Describing a time when you felt very grateful is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate emotions, recount personal experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Topic
Gratitude is a universal emotion that everyone experiences. In the context of IELTS Speaking, you’ll need to recall a specific instance when you felt particularly thankful and explain why. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its broad applicability.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about gratitude. Here are some possible questions with sample answers:
Do you often feel grateful?
Sample Answer: “Absolutely. I make a conscious effort to practice gratitude daily. I believe it’s crucial to acknowledge the positive aspects of life, no matter how small. Whether it’s a kind gesture from a stranger or support from my family, I always try to appreciate these moments.”
How do you express gratitude in your culture?
Sample Answer: “In my culture, expressing gratitude is highly valued. We often show appreciation through both verbal and non-verbal means. Verbally, we use phrases like ‘thank you very much’ or ‘I’m truly grateful.’ Non-verbally, we might bow slightly or place a hand over our heart. For more significant acts of kindness, it’s common to give a small gift or treat the person to a meal as a token of our gratitude.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you felt very grateful.
You should say:
- What the situation was
- Who you were grateful to
- Why you felt so grateful
- And explain how you expressed your gratitude
Sample Answer:
“I’d like to share an experience that filled me with immense gratitude. It was during my final year of university when I was struggling to complete my thesis. The situation was quite stressful as I was facing a tight deadline and had hit a roadblock in my research.
The person I was incredibly grateful to was my professor, Dr. Johnson. She went above and beyond her role as a supervisor to help me through this challenging period. What made me feel so grateful was her unwavering support and guidance. Dr. Johnson not only provided valuable insights into my research topic but also spent extra hours reviewing my work and offering constructive feedback.
Her dedication was truly remarkable. She even arranged additional consultations outside of her office hours to accommodate my schedule. This level of commitment was far beyond my expectations and made a significant impact on the quality of my thesis.
The reason I felt so grateful was that I realized how instrumental her support was in helping me overcome my challenges and ultimately succeed in completing my thesis on time. Her guidance not only improved my academic work but also boosted my confidence and reignited my passion for the subject.
To express my gratitude, I wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter detailing how her support had made a difference in my academic journey. I also gave her a small gift – a book related to her research interests that I thought she might enjoy. After graduation, I made sure to keep in touch and update her on my career progress, always acknowledging the role she played in my success.
This experience taught me the profound impact that expressing genuine gratitude can have, both for the giver and the receiver. It’s a memory that continues to inspire me to pay it forward and support others in their endeavors.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your perspective on gratitude?
- Do you think people express gratitude enough in today’s society?
Sample Answers:
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“This experience profoundly shifted my perspective on gratitude. It made me realize that gratitude isn’t just about saying ‘thank you’ for immediate favors, but about recognizing and appreciating the long-term impact people can have on our lives. I became more conscious of the support I receive from others and more proactive in expressing my appreciation. It also motivated me to be more helpful to others, knowing how impactful support can be.”
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“In my opinion, there’s certainly room for improvement in how we express gratitude in today’s society. While social media has made it easier to send quick ‘thanks’ messages, I believe we often lack depth in our expressions of gratitude. Many people tend to take things for granted or are too caught up in their busy lives to pause and appreciate others. However, I’ve noticed a growing awareness of the importance of gratitude, with more people practicing gratitude journaling or participating in gratitude challenges. I think we’re moving in the right direction, but we could certainly benefit from making gratitude a more intentional and regular practice in our daily lives.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think gratitude is important in maintaining relationships? Why or why not?
Sample Answer: “Absolutely, I believe gratitude plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy relationships. When we express appreciation, it fosters positive emotions and strengthens the bond between individuals. Gratitude acknowledges the value that someone brings to our lives, which can significantly boost their self-esteem and reinforce their positive behaviors.
Moreover, practicing gratitude in relationships cultivates a positive atmosphere where both parties feel valued and respected. This can lead to increased trust, better communication, and a greater willingness to support each other. In professional relationships, showing gratitude can enhance team morale and productivity.
However, it’s important to note that gratitude should be genuine and specific. Simply saying ‘thank you’ out of habit may not have the same impact as expressing heartfelt appreciation for particular actions or qualities. When we take the time to articulate why we’re grateful, it demonstrates thoughtfulness and sincerity, which can deepen the connection between individuals.
In essence, gratitude acts as a relationship lubricant, reducing friction and fostering a cycle of positive interactions. It’s a powerful tool for nurturing long-lasting, fulfilling relationships in both personal and professional spheres.”
Examiner: How has the expression of gratitude changed with the advent of technology?
Sample Answer: “Technology has undoubtedly transformed the landscape of gratitude expression in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, digital platforms have made it incredibly easy to express thanks instantly and across vast distances. Social media, messaging apps, and email allow us to convey our appreciation in real-time, regardless of geographical barriers. This immediacy can be particularly valuable in maintaining long-distance relationships or in professional settings where prompt acknowledgment is crucial.
Moreover, technology has introduced new forms of expressing gratitude, such as digital thank-you cards, video messages, or even public acknowledgments on social platforms. These methods can add a personal touch and reach a wider audience, potentially amplifying the impact of the gratitude expressed.
However, this ease of expression comes with potential drawbacks. The convenience of digital communication might lead to less thoughtful or personalized expressions of gratitude. A quick ‘thanks’ text or emoji might replace more meaningful gestures. There’s a risk of gratitude becoming superficial or performative, especially when expressed publicly on social media.
Additionally, the constant connectivity enabled by technology can create an expectation of immediate gratitude, which might diminish its sincerity or make it feel obligatory rather than heartfelt.
In my view, while technology has certainly made expressing gratitude more accessible, it’s crucial to strike a balance. We should leverage technology to express gratitude more frequently and widely, but also ensure that our expressions remain genuine, thoughtful, and personalized. Perhaps the ideal approach is to use technology as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional forms of gratitude expression.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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To practice gratitude [verb phrase] /ˈpræktɪs ˈgrætɪtjuːd/: To actively acknowledge and appreciate good things in one’s life.
Example: “I try to practice gratitude every day by writing down three things I’m thankful for.” -
To go above and beyond [idiom] /gəʊ əˈbʌv ænd bɪˈjɒnd/: To do more than is expected or required.
Example: “My colleague went above and beyond by staying late to help me finish the project.” -
Instrumental [adjective] /ˌɪnstrʊˈmentl/: Serving as a crucial means or agency.
Example: “Her support was instrumental in helping me achieve my goals.” -
To pay it forward [idiom] /peɪ ɪt ˈfɔːwəd/: To respond to kindness by being kind to someone else.
Example: “After receiving so much help, I decided to pay it forward by volunteering at a local charity.” -
To foster [verb] /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Expressing gratitude fosters positive relationships in the workplace.” -
To articulate [verb] /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/: To express thoughts or feelings clearly and effectively.
Example: “She eloquently articulated her gratitude in a heartfelt speech.” -
Profound impact [noun phrase] /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/: A deep or significant effect.
Example: “The teacher’s encouragement had a profound impact on the student’s confidence.” -
To acknowledge [verb] /əkˈnɒlɪdʒ/: To recognize the importance or quality of something.
Example: “It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of those who support us.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing gratitude:
- Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts by reflecting on the importance and impact of gratitude.
- Practice expressing emotions and describing situations vividly to engage the listener.
- Be prepared to discuss gratitude from different perspectives, including cultural and societal views.
Remember, authenticity is key. While using advanced vocabulary is important, ensure your responses remain natural and fluent. Regular practice with these techniques will help you improve your speaking skills and confidence for the IELTS test.
For more tips on handling different IELTS Speaking topics, you might find these resources helpful:
- How to Describe a Time You Learned Something New in IELTS Speaking
- Tips for Describing a Time You Had to Make a Tough Decision in IELTS Speaking
By applying these strategies and expanding your vocabulary on the topic of gratitude, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this theme in your IELTS Speaking test.