Describing a time when you received money from a family member is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, financial matters, and family relationships. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and aim for a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about money and family. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you often receive money as a gift from family members?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, it’s not a regular occurrence, but I do occasionally receive money as a gift from my family, particularly on special occasions like birthdays or major holidays. It’s more common in our culture for older relatives to give money to younger family members as a way of showing care and support.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time you received money from a family member.
You should say:
- Who gave you the money
- When this happened
- Why they gave you the money
- How you felt about receiving it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a significant instance when I received money from my grandmother. This memorable event took place about two years ago, just as I was preparing to embark on my university journey.
My grandmother, who has always been a pillar of support in my life, decided to gift me a substantial amount of money. Her intention was to help me cover some of the initial expenses associated with starting university, such as purchasing textbooks and setting up my dormitory room.
The timing of her gift was impeccable, as it came just a few weeks before I was due to leave for university. I remember feeling a mix of emotions when she handed me the envelope. Initially, I was taken aback by her generosity, and I must admit I felt a bit uncomfortable accepting such a large sum.
However, as she explained her reasons, I was deeply touched by her thoughtfulness. It wasn’t just about the monetary value; it was a tangible expression of her belief in my potential and her desire to contribute to my future success. Her gift alleviated a considerable amount of financial stress I had been experiencing, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on part-time work.
Reflecting on this experience, I realize how fortunate I am to have such a supportive family. My grandmother’s gift went beyond its monetary value; it was a profound demonstration of her love and faith in me. This gesture has motivated me to excel in my studies and make the most of the opportunities presented to me at university.
In conclusion, receiving this money from my grandmother was not just a financial boost but a heartwarming reminder of the strength of family bonds and the importance of supporting one another’s dreams and aspirations.”
Describe a gift you gave that had special meaning can be another interesting topic to explore in IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to showcase your ability to discuss personal experiences and emotions.
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: “Did you spend the money as your grandmother intended?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I made a conscious effort to honor my grandmother’s intentions by allocating the funds precisely as she had envisioned. The bulk of the money went towards purchasing essential textbooks and academic materials, which proved invaluable throughout my first year. I also used a portion to furnish my dormitory room with necessities, creating a comfortable study environment. By adhering to her wishes, I felt I was not only making the most of her generous gift but also demonstrating my respect for her support and foresight.”
Examiner: “How common is it in your culture for family members to give money as gifts?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“In my culture, giving money as a gift is quite prevalent, especially during significant life events or celebrations. It’s seen as a practical and thoughtful gesture, particularly from older relatives to younger family members. This tradition is deeply rooted in our cultural values of family support and intergenerational care. However, the practice varies among families and can depend on factors like the occasion, the relationship between the giver and recipient, and individual preferences.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think it’s better for parents to give their children money or to teach them how to earn it?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. I believe there’s value in both approaches, and the best strategy often involves a balanced combination of the two.
On one hand, providing financial support to children can be crucial, especially during their formative years or when they’re pursuing education. This support can alleviate stress and allow them to focus on personal growth and academic achievements. It can also teach them about generosity and family support.
However, teaching children how to earn money is equally, if not more, important. This approach instills valuable life skills such as work ethic, financial responsibility, and independence. It helps children understand the value of money and develop a sense of accomplishment.
Ideally, parents should strike a balance between these two approaches. They could provide financial support for essential needs and important life stages while also encouraging their children to take on part-time jobs or entrepreneurial ventures. This dual approach can foster both gratitude for family support and the skills needed for financial independence.
Ultimately, the goal should be to equip children with the tools they need to become financially responsible adults. This might mean adjusting the balance of giving and teaching based on the child’s age, maturity, and individual circumstances.
In my opinion, the most effective parenting strategy is one that gradually shifts from providing financial support to facilitating financial independence, ensuring children are well-prepared for the financial realities of adulthood.”
Describe an expensive item you would like to own is a related topic that can help you practice discussing financial aspirations and values.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Pillar of support (/ˈpɪlər əv səˈpɔːrt/) – noun phrase: A reliable source of support or strength.
Example: “My family has always been a pillar of support throughout my academic journey.” -
Impeccable (/ɪmˈpekəbl/) – adjective: Perfect, faultless.
Example: “The timing of her financial gift was impeccable, coming just when I needed it most.” -
Alleviate (/əˈliːvieɪt/) – verb: To make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe.
Example: “The money from my grandmother helped alleviate my financial stress.” -
Profound demonstration (/prəˈfaʊnd ˌdemənˈstreɪʃn/) – noun phrase: A deep or significant display or expression.
Example: “Her gift was a profound demonstration of her belief in my potential.” -
Tangible expression (/ˈtændʒəbl ɪkˈspreʃn/) – noun phrase: A concrete or physical manifestation of an idea or feeling.
Example: “The money was a tangible expression of her support for my education.” -
Nuanced issue (/ˈnjuːɑːnst ˈɪʃuː/) – noun phrase: A complex matter with subtle differences or aspects.
Example: “The question of giving money to children versus teaching them to earn it is a nuanced issue.”
Describe a memorable holiday experience you had can be an excellent way to practice using descriptive language and expressing emotions, skills that are also valuable when discussing financial gifts.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like receiving money from family members:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide detailed and relevant examples to support your points.
- Express your thoughts clearly and coherently, maintaining a logical flow throughout your response.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3, by considering different perspectives and implications.
- Practice speaking on various topics to improve your fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you express yourself. Focus on clarity, fluency, and demonstrating a wide range of language skills.
Describe a recipe you recently tried is another topic that can help you practice descriptive language and sequencing events, skills that are also useful when discussing financial gifts and their impact.