Money gifts are commonly discussed in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly during special occasions or cultural celebrations. Similar to [describe a time when you gave or received a handmade gift], this topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to narrate personal experiences while showcasing vocabulary and grammatical range.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask:
- Do you prefer giving or receiving gifts?
- What kind of gifts are popular in your country?
- How do people usually give money as gifts in your culture?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe both giving and receiving gifts have their own charm, but I particularly appreciate giving gifts because it allows me to express my thoughtfulness and consideration for others. In my culture, monetary gifts are often presented in red envelopes during special occasions like weddings or New Year celebrations.”
Traditional red envelope for giving money gifts in Asian culture
Part 2: Cue Card
Talk about a time when you received money as a gift
You should say:
- When you received it
- Who gave it to you
- How much it was
- And explain how you felt about receiving it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share a memorable experience from my university graduation when I received a substantial monetary gift from my grandparents. This [describe a recent shopping experience that made you happy] was made even more special because of their thoughtful gesture.
They presented me with an envelope containing $1,000, which was incredibly generous and completely unexpected. What made it particularly touching was that they had been saving up for months to give me this gift.
I was genuinely moved by their generosity, not just because of the amount, but because it represented their pride in my achievement. The gift was also accompanied by a heartfelt letter expressing their hopes for my future, which made it even more meaningful.
I decided to put most of the money towards my post-graduate studies, which I believe was a way to honor their investment in my future. This experience has taught me about the [describe an interesting trend you have noticed recently] of mixing practical gifts with emotional significance.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about when I got money as a gift from my grandparents at my graduation. They gave me $1,000 in an envelope. I was very happy and surprised because it was a lot of money. I used the money for my studies later. It was nice of them to give me such a big gift.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Do you think giving money as a gift is becoming more common nowadays?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There’s definitely a noticeable shift towards monetary gifts, particularly among younger generations. This trend, like [describe a person who loves to travel], reflects our increasingly digital lifestyle. People appreciate the practicality and flexibility that money offers, allowing recipients to pursue their specific desires or needs.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Substantial sum: (adj + n) A large amount of money
- Genuinely touched: (adv + adj) Sincerely moved emotionally
- Put to good use: (phrase) To utilize something effectively
- Express gratitude: (v + n) To show thankfulness
- Monetary value: (adj + n) The worth in terms of money
Remember to practice these expressions in context and focus on natural delivery rather than memorization.
