The topic “Describe A Time You Felt Grateful” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express emotions, narrate past experiences, and use a range of vocabulary related to gratitude and personal experiences. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about gratitude and thankfulness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
1. Do you often feel grateful?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I try to feel grateful often. I think it’s important to appreciate the good things in life, even small ones. For example, I’m grateful for my family’s support and good health.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude in my daily life. I believe that acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of our lives, no matter how small, can significantly impact our overall well-being and perspective. For instance, I keep a gratitude journal where I jot down three things I’m thankful for each day, which helps me maintain a positive outlook.
2. How do you express gratitude in your culture?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my culture, we usually say “thank you” to express gratitude. For important things, we might give small gifts or treat someone to a meal. We also show respect to elders as a way of expressing thanks.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my culture, gratitude is expressed through a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues. While saying “thank you” is common, we also emphasize the importance of reciprocity and showing appreciation through actions. This might involve giving thoughtful gifts, offering assistance in return, or even writing heartfelt thank-you notes for significant gestures. Moreover, there’s a strong emphasis on respecting and caring for elders as a form of expressing gratitude for their wisdom and contributions to society.
Describe a time when you felt grateful for someone’s help
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a time you felt grateful
You should say:
- When it was
- What happened
- Who you felt grateful to
- And explain why you felt grateful
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to describe a time when I felt incredibly grateful, which occurred about two years ago when I was struggling with a challenging project at work.
The situation arose when I was tasked with developing a new marketing strategy for our company’s latest product launch. It was a high-stakes project with tight deadlines, and I was feeling overwhelmed by the complexity and scope of the work involved.
The person I felt most grateful to was my colleague, Sarah, who went above and beyond to support me during this stressful period. Despite having her own heavy workload, she voluntarily offered to assist me with research and data analysis, which were crucial components of the project.
What made me feel particularly grateful was not just Sarah’s practical help, but also her unwavering emotional support. She would often check in on me, offering words of encouragement and helping me maintain perspective when I felt discouraged. Her positive attitude was contagious, and it significantly boosted my morale and productivity.
The reason I felt so grateful was that Sarah’s support was entirely selfless. She had nothing to gain personally from helping me, yet she dedicated her time and energy to ensure the project’s success. Her actions reminded me of the importance of teamwork and how a supportive work environment can make a tremendous difference in challenging situations.
This experience left a lasting impression on me, not only in terms of my gratitude towards Sarah but also in how I approach collaboration and support within my team now. It reinforced my belief in the power of kindness and mutual support in the workplace, and I strive to pay it forward whenever I can.
Grateful for colleague's help with challenging project
Follow-up Questions
- How did you express your gratitude to Sarah?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I thanked Sarah many times and bought her a small gift to show my appreciation. I also told our manager about her help.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I expressed my gratitude to Sarah in several ways. Firstly, I made sure to acknowledge her contributions publicly during our team meetings, ensuring that her efforts were recognized by our colleagues and superiors. Additionally, I wrote her a heartfelt thank-you note, detailing specific instances where her support made a significant difference. To show my appreciation tangibly, I treated her to lunch at her favorite restaurant and presented her with a thoughtful gift related to her personal interests. Lastly, I made a conscious effort to reciprocate her kindness by offering my assistance on her projects whenever possible.
- Do you think gratitude is important in the workplace?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think gratitude is very important at work. It makes people feel valued and can improve team relationships. When people feel appreciated, they usually work harder too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe gratitude plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and productive work environment. Expressing appreciation not only boosts morale but also strengthens interpersonal relationships among colleagues. When employees feel valued and recognized for their efforts, it often leads to increased job satisfaction, higher motivation, and improved performance. Moreover, a culture of gratitude can enhance team cohesion, promote collaboration, and create a more supportive atmosphere where individuals are more likely to go the extra mile for their colleagues and the organization. It’s a simple yet powerful tool that can significantly impact employee retention and overall workplace happiness.
Describe a time when you felt very grateful
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of gratitude. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
1. Do you think people today are less grateful than in the past?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think it’s hard to say for sure, but sometimes it seems like people today might be less grateful. We have more things now, so maybe we take them for granted. But I also think many people still appreciate what they have.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This is a complex question that requires nuanced consideration. On one hand, the rapid pace of technological advancement and increased material wealth in many societies might lead to a sense of entitlement, potentially diminishing feelings of gratitude. The constant exposure to social media and advertising can create unrealistic expectations and a focus on what we lack rather than what we have.
However, I’d argue that there’s also a growing awareness of the importance of gratitude in recent years. Many people are actively practicing mindfulness and gratitude exercises, recognizing their benefits for mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, global challenges like the recent pandemic have heightened our appreciation for things we might have previously taken for granted, such as health, social connections, and everyday freedoms.
Ultimately, I believe that gratitude levels vary more between individuals than between generations, and are heavily influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and conscious efforts to cultivate thankfulness.
2. How can societies encourage people to be more grateful?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think schools could teach children about gratitude from a young age. Maybe we could have national days of thanksgiving, not just in America. The media could also show more positive stories about gratitude to inspire people.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Encouraging gratitude on a societal level requires a multi-faceted approach that involves education, cultural shifts, and institutional support. Firstly, integrating gratitude practices into educational curricula from an early age can help instill this value in younger generations. This could include activities like gratitude journaling or community service projects that help students appreciate what they have.
Secondly, public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of gratitude, both for individual well-being and social cohesion, could be effective. These campaigns could leverage social media, traditional media, and community events to spread their message.
Thirdly, workplace initiatives that recognize and reward expressions of gratitude could help create a culture where appreciation is valued and practiced regularly. This might include employee recognition programs or team-building exercises focused on acknowledging colleagues’ contributions.
Lastly, government policies that promote social welfare and community support can create an environment where people feel more secure and, consequently, more grateful. This could include initiatives to reduce inequality, improve public services, or support volunteer organizations.
By implementing these strategies, societies can work towards fostering a more grateful and appreciative populace, which in turn can lead to stronger communities and improved overall well-being.
Promoting gratitude in society through education and community initiatives
Describe a time when you felt grateful
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:
Cultivate gratitude /ˈkʌltɪveɪt ˈɡrætɪtjuːd/ (phrase) – To develop or foster a feeling of thankfulness
Example: “I make an effort to cultivate gratitude in my daily life by reflecting on positive experiences.”Appreciation /əˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃn/ (noun) – Recognition of the good qualities of someone or something
Example: “Showing appreciation for others’ efforts can greatly improve workplace morale.”Reciprocate /rɪˈsɪprəkeɪt/ (verb) – To respond to a gesture or action by making a corresponding one
Example: “I always try to reciprocate kindness when someone helps me.”Heartfelt /ˈhɑːtfelt/ (adjective) – Sincere, deeply felt
Example: “I wrote a heartfelt thank-you note to express my gratitude.”Pay it forward /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːwəd/ (phrase) – To respond to kindness by being kind to someone else
Example: “After receiving help during a difficult time, I decided to pay it forward by volunteering at a local charity.”Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb) – To encourage the development of something
Example: “Practicing gratitude can foster a more positive outlook on life.”Acknowledge /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/ (verb) – To recognize the importance or existence of something
Example: “It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of those who support us.”Unwavering /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ (adjective) – Steady, constant
Example: “Her unwavering support during my project was invaluable.”Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adjective) – Spreading from one person to another (used figuratively for emotions)
Example: “His positive attitude was contagious, lifting the spirits of the entire team.”Reinforce /ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs/ (verb) – To strengthen or support
Example: “This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of gratitude.”
Describe a person who taught you patience
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary related to gratitude and emotions. Use synonyms and avoid repetition.
Provide detailed examples: When describing a grateful experience, give specific details about the situation, your feelings, and the impact it had on you.
Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences. Use conditionals, relative clauses, and other advanced grammatical structures where appropriate.
Show reflection: Demonstrate your ability to think critically about gratitude and its role in society. Offer balanced viewpoints and consider different perspectives.
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to improve your ability to discuss it smoothly and confidently. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
Engage with the questions: Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and provide relevant, thoughtful responses. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if needed.
Express opinions clearly: When asked for your views, state them clearly and support them with reasons and examples.
Use appropriate body language: Maintain eye contact, use natural hand gestures, and show enthusiasm for the topic through your facial expressions and tone of voice.
Remember, regular practice speaking about various topics, including gratitude, will help you feel more comfortable and perform better during the actual test.
Describe a memorable experience you had during a festival
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing the topic of gratitude. Remember to personalize your responses and speak naturally to showcase your English language skills effectively.
