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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Time When You Received Money As A Gift

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:31

Overview

In the IELTS Speaking Test, cue cards prompt you to speak on a specific topic for up to two minutes. These cue cards are designed to assess your ability to express yourself clearly and coherently. 
 

The topic "Describe A Time When You Received Money As A Gift" invites you to reflect on a memorable occasion when you were given money as a present. Money gifts can have various impacts, from providing financial support to enabling opportunities for personal growth.
 

On this page, we will delve into sample answers for this topic, offering structured insights to help you effectively convey your experiences during the IELTS Speaking Test.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Time When You Received Money As A Gift

You should say

  • When did you receive it?
  • What did you do with it?
  • How did you feel about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

 

  • Allow me to recount a significant event when I was graciously gifted money, an occasion that remains vivid in my memory. It transpired during my graduation ceremony from university, where my aunt bestowed upon me a generous sum of money.
  • I was genuinely taken aback by her thoughtful gesture, appreciating the kindness and significance of the moment. Particularly amidst the celebratory atmosphere, her gift stood out as a symbol of support and encouragement.
  • The occasion was not just a milestone in my academic journey but also marked the beginning of a new phase in life, rendering the gift all the more meaningful and impactful.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • The receipt of the monetary gift instilled within me a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for my aunt's thoughtfulness. It symbolised not merely a financial offering but also a gesture of faith in my potential and aspirations.
  • The emotional resonance of the occasion was palpable, heightened by the significance of the graduation ceremony. It served as a poignant reminder of the love and support that permeated my familial bonds.
  • Contemplating the implications of the gift, I was struck by the possibilities it presented and the avenues it could unlock for my future endeavours. It ignited within me a sense of purpose and determination to make the most of the opportunities afforded to me.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Allocating a portion of the gifted sum towards prudent savings, I endeavoured to cultivate a sense of financial prudence and security as I embarked upon the journey of adulthood.
  • Utilising the remaining amount to partake in a celebratory dinner with loved ones, I relished the joyous occasion, cherishing the camaraderie that defined the moment.
  • Furthermore, the monetary gift facilitated my pursuit of professional development initiatives, allowing me to augment my skills and competencies in alignment with my career aspirations.
  • Reflecting upon the enduring impact of the gift, I am reminded not only of its material value but also of the invaluable sentiment and affection encapsulated therein.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In retrospect, the act of receiving money as a gift during my graduation ceremony emerges as a poignant testament to the enduring bonds of familial affection and support.
  • Its significance transcended mere monetary value, serving as a beacon of hope and encouragement as I embarked upon the journey of life beyond academia.
  • I remain profoundly grateful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of my aunt, whose gesture continues to inspire and resonate with me to this day.
  • Indeed, the memory of receiving money as a gift stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of love and support that enrich the fabric of our lives.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction:

 

  • Allow me to recount a significant event when I was graciously gifted money, an occasion that remains vivid in my memory. It transpired during my cousin's wedding ceremony, where my grandparents presented me with a generous sum of money as a token of their love and blessings.
  • The atmosphere was festive, and the air was filled with joy and celebration. Amidst the revelry, the heartfelt gesture of my grandparents stood out as a cherished moment, symbolizing their affection and goodwill.
  • The occasion not only marked a joyous milestone in my cousin's life but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the values they hold dear.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • The monetary gift was received with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for my grandparents' thoughtfulness. It represented a financial offering and a tangible manifestation of their love and support.
  • As I held the envelope containing the money, I was overcome with emotion, touched by the significance of the moment and the depth of my grandparents' affection. Their gesture spoke volumes, conveying their blessings and aspirations for my future.
  • The gift held special significance, not only because of its monetary value but also because it underscored the enduring bonds of family and the importance of love and support in our lives.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Allocating a portion of the gifted sum towards savings, I endeavoured to cultivate financial prudence and security, mindful of the responsibilities that lay ahead.
  • Utilising part of the money to purchase a meaningful gift for my cousin and his newlywed spouse, I sought to share the joy and blessings of the occasion with them.
  • Furthermore, the monetary gift provided me with the opportunity to pursue a personal passion project that I had long aspired to, fueling my creative pursuits and aspirations.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In retrospect, receiving money as a gift during my cousin's wedding ceremony is a poignant testament to the enduring bonds of family and the values they hold dear.
  • Its significance transcended mere monetary value, serving as a tangible expression of love, blessings, and goodwill.
  • I remain profoundly grateful for my grandparents' generosity and thoughtfulness, whose gestures continue to inspire and resonate with me to this day.
  • Indeed, the memory of receiving money as a gift serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of love and support that enrich the fabric of our lives.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:

 

  • Let me recount a memorable event when I was fortunate enough to receive money as a gift. It was during Diwali, the festival of lights, that my grandparents bestowed upon me a generous sum of money as part of the traditional festivities.
  • The atmosphere was vibrant with joy and excitement as we celebrated the auspicious occasion with our family and loved ones. Amidst the festive fervour, my grandparents' heartfelt gesture stood out as a symbol of their love and blessings.
  • The occasion not only marked a joyous celebration of Diwali but also served as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds of family and the values of generosity and goodwill.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • Receiving the money gift filled me with a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for my grandparents' thoughtfulness. It was more than just a financial offering; it was a tangible expression of their love and affection.
  • As I held the crisp banknotes in my hand, I felt a surge of warmth and emotion, knowing that the gift was given with heartfelt intentions and blessings for my well-being.
  • The significance of the gift extended beyond its monetary value; it represented a tradition of generosity and kindness that has been passed down through generations in my family.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Allocating a portion of the gifted sum towards savings, I saw it as an opportunity to cultivate financial prudence and security for the future.
  • Utilising part of the money to purchase gifts for my family members, I sought to share the joy and blessings of Diwali with them, spreading happiness and goodwill.
  • Furthermore, the monetary gift enabled me to pursue a personal interest that I had been passionate about for some time, providing the resources needed to invest in my hobby and enrich my life.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • In retrospect, the act of receiving money as a gift during Diwali emerges as a poignant reminder of the values of generosity, love, and familial bonds.
  • Its significance transcended mere monetary value, serving as a tangible expression of love, blessings, and goodwill.
  • I remain deeply grateful for my grandparents' generosity and thoughtfulness, whose gestures continue to inspire and resonate with me.
  • Indeed, the memory of receiving money as a gift during Diwali serves as a reminder of the enduring traditions and values that enrich the fabric of our lives.

When the cue card section of the IELTS Speaking Test starts, the examiner will give you a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to address. You will have one minute to prepare, and then you must speak on the topic for up to two minutes.
 

The best way to answer the cue card "Describe A Time When You Received Money As A Gift" is to break down your response into smaller, manageable sections. This ensures your answer is structured and easy to follow. Here’s how you can approach it:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the occasion when you received money as a gift. Provide context, such as the event or celebration where you received the gift.
  • Mention your initial reaction to receiving the money gift and why it was memorable or significant to you.
  • Keep the introduction concise and engaging to grab the examiner’s attention and set the stage for your story.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest:

 

  • Describe how you felt when you received the money gift. Were you surprised, grateful, or excited?
  • Explain the circumstances surrounding the gift. Was it for a special occasion like your birthday, graduation, or festival?
  • Share your thoughts on the significance of the gift. Did it come at a time of need, or did it enable you to fulfil a long-held desire?
  • Reflect on your feelings towards the person who gave you the money gift. Was it from a family member, friend, or someone else?

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight how you used the money gift. Did you spend it on something specific, save it for the future, or invest it in a meaningful way?
  • Discuss any positive outcomes or impacts of receiving the money gift. Did it alleviate financial stress, help you achieve a goal, or enable a memorable experience?
  • Share any memorable moments or experiences associated with the money gift. Did it lead to a special purchase, travel experience, or personal achievement?
  • Reflect on the lasting significance or impact of the money gift in your life.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise the key points of your experience with receiving the money gift.
  • Reflect on the significance of the gift and how it has influenced you or your circumstances.
  • End on a positive note, expressing gratitude for the gift and its impact on your life.

 

By structuring your answer in this way, you ensure that your response is clear, comprehensive, and engaging, fitting well within the two-minute time limit.

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, the follow-up questions aim to delve deeper into the topic you discussed on the cue card. They provide an opportunity for you to expand on your ideas, express your opinions, and engage in a more detailed conversation with the examiner.

 

Q1. How did receiving money as a gift make you feel?

Answer 1: Receiving money as a gift made me feel immensely grateful and appreciated. It was a heartwarming gesture that filled me with joy and touched me deeply. Knowing that someone cared enough to give me such a thoughtful gift was truly special.

 

Answer 2: Receiving money as a gift evoked a mix of emotions within me. I felt grateful for the gesture and appreciative of the sentiment behind it. At the same time, I also felt a sense of responsibility to use the money wisely and make the most of the gift.

Q2. How did you decide to use the money you received?

Answer 1: Upon receiving the money, I deliberated on how best to utilise it. Ultimately, I decided to save a portion for future expenses and invest another portion in something meaningful, such as further education or a hobby.

 

Answer 2: Deciding how to use the money was a thoughtful process for me. I considered my immediate needs as well as long-term goals. I chose to allocate some towards savings and used the remainder to treat myself to a memorable experience or to contribute to a meaningful cause.

Q3. Do you think receiving money as a gift is more meaningful than receiving other types of gifts?

Answer 1: While receiving money as a gift can be practical and versatile, I believe the thoughts and sentiments behind any gift are what truly matter. Whether it's a material item or a monetary contribution, the intention and thoughtfulness of the giver make the gift meaningful.

 

Answer 2: Personally, I think a gift's meaning lies in its sentiment rather than its form. Whether it's money, a tangible item, or an experience, the giver's thought and consideration make the gift special.

Q4. How do cultural or societal norms influence the giving and receiving of money as gifts in your community?

Answer 1: In my community, giving money as a gift is often seen as a gesture of generosity and blessings, especially during special occasions or festivals. It is a common practice, rooted in cultural traditions and societal norms, to express love and goodwill through monetary gifts.

 

Answer 2: Cultural and societal norms play a significant role in shaping the customs surrounding the giving and receiving of money as gifts in my community. For instance, it is customary to present money as a token of blessings and good wishes during weddings or festivals.

FAQs

Q. How important is pronunciation in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Pronunciation is one of the four scoring criteria. It's important to speak clearly and naturally. Focus on stress, intonation, and rhythm to make your speech easier to understand.

Q. Can I use any accent in the IELTS Speaking test?

Ans. Yes, any English accent is acceptable as long as your pronunciation is clear and understandable. Focus on consistency and clarity in your speech.

Q. What should I do if I don't understand a question?

Ans. Politely ask the examiner to repeat or clarify the question. It's better to ask than to answer incorrectly or struggle unnecessarily.

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