Describing an unexpected gift is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their storytelling abilities, vocabulary range, and emotional expression. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about gifts. Here are a few examples with suggested answers:
Sample Question: Do you enjoy receiving gifts?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy receiving gifts. It’s always nice to know that someone has thought of you and taken the time to choose something special. I especially appreciate thoughtful gifts that show the giver really knows my interests.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find great joy in receiving gifts, particularly those that come as a surprise. There’s something truly heartwarming about knowing that someone has invested time and effort into selecting a present specifically for me. I especially cherish gifts that reflect a deep understanding of my personality or interests, as they demonstrate a genuine connection between the giver and myself.
Sample Question: What kind of gifts do you usually give to others?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I usually try to give practical gifts that I know the person will use. For close friends, I might choose something related to their hobbies or interests. If I’m not sure what to get, I often opt for gift cards so they can choose something they really want.
Band 8-9 Answer:
When it comes to gift-giving, I put considerable thought into selecting items that are both meaningful and tailored to the recipient’s tastes. For instance, for bookworms, I might hunt down a first edition of their favorite author’s work. For aspiring chefs, I could compile a basket of exotic spices and a corresponding cookbook. In cases where I’m less familiar with the person’s preferences, I lean towards experiential gifts, such as tickets to a local concert or a voucher for a gourmet dining experience, as these often create lasting memories.
Unexpected gifts: Various wrapped presents on a table
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe an unexpected gift you received. You should say:
- What the gift was
- Who gave it to you
- When you received it
- And explain why it was unexpected
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to share an experience about an unexpected gift I received that truly caught me off guard and left a lasting impression. The gift in question was a vintage record player, complete with a collection of classic vinyl records from the 60s and 70s.
This thoughtful present was given to me by my grandfather on my 25th birthday, which was about two years ago. What made it so unexpected was that I had never explicitly expressed an interest in vinyl or record players to him. In fact, I had always been more of a digital music consumer, primarily using streaming services for my daily dose of tunes.
The reason this gift was so surprising and touching was multifaceted. Firstly, it demonstrated that my grandfather had been keenly observant of my growing appreciation for retro aesthetics and my recent fascination with the sound quality of analog music, which I had only casually mentioned in passing conversations. Secondly, the gift represented a bridge between generations – it was his way of sharing his love for music and the nostalgia of his youth with me.
What made the gift even more special was the personal touch he added. Among the vinyl collection, he had included several records that held significant memories for our family, including the first album he ever bought and the record that was playing when he met my grandmother. This level of thoughtfulness and the emotional value attached to the gift were truly overwhelming.
Receiving this unexpected gift was a pivotal moment that not only introduced me to a new way of experiencing music but also deepened my connection with my grandfather and our family history. It’s a perfect example of how the most meaningful gifts often come when you least expect them and from sources you might not anticipate.
Vintage record player with vinyl collection on display
Follow-up Questions
- How did you react when you received this gift?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I was really surprised and happy when I got the gift. I didn’t expect such a thoughtful present from my grandfather. I thanked him a lot and told him how much I appreciated it.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My initial reaction was a mixture of astonishment and profound gratitude. I was momentarily speechless, genuinely taken aback by the thoughtfulness and significance of the gift. As the reality sank in, I felt a surge of emotion, realizing the depth of connection this gift represented. I embraced my grandfather warmly, expressing my heartfelt appreciation not just for the gift itself, but for the love and consideration behind it. I was eager to learn more about each record and the memories associated with them, which led to a wonderful afternoon of storytelling and bonding.
- Do you think it’s important to give unexpected gifts? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think giving unexpected gifts is important. It shows that you care about the person and have put thought into making them happy. Surprise gifts can make people feel special and appreciated.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that giving unexpected gifts holds immense value in nurturing relationships and creating lasting memories. The element of surprise in gift-giving serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates a level of attentiveness and consideration that goes beyond routine or obligatory gift exchanges. It shows that the giver has been observant of the recipient’s interests or needs, often picking up on subtle cues that might have gone unnoticed.
Moreover, unexpected gifts have the power to break the monotony of daily life and inject a sense of wonder and joy into ordinary moments. They can serve as powerful mood elevators and create a ripple effect of positivity. From a psychological perspective, unexpected positive events, such as receiving a surprise gift, can trigger a release of dopamine in the brain, enhancing feelings of pleasure and strengthening the bond between the giver and receiver.
However, it’s crucial to note that the value of an unexpected gift lies not in its monetary worth, but in its thoughtfulness and relevance to the recipient. A well-chosen unexpected gift can speak volumes about the depth of a relationship and the effort invested in maintaining it.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Questions and Answers
- How have gift-giving traditions changed in your country over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my country, gift-giving has become more commercialized over the years. People used to give more handmade or personal gifts, but now it’s common to buy expensive items or gift cards. There’s also more pressure to give gifts for various occasions, not just major holidays.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of gift-giving traditions in my country has been quite remarkable and reflective of broader societal changes. Historically, gift-giving was deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices, often involving handcrafted items or goods of practical value. However, with rapid urbanization and technological advancements, we’ve witnessed a significant shift towards more commercialized gift-giving practices.
One notable change is the rise of digital gifting. E-gift cards, online experiences, and even virtual goods in video games have become increasingly popular, especially among younger generations. This trend has been accelerated by the recent global pandemic, which necessitated contactless methods of showing appreciation.
Another interesting development is the growing preference for experiential gifts over material possessions. People are increasingly valuing shared experiences, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or travel vouchers, as these are seen to create lasting memories and foster stronger connections.
Additionally, there’s a budding movement towards more sustainable and ethical gift-giving. Eco-friendly products, locally-made goods, and gifts that support social causes are gaining traction, reflecting a growing consciousness about consumption and its impact on the environment and society.
Despite these changes, it’s heartening to see a resurgence of interest in personalized and handmade gifts, perhaps as a counter-reaction to mass commercialization. This blend of traditional values and modern practices creates a rich and diverse gift-giving culture that continues to evolve.
Modern gift-giving: Digital and physical presents side by side
- Do you think the value of a gift is more in its price or its meaning?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe the meaning of a gift is more important than its price. A thoughtful, inexpensive gift can be much more valuable than an expensive one that doesn’t have much meaning. It’s the thought and effort behind the gift that really matters.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, the intrinsic value of a gift lies predominantly in its meaning rather than its monetary worth. The true essence of gift-giving transcends mere material exchange; it’s a symbolic gesture that communicates emotions, strengthens bonds, and creates lasting memories.
A gift’s meaning can be derived from various factors. It might reflect a deep understanding of the recipient’s passions or needs, demonstrating the giver’s attentiveness and care. Alternatively, it could carry sentimental value, perhaps evoking shared experiences or inside jokes that are priceless to those involved. In some cases, the value might lie in the time and effort invested in creating or sourcing the gift, which can far outweigh any financial cost.
That being said, it would be naive to completely disregard the role of monetary value in gift-giving. In certain cultures or social contexts, the price of a gift can be seen as a measure of respect or importance. Moreover, there are situations where a more expensive gift might be necessary to meet practical needs or desires.
The key, I believe, lies in striking a balance. The ideal gift harmoniously combines thoughtfulness with appropriateness, which may or may not correlate with price. A modestly priced item chosen with genuine care and consideration can often elicit more joy and appreciation than an expensive gift selected without much thought.
Ultimately, the most valuable gifts are those that resonate on an emotional level, fostering connection and leaving a lasting positive impact. These are the gifts that are treasured long after the initial excitement of receiving them has faded, regardless of their price tag.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Thoughtful /ˈθɔːtfʊl/ (adjective): Showing consideration for the needs of other people.
Example: “The thoughtful gift showed how well she understood my interests.” -
Unexpected /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/ (adjective): Not expected or regarded as likely to happen.
Example: “The unexpected nature of the gift made it even more special.” -
Sentimental value /ˌsentɪˈmentl ˈvæljuː/ (noun phrase): The value of an object deriving from personal or emotional associations rather than material worth.
Example: “The old watch had great sentimental value as it belonged to my grandfather.” -
To catch someone off guard (idiom): To surprise someone when they are not prepared.
Example: “The surprise party caught me completely off guard.” -
Heartfelt /ˈhɑːtfelt/ (adjective): Sincere, deeply felt.
Example: “I expressed my heartfelt gratitude for the unexpected gift.” -
To put thought into something (phrase): To consider something carefully.
Example: “It was clear she had put a lot of thought into choosing the perfect gift.” -
Personalized /ˈpɜːsənəlaɪzd/ (adjective): Designed or produced to meet someone’s individual requirements.
Example: “The personalized photo album was a touching gift that brought tears to my eyes.” -
To cherish /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ (verb): To protect and care for someone or something lovingly.
Example: “I will always cherish this gift and the memories associated with it.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an unexpected gift:
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Use a variety of descriptive language: Incorporate adjectives and adverbs to vividly describe the gift and your emotions.
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Employ idiomatic expressions: Naturally integrate phrases like “out of the blue” or “took me by surprise” to demonstrate language fluency.
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Showcase a range of tenses: Use past tenses to narrate the event, present tenses for current feelings, and future tenses for potential impacts.
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Provide detailed examples: Offer specific details about the gift, the giver, and the circumstances to make your account more engaging and authentic.
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Express emotions effectively: Use a variety of words and phrases to describe your feelings, going beyond basic terms like “happy” or “surprised”.
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Practice coherent storytelling: Ensure your description flows logically, with clear connections between ideas.
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Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze gift-giving trends and their implications on society to showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
Remember, consistent practice and expanding your vocabulary are key to improving your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking test: Candidate and examiner in conversation
For further practice, you might want to describe a film that surprised you or describe a time when you planned a surprise for someone. These topics can help you develop your ability to discuss unexpected events and emotions, which are crucial skills for describing unexpected gifts. Additionally, you could describe a time when someone gave you something you really wanted to practice expressing gratitude and describing positive experiences. Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is to describe a time when you were pleasantly surprised by various situations, enhancing your ability to articulate emotions and experiences fluently. Lastly, as you prepare for your IELTS Speaking test, consider how you can describe a skill you have mastered, as this can demonstrate your ability to discuss personal achievements and learning experiences.
