Describing a time when you felt grateful is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences and emotions in English. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about gratitude. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you often feel grateful for things in your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to be grateful for things in my life. I think it’s important to appreciate what we have, like good health and family.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to practice gratitude daily. It’s not just about big things; I find joy in small blessings too, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning or a kind gesture from a stranger. This mindset has significantly improved my overall outlook on life.
Q: How do people in your country typically express gratitude?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my country, people usually say “thank you” or give small gifts to show they’re grateful. Sometimes they might invite someone for a meal as a way of saying thanks.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my culture, gratitude is often expressed through a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues. While saying “thank you” is common, we also emphasize showing appreciation through actions. This might involve reciprocating favors, giving thoughtful gifts, or even writing heartfelt notes. There’s also a strong tradition of expressing gratitude during family gatherings or festivals, where people openly acknowledge what they’re thankful for.
People expressing gratitude in various ways
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Time When You Felt Grateful For Something
You should say:
- What you were grateful for
- When this happened
- Why you felt grateful
- And explain how you expressed your gratitude
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I want to talk about a time when I felt really grateful. It was when my friend helped me move to a new apartment last year. I was feeling stressed because I had a lot of things to pack and not much time. My friend offered to help me without me asking.
I felt grateful because moving is hard work, and having someone to help made a big difference. It showed me that my friend really cared about me. I was able to finish moving much faster than I expected.
To show my gratitude, I bought my friend dinner after we finished moving. I also made sure to tell them how much their help meant to me. It was a simple way to say thank you, but I wanted them to know I really appreciated their kindness.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to recount a particularly poignant moment of gratitude I experienced last autumn. The subject of my appreciation was the unexpected support I received from a colleague during a challenging work project.
This incident occurred during a critical phase of a high-stakes presentation we were preparing for our company’s board of directors. With the deadline looming and the pressure mounting, I found myself grappling with a complex data analysis that was crucial to our proposal.
My gratitude stemmed from the fact that this colleague, despite having her own hefty workload, voluntarily stepped in to assist me. She not only helped me navigate through the intricate data but also offered invaluable insights that significantly enhanced the quality of our presentation.
To express my gratitude, I went beyond a simple thank you. I wrote a detailed email to our supervisor, highlighting her contributions and how they were instrumental to the project’s success. Additionally, I arranged for a personalized gift basket filled with her favorite items, accompanied by a handwritten note expressing my heartfelt appreciation. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and the importance of acknowledging those who support us in our professional journey.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this experience changed your perspective on gratitude?
- Do you think people express gratitude enough in today’s society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
This experience made me realize how important it is to be grateful. I think people should say thank you more often because it makes others feel good. In today’s society, people are often busy and might forget to show appreciation, but it’s really important.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience has profoundly impacted my perspective on gratitude. It’s made me acutely aware of the ripple effect of expressing appreciation – not only does it uplift the recipient, but it also fosters a more positive environment overall.
Regarding societal expression of gratitude, I believe there’s room for improvement. In our fast-paced, often impersonal digital world, genuine expressions of gratitude can sometimes get lost. However, I’ve observed a growing awareness of the importance of gratitude, particularly in workplace cultures and personal development spheres. This shift suggests a collective recognition of gratitude’s power in building stronger, more empathetic communities.
The impact of expressing gratitude
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to gratitude. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Q: How do you think gratitude affects society as a whole?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think gratitude is good for society. When people are grateful, they’re usually happier and kinder to others. This can make communities better places to live. It might also help people work together more easily.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Gratitude, in my opinion, plays a pivotal role in shaping societal dynamics. On a micro level, it fosters stronger interpersonal relationships, enhancing trust and cooperation among individuals. This, in turn, can lead to more cohesive communities and workplaces.
On a broader scale, a culture of gratitude can contribute significantly to social capital. It encourages prosocial behaviors, reduces feelings of entitlement, and promotes a more positive collective outlook. This can have far-reaching effects, from improving mental health outcomes to boosting economic productivity.
Moreover, gratitude can serve as a counterbalance to some of the negative aspects of modern society, such as materialism and individualism. By shifting focus from what we lack to what we have, it promotes contentment and sustainability, which are crucial for addressing global challenges like overconsumption and environmental degradation.
Q: Do you believe there’s a connection between gratitude and personal success?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think there is a connection. When people are grateful, they might be more positive and work harder. This could help them be more successful in their jobs or studies. Grateful people might also have better relationships, which can help in many areas of life.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe there’s a strong correlation between gratitude and personal success, though the relationship is multifaceted and not always immediately apparent.
Firstly, practicing gratitude can significantly enhance one’s mindset. It fosters resilience, optimism, and a growth-oriented perspective – all crucial traits for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in one’s personal and professional life.
Secondly, gratitude can improve interpersonal relationships, which are often key to success in many fields. Grateful individuals tend to be more empathetic and appreciative of others’ contributions, leading to stronger networks and more effective collaboration.
Moreover, gratitude can serve as a powerful motivator. By appreciating what one has achieved, individuals often feel inspired to strive for more, not out of dissatisfaction, but from a place of positive reinforcement.
Lastly, there’s growing scientific evidence suggesting that gratitude positively impacts physical and mental health. Better health naturally contributes to improved performance and productivity, indirectly influencing one’s potential for success.
However, it’s important to note that while gratitude can be a catalyst for success, it’s not a guarantee. It needs to be coupled with hard work, skill development, and strategic thinking to truly unlock one’s full potential.
Gratitude leading to personal success
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing gratitude, consider using these advanced words and phrases:
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Appreciation (noun) /əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃn/ – Recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things.
Example: “I have a deep appreciation for the support my family provides.” -
Indebted (adjective) /ɪnˈdetɪd/ – Owing gratitude or recognition to someone or something.
Example: “I feel indebted to my mentor for their guidance throughout my career.” -
To acknowledge (verb) /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ – To express or display recognition for something.
Example: “It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of those who help us.” -
Reciprocate (verb) /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ – To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one.
Example: “I always try to reciprocate kindness shown to me.” -
Overwhelmed with gratitude (phrase) – Feeling an intense sense of thankfulness.
Example: “I was overwhelmed with gratitude when my community rallied to support me during a difficult time.” -
To take for granted (phrase) – To fail to appreciate something, often due to familiarity.
Example: “We often take our health for granted until we face a medical challenge.” -
Heartfelt thanks (phrase) – Sincere and deeply felt gratitude.
Example: “I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this project.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude:
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Use personal anecdotes: Relate your answers to real-life experiences to demonstrate authenticity and fluency.
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Employ a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to gratitude, but ensure you use them accurately and naturally.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just state your opinions; explain them with reasons and examples to show depth of thought.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently.
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Show awareness of nuance: Discuss both the positive aspects of gratitude and any potential complexities or challenges associated with it.
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Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact and use gestures naturally to enhance your communication.
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Listen carefully: Ensure you fully understand the questions before responding, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced language, but about communicating your ideas clearly, confidently, and coherently. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you achieve this goal.
Describe something that you did with someone can also be an excellent opportunity to discuss gratitude, especially if the activity involved mutual support or led to a positive outcome you’re thankful for.
