In the IELTS Speaking Test, candidates are evaluated on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. The test comprises three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. Questions related to gifts and memorable gifts are quite popular in Part 2 and Part 3 of the speaking test, providing an excellent opportunity for candidates to showcase a range of vocabulary and speaking skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test, examiners ask about familiar topics such as home, work, studies, and hobbies. Here are some sample questions:
- What is your favorite hobby?
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- Have you ever received a gift that you liked?
Example Answer for “Have you ever received a gift that you liked?”
“Yes, I vividly remember receiving a smartwatch from my parents on my 18th birthday. It wasn’t just the functionality of the watch that made it special but the sentiment behind it. My parents knew that I had been saving up for it for a long time, and their gesture showed me how much they cared about my happiness and goals.”
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and you have to speak about it for 1-2 minutes. Here is a sample cue card and suggested answer for “Describe a time when you received a gift that you liked.”
Cue Card
Describe a time when you received a gift that you liked. You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- Why they gave it to you
- And explain why you liked it so much
Suggested Answer
“A time when I received a gift that I truly cherished was during my last birthday. The gift was a beautifully crafted leather-bound journal. It was given to me by my best friend, Sarah. She knew how passionate I am about writing and how I’ve always wanted to maintain a regular journaling habit. She also knew that I am fond of vintage items, and this journal perfectly encapsulated both.
Sarah gave it to me as a thoughtful gesture to encourage me during a time when I was feeling uninspired. What made this gift exceptionally special was not the object itself but the emotions and understanding behind it. Sarah also included a handwritten note on the first page, expressing her belief in my creativity and urging me to continue writing.
I liked it immensely because it was more than just a journal; it symbolized Sarah’s unyielding support and faith in my abilities. Every time I write in it, I’m reminded of her encouragement and our deep friendship. It’s a constant source of motivation and a cherished keepsake that I’ll treasure for years to come.”
Additional Questions (Bullet Points)
- How often do you use the gift now?
- “I use the journal almost daily. It’s become an integral part of my morning routine where I jot down my thoughts and plan my day.”
- Do you think the gift had a significant impact on you?
- “Absolutely, it significantly boosted my morale and inspired me to pursue my passion for writing more vigorously.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will discuss the topic related to Part 2 in a more abstract way. Here are some sample questions and suggested answers:
Questions & Answers
-
Why do people give gifts to others?
- “People give gifts for various reasons: to express love, appreciation, and to celebrate special occasions. Gifts can also strengthen relationships by showing the recipient that they are valued and remembered.”
-
Do you think that the act of giving gifts has changed over the years?
- “Yes, the act of giving gifts has evolved, particularly with the advent of technology and e-commerce. Nowadays, people can easily buy and send personalized gifts online, which makes the process more convenient. However, the essence of gift-giving – which is to express feelings and emotions – has remained unchanged.”
-
How important is it to choose the right gift?
- “Selecting the right gift is crucial because it demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration. A well-chosen gift shows that the giver knows and understands the recipient’s preferences and interests, which can greatly enhance the emotional value of the gift.”
Vocabulary and Key Phrases for High Scores
- Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adj): valued highly, held dear
- Crafted /kræftɪd/ (adj): skillfully made
- Sentiment /ˈsɛntɪmənt/ (noun): a view or attitude toward a situation or event; an opinion
- Integral /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ (adj): essential or necessary for completeness
- Encapsulated /ɪnˈkæpsjʊleɪtɪd/ (verb): enclosed in or as if in a capsule
- Unyielding /ˌʌnˈjiːldɪŋ/ (adj): inflexible, firm in purpose or belief
Examples with Usage
- “The journal was a cherished gift that I valued highly.”
- “It was a beautifully crafted piece of leather-bound art.”
- “The sentiment behind the gift made it extraordinarily special.”
- “The journal has become an integral part of my daily routine.”
- “Her belief in my creativity was encapsulated in the handwritten note.”
- “Sarah’s unyielding support meant the world to me.”
Examiner’s Tips for Practicing Speaking
- Practice Regularly: Set aside time every day to practice speaking on various topics.
- Record Yourself: Recording your responses and playing them back can help identify areas for improvement.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly learn and use new vocabulary to enrich your speech.
- Focus on Fluency and Coherence: Aim for a smooth and natural flow of ideas.
- Get Feedback: If possible, seek feedback from a teacher or a fluent English speaker to refine your speaking skills.
By following these tips and practicing the sample answers provided, you will be well-prepared to discuss the topic of receiving a gift in the IELTS Speaking Test. Focus on expressing your thoughts clearly and using diverse vocabulary to impress the examiners and achieve a high score.