It opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me, both in terms of staying connected with friends and enhancing my learning experience.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount a particularly memorable occasion when I received a gift I had long coveted – a state-of-the-art DSLR camera. This generous present was bestowed upon me by my uncle, an avid photographer himself, on the occasion of my graduation from university.
I had been passionately pursuing photography as a hobby for several years, but had been constrained by the limitations of my smartphone camera. This DSLR, a Canon EOS 80D, had been at the top of my wishlist for its exceptional image quality and versatile features.
When I unwrapped the meticulously packaged gift, I was utterly speechless. The realization that I was holding a professional-grade camera in my hands was overwhelming. My uncle had discreetly consulted with my parents to ensure the gift would be both suitable and deeply appreciated.
The camera represented not just a significant monetary value, but more importantly, it symbolized a vote of confidence in my photographic skills and aspirations. I felt a profound sense of gratitude mixed with exhilaration at the possibilities that lay ahead.
This gift was particularly meaningful as it marked a turning point in my photographic journey. It empowered me to explore more advanced techniques and pushed me to elevate my craft. The thoughtfulness behind the gift, coupled with its perfect timing, made it an unforgettable experience that I cherish to this day.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this gift impacted your life?
- Do you think expensive gifts are always the best?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This gift has had a profound impact on my life in multiple ways. Primarily, it has significantly enhanced my photography skills, allowing me to experiment with various techniques such as long exposure and depth of field manipulation. This newfound expertise has not only enriched my hobby but has also opened up unexpected opportunities – I’ve been able to contribute to local exhibitions and even earn some income through freelance photography gigs.
Moreover, the camera has broadened my perspective on visual storytelling. It’s compelled me to observe my surroundings more keenly, seeking out interesting compositions in everyday scenes. This heightened awareness has spilled over into other areas of my life, making me more observant and appreciative of details I might have previously overlooked.
Perhaps most significantly, this gift has strengthened the bond with my uncle. Our shared passion for photography has become a focal point of our relationship, leading to engaging discussions about techniques and even joint photography expeditions. In essence, this gift has not just been a tool, but a catalyst for personal growth, creative expression, and deeper family connections.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample dialogue:
Examiner: Do you think the culture of gift-giving is changing in modern society?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe the culture of gift-giving is indeed evolving in our modern society. One notable shift is the increasing popularity of experiential gifts over material ones. People are now more inclined to gift experiences like concert tickets or cooking classes, valuing shared memories over physical objects.
Another change is the rise of digital gifting. With the prevalence of e-commerce and digital platforms, it’s become common to send virtual gift cards or online subscriptions. This trend has been further accelerated by recent global events that have limited physical interactions.
However, I think the core essence of gift-giving – the desire to show appreciation and strengthen relationships – remains unchanged. What’s different is the form these gestures take, adapting to our changing lifestyles and values.”
Examiner: How do you think technology has influenced the way people give and receive gifts?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has profoundly transformed the landscape of gift-giving in multiple dimensions. Firstly, it has exponentially expanded our options. With e-commerce platforms, we now have access to a global marketplace, allowing us to source unique or personalized gifts that were previously unattainable.
Secondly, technology has revolutionized the way we select gifts. Sophisticated algorithms and AI-powered recommendation systems can now analyze our browsing history and purchase patterns to suggest tailored gift ideas. This has made the process more efficient but also raises questions about the personal touch in gift selection.
Moreover, technology has introduced entirely new categories of gifts. Digital gifts like e-books, streaming subscriptions, or even cryptocurrency have become increasingly popular. These gifts are instantaneous and borderless, overcoming geographical constraints.
However, this technological shift is not without its drawbacks. The ease of online gifting might lead to a decline in the thoughtfulness and effort traditionally associated with gift-giving. There’s also the risk of depersonalization, as automated reminders and one-click purchases might diminish the emotional investment in the process.
In conclusion, while technology has undeniably enhanced convenience and choice in gift-giving, it also challenges us to maintain the personal, thoughtful aspect that makes a gift truly special. The key lies in leveraging technology to facilitate, rather than replace, the human element in this age-old practice of expressing care and appreciation.”
describe a gift you gave that had special meaning
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers above:
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Coveted /ˈkʌvətɪd/ (adjective): greatly desired or envied
Example: “The latest smartphone model was a coveted item among teenagers.” -
Bestow /bɪˈstəʊ/ (verb): to present or give as an honor or gift
Example: “The award was bestowed upon her in recognition of her outstanding achievements.” -
Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): very great or intense
Example: “The experience had a profound impact on his worldview.” -
Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: “Her encouragement was the catalyst for his decision to pursue a career in music.” -
Evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ (verb): to develop gradually
Example: “The company’s business model has evolved to adapt to changing market conditions.”
describe a time when you had to keep a promise
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a memorable gift experience:
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Use descriptive language: Incorporate adjectives and adverbs to make your narrative more vivid and engaging.
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Express emotions: Convey how you felt about receiving the gift, using a range of emotion-related vocabulary.
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Provide context: Explain why the gift was significant to you, relating it to your personal circumstances or interests.
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Use a variety of tenses: Demonstrate your ability to use different tenses accurately, especially when narrating past events.
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Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly, without long pauses or hesitations. Regular practice with a variety of topics can help improve your fluency.
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Expand on your answers: In Part 3, don’t just give short responses. Develop your ideas with explanations, examples, or personal experiences.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural-sounding phrases to enhance the sophistication of your language.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence are just as important as vocabulary and grammar.
describe a time when you tried a new activity
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing memorable experiences like receiving a special gift.