Describing a time when you gave someone a surprise is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express emotions, and use descriptive language. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about surprises and gifts. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you like surprises?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy surprises. They can be exciting and make life more interesting. I think surprises show that someone cares about you and has put thought into making you happy.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite fond of surprises, both giving and receiving them. There’s something inherently thrilling about the unexpected nature of surprises. They often bring a burst of joy and can really brighten up someone’s day. I find that well-planned surprises demonstrate thoughtfulness and can strengthen relationships.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Time When You Gave Someone A Surprise.
You should say:
- Who you surprised
- What the surprise was
- How you planned it
- And explain how the person reacted to the surprise
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about a time when I surprised my mother on her birthday last year. The surprise was a small family gathering at our home, which I organized secretly.
I planned it by contacting my relatives and close family friends about two weeks before her birthday. I asked them to keep it a secret and come to our house on the day. I also prepared some of her favorite dishes and bought a cake.
On her birthday, I told her we were just going to have a quiet dinner at home. When she came back from work, everyone was there waiting. She was really surprised and happy. Her eyes lit up, and she had a big smile on her face. She hugged everyone and said it was the best birthday she’d had in years.
This surprise made me feel good because I could see how happy it made my mother. It was nice to be able to do something special for her.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to recount an occasion when I orchestrated a surprise for my mother on her 50th birthday last year. The surprise in question was an elaborately planned family reunion at our home, which I had meticulously organized in utmost secrecy.
The planning process began approximately a month prior to her birthday. I reached out to various family members and close friends, sworn them to secrecy, and coordinated their arrivals. I also took it upon myself to prepare an array of her favorite culinary delights, including her beloved childhood dishes that I had to learn from her sister. Additionally, I commissioned a local bakery to create a custom-designed cake that featured photos from different stages of her life.
On the day of her birthday, I deliberately downplayed any expectations, suggesting we would have a quiet, intimate dinner at home. When she returned from work, she was utterly astonished to find our house transformed into a festive gathering with all her loved ones present. The look of sheer joy and disbelief on her face was priceless. Her eyes welled up with tears of happiness, and she was momentarily speechless before breaking into laughter and embracing everyone.
This surprise proved to be a resounding success, not just in terms of the immediate reaction, but also in the lasting memories it created. It reinforced the bonds within our family and gave my mother a tangible reminder of how much she is loved and appreciated. Personally, orchestrating this surprise gave me a profound sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had contributed significantly to making a milestone birthday truly unforgettable for someone who has given so much to our family.
Planning a surprise birthday party
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you feel while planning the surprise?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I felt excited but also a bit nervous. I was worried that someone might accidentally tell my mother about the surprise. But mostly, I was happy to be doing something special for her.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The planning process was a mixture of exhilaration and apprehension. On one hand, I was thrilled at the prospect of creating such a meaningful experience for my mother. However, I also felt a constant undercurrent of nervous energy, stemming from the fear that the surprise might be inadvertently revealed. Balancing the excitement with the need for discretion was quite challenging, but it ultimately made the successful execution all the more rewarding.
- Do you think surprises are always a good thing?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Not always. Some people don’t like surprises, and sometimes surprises can go wrong if not planned well. It’s important to know the person you’re surprising and what they might enjoy.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While surprises can often bring joy and excitement, they’re not universally appreciated or appropriate in all situations. The efficacy of a surprise largely depends on the recipient’s personality, the nature of the surprise itself, and the context in which it’s given. Some individuals may find surprises anxiety-inducing or uncomfortable, preferring predictability in their lives. Additionally, poorly planned or ill-timed surprises can lead to awkward situations or even distress. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of the recipient’s preferences, current circumstances, and potential reactions when planning a surprise. A well-intentioned surprise should enhance rather than disrupt someone’s experience or emotional state.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Why do you think people enjoy giving surprises to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think people enjoy giving surprises because it makes them feel good to see others happy. Surprises can show that you care about someone and have put thought into making them feel special. It’s also fun to plan something secret and see the reaction when you reveal it.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The act of giving surprises can be immensely gratifying for several reasons. Primarily, it allows the giver to experience vicarious joy through the recipient’s happiness and excitement. This altruistic behavior often triggers the release of feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin, reinforcing positive emotions associated with giving.
Moreover, planning and executing a surprise requires empathy and thoughtfulness, as one must anticipate the recipient’s preferences and reactions. This process can deepen interpersonal connections and demonstrate a genuine understanding of the other person. The element of secrecy involved in surprises also adds an air of excitement and anticipation for the giver, making the entire experience more engaging and memorable.
Additionally, successful surprises can bolster one’s self-esteem and sense of accomplishment, especially if the surprise is well-received. It provides an opportunity to showcase creativity and problem-solving skills, particularly when overcoming logistical challenges to keep the surprise hidden.
In essence, the joy of giving surprises stems from a combination of altruistic satisfaction, the thrill of secrecy, and the reinforcement of social bonds, making it a uniquely rewarding experience.
Emotional reaction to a surprise
Question: Do you think the culture of giving surprises is different in various countries?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think surprise-giving can be different in various cultures. In some countries, surprises might be very common and expected, while in others, they might not be as usual. The types of surprises and how they’re given can also vary depending on cultural norms and traditions.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The culture of giving surprises undoubtedly varies across different countries and societies, influenced by a complex interplay of cultural norms, social expectations, and historical traditions.
In some cultures, particularly in many Western countries, surprises are often embraced and celebrated. There’s a strong emphasis on individual expressions of affection and creativity, which aligns well with the concept of surprise-giving. Events like surprise birthday parties or unexpected gifts are common and generally well-received.
Conversely, in certain Eastern cultures, there may be a greater emphasis on predictability and harmony. In these contexts, surprises might be less common or approached differently. For instance, in some Asian cultures, gift-giving is often more formalized and expected, with less emphasis on the element of surprise.
The nature of surprises can also differ culturally. In some societies, material surprises like gifts might be more prevalent, while in others, experiential surprises or gestures of service might be more valued. The scale and public nature of surprises can vary too, with some cultures favoring grand, public gestures and others preferring more intimate, private surprises.
It’s also worth noting that generational differences within cultures can impact attitudes towards surprises. Younger generations in traditionally conservative societies might be more open to Western-style surprises due to globalization and media influence.
Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial in our increasingly interconnected world. It helps in navigating social situations appropriately and avoiding potential misunderstandings when interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Orchestrate (verb) /ˈɔːkɪstreɪt/ – to organize or arrange something carefully, often in a secret or complicated way
Example: She orchestrated the entire surprise party without her husband suspecting anything. -
Meticulously (adverb) /məˈtɪkjələsli/ – in a way that shows great attention to detail; very carefully and precisely
Example: The surprise vacation was meticulously planned to ensure everything went smoothly. -
Utterly (adverb) /ˈʌtəli/ – completely and without qualification; absolutely
Example: He was utterly astonished when his friends threw him a surprise graduation party. -
Priceless (adjective) /ˈpraɪsləs/ – extremely valuable or important
Example: The look of joy on her face when she saw the surprise was priceless. -
Reinforce (verb) /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ – to strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel or material
Example: Surprise gestures can reinforce the bonds of friendship and love. -
Anticipation (noun) /ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ – the action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction
Example: The anticipation of revealing the surprise made me both nervous and excited.
Key vocabulary for describing surprises
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
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Practice narrating personal experiences: Regularly practice telling stories about surprises you’ve given or received. This will help you become more comfortable with the narrative structure and descriptive language needed for Part 2.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of adjectives and adverbs to describe emotions, reactions, and the planning process of surprises. This will enhance your lexical resource score.
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Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers that explore different aspects of the topic. Use examples and explanations to support your points.
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Work on fluency: Practice speaking continuously for 2 minutes to prepare for Part 2. Use fillers and linking words naturally to maintain fluency.
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Improve pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation, especially when using new vocabulary related to surprises and emotions.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your answers relevant to the question asked. It’s easy to go off-topic when discussing personal experiences.
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Use a variety of tenses: When describing past events and their outcomes, make sure to use different tenses accurately. This will boost your grammatical range score.
By following these tips and utilizing the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss the topic of giving surprises in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your performance and confidence.
How to talk about a special gift you received in IELTS Speaking can provide additional insights into discussing positive experiences, which is closely related to the theme of surprises. Similarly, Describe a time when you received a gift offers complementary perspectives that can enrich your vocabulary and ideas when talking about surprises and gifts in general.
