The IELTS Speaking test assesses a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about gratitude and personal experiences, like “Describe a time when you felt grateful,” are common in IELTS Speaking Part 2, making preparation on this topic crucial. Understanding how to structure your response and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar can help you achieve a higher band score.
Let’s explore how you can tackle this question, giving you ample examples and tips to shine in the exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiners often start with simple questions to make you comfortable. Here are a few examples of what you might encounter:
- Where are you from?
- Do you enjoy spending time with your family?
- Is there anyone you are particularly grateful to? Why?
Sample Answer for Part 1 Question
Question: Is there anyone you are particularly grateful to? Why?
Answer: I am incredibly grateful to my parents, especially my mother. She has always supported me unconditionally through thick and thin. Her sacrifices and constant encouragement have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. For instance, there was a time when I was struggling with my studies, and she went out of her way to ensure I had the resources and motivation to keep going.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt grateful. You should say:
- When it happened
- Why it happened
- Who you were grateful to
- How you expressed your gratitude
Sample Answer
One time that stands out when I felt immensely grateful was when I received an unexpected scholarship during my final year of university. This happened about three years ago when I was really struggling to make ends meet because my part-time job was just not enough.
I remember receiving an email from the university administration informing me that I had been awarded a substantial scholarship based on my academic performance. It was like a ray of hope in a time of immense darkness.
The scholarship was given by a foundation that supports promising students with financial difficulties. I was grateful to the institution and particularly to the anonymous donors who funded the scholarship. Their generosity was especially touching because they didn’t know me personally, yet they believed in my potential and invested in my future.
To express my gratitude, I wrote a heartfelt letter to the university and the foundation, detailing how their support had made a profound difference in my life. Furthermore, I made a promise to myself to one day pay it forward by contributing to similar causes once I am in a position to do so.
This experience taught me the true value of generosity and the significant impact it can have on someone’s life. Whenever I think back to that moment, I am filled with gratitude and motivation to help others in need.
Examiner Follow-Up Questions
1. Do you think gratitude is an important quality?
- Absolutely, gratitude fosters positivity and helps in building strong relationships. It creates a sense of appreciation for what we have and inspires others to be kind.
2. Can expressing gratitude have any negative effects?
- While it is generally positive, overexpressing or misinterpreting gratitude can sometimes be seen as insincere or obsequious, potentially damaging relationships instead of strengthening them.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Here, the examiner might ask more abstract or general questions related to the topic of gratitude.
Sample Discussion Questions and Answers
Question: What are some ways people in your country show gratitude?
Answer: In my country, gratitude is expressed in numerous ways depending on the context. Common ways include verbally thanking someone, giving gifts, or writing letters. In more formal settings, people might offer certificates or awards to acknowledge someone’s contributions. During festivals or special occasions, people also express gratitude through hospitality and invitations to family gatherings.
Question: How does the expression of gratitude affect societal relationships?
Answer: Expressing gratitude strengthens societal bonds by fostering a culture of appreciation and mutual respect. When people feel appreciated, they are more likely to reciprocate acts of kindness, thereby creating a supportive and collaborative community. Gratitude can bridge social divides, mitigate conflicts, and enhance overall communal harmony.
Vocabulary and Key Structures
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Grateful (adj) /ˈɡreɪt.fəl/: feeling or showing thanks.
- Example: I am grateful for the support I received.
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Generosity (n) /ˌdʒen.əˈrɒs.ə.ti/: the quality of being kind and generous.
- Example: His generosity made a huge difference in my life.
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Substantial (adj) /səbˈstæn.ʃəl/: of considerable importance, size, or worth.
- Example: The scholarship provided substantial financial support.
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Sacrifice (n) /ˈsæk.rɪ.faɪs/: an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else.
- Example: My parents made many sacrifices for my education.
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To pay it forward (idiom): to respond to a person’s kindness to oneself by being kind to someone else.
- Example: I promised to pay it forward by helping others in need.
Tips for Practicing
- Practice regularly: Make use of mock tests and practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a study partner.
- Broaden your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
- Record yourself: Listening to your recordings can help identify areas for improvement.
- Get feedback: Ask teachers or peers for constructive feedback on your speaking.
Incorporate these strategies, and you’ll be well-prepared to handle any speaking prompt, just like “Describe a time when you felt grateful.” Check related prompts to further expand your preparedness, like Describe a time when you were happy or Describe a time when you did something kind.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!