How to Answer “Describe a time when you gave someone a gift” in the IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your English proficiency through a structured interview with an examiner. The examiner assesses various aspects such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. Understanding the examiner’s expectations and preparing structured responses can significantly improve your scores. Today, we’ll focus on one common topic: “Describe A Time When You Gave Someone A Gift,” which often appears in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Perspective

Examiners look for:

• Fluency and Coherence: Smooth flow of speech without long pauses, logical sequencing of ideas.
• Lexical Resource: Use of varied vocabulary, including topic-specific words.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Correct use of grammar, varied sentence structures.
• Pronunciation: Clear and understandable pronunciation, natural intonation.

Understanding these criteria will help you craft responses that meet the examiner’s expectations.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you will answer general questions about yourself and familiar topics.

Possible Questions:

1. Do you like to give gifts?
2. What kind of gifts do you prefer to give and receive?
3. On what occasions do people in your country give gifts?

Example Answer for “Do you like to give gifts?”

Question: Do you like to give gifts?
Answer: Yes, I absolutely enjoy giving gifts. There’s something incredibly satisfying about selecting a thoughtful present and seeing the recipient’s reaction. It’s a beautiful way to show appreciation and strengthen relationships. Moreover, gift-giving is quite common in my culture for celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, and festivals.

Analysis: This response demonstrates fluency and coherence with a structured and detailed answer. The use of specific terms like “thoughtful present” and “strengthen relationships” showcases a good lexical resource.

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a specific topic and bullet points to cover in your response. You’ll have a minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you gave someone a gift.
You should say:

• Who the person was
• What the gift was
• Why you chose that gift
• And explain how the person reacted

Example Answer:

One occasion that stands out vividly in my memory is when I gave my best friend, Sarah, a handcrafted photo album for her birthday. Sarah and I have been friends since childhood, and we share countless memories together. I decided a personalized gift would resonate deeply with her emotions.

First, I meticulously selected photos that captured our happiest moments over the years. Then, I spent several evenings arranging them in a beautiful album, adding handwritten notes and decorations to make it unique. This gift was important to me because it symbolized our enduring friendship and the beautiful journey we have shared.

*When I presented the album to Sarah, her eyes immediately welled up with tears. She was visibly moved and overjoyed. She hugged me tightly and expressed how much the gift meant to her, more than words could convey. She said that every page of the album was like reliving a cherished memory.

In essence, giving this gift not only brought immense joy to Sarah but also strengthened our bond further. It was a gratifying experience that underscored the power of thoughtful and heartfelt gifts.

Analysis: This answer is rich in descriptive details and emotions, enhancing fluency and coherence. The use of phrases like “handcrafted photo album,” “symbolized our enduring friendship,” and “welling up with tears” demonstrates an excellent lexical resource.

best friend receiving gift

Follow-up Questions:

1. Why do people give gifts?
2. How important is the act of giving and receiving gifts in your culture?
3. Are expensive gifts always better than inexpensive ones?

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.

Example Questions and Answers:

Question: Why do people give gifts?
Answer: People give gifts for various reasons. Primarily, it’s a way to show affection and appreciation. Gifts can also serve as a means of apology or as a gesture to celebrate significant milestones such as birthdays or anniversaries. In many cultures, giving gifts is part of social rituals that affirm relationships and express communal bonds.

Analysis: This answer articulates the reasons behind gift-giving using clear and logical arguments, demonstrating good fluency and lexical resource.

Question: Are expensive gifts always better than inexpensive ones?
Answer: Not necessarily. The value of a gift often lies in its thoughtfulness rather than its price tag. Inexpensive but meaningful gifts, like something handmade or personalized, can have a profound emotional impact. Conversely, a costly yet impersonal gift may not evoke the same feelings. Ultimately, the sentiment behind the gift is more important than its monetary value.

Analysis: This response clearly presents a well-reasoned perspective, showcasing the ability to discuss abstract concepts and support arguments with logical explanations, thereby meeting the criteria for higher bands.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• Handcrafted /ˈhænd.kræf.tɪd/ (adj.): made by hand, not by machine, and typically of high quality.
• Cherished /ˈtʃer.ɪʃt/ (adj.): loved and held dear.
• Affection /əˈfek.ʃən/ (noun): a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.
• Bond /bɒnd/ (noun): a strong connection or relationship.
• Sentiment /ˈsen.tɪ.mənt/ (noun): a view or attitude, primarily based on emotion rather than logic.

Example Sentences:

1. The handcrafted photo album was filled with cherished memories.
2. Giving gifts is a common way to express affection.
3. The personalized gift symbolized the strong bond between them.
4. It’s the sentiment behind the gift that truly matters.

Tips for Achieving High Scores

• Practice Regularly: Regular practice builds fluency and confidence.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Read widely and note down new words and phrases.
• Practice Speaking Aloud: Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
• Seek Feedback: Join study groups or practice with a tutor to get constructive feedback.
• Stay Calm and Composed: During the test, breathe deeply and stay focused.

By incorporating these strategies and understanding the underlying criteria that examiners use, you can improve your performance and aim for a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test.