Describe an item of clothing that someone gave you.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was it?
Who gave it? When & why did this person give it?
How did you feel?

58 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you feel about receiving gifts from friends?

Receiving gifts from friends makes me feel cherished and valued. It strengthens our bond and shows how well they know me. Each gift carries a personal touch, reminding me of our shared memories and the thoughtfulness behind it.

What other gifts have you received that were meaningful to you?

I've received several meaningful gifts, like a handmade bracelet from my sister and a book from a close friend. Each gift holds a special memory and reflects the thoughtfulness of the giver, making them significant in my life.

Do you think it's important to give gifts on special occasions?

Yes, I believe giving gifts on special occasions is important as it expresses love and appreciation. It creates lasting memories and strengthens relationships, showing that we care about the people in our lives.

Band 7

00:00

The piece of clothing which is very special to me was this beautiful Anarkali suit which was gifted to me by my mother last year on my birthday. It is a very special Anarkali dress with a v-neck and half sleeves and a beautiful full flares around it. I was filled with joy as the surprise was very special to me. In addition to that I have used it in my Kathak classes and other programs as well. As it is in black color and I also love black color, it was very beautiful and it is one of the items which I will always cherish.

Follow up questions

What other clothing items do you cherish?

Apart from the Anarkali suit, I cherish a few other items like a traditional saree my grandmother gifted me and a denim jacket from my best friend. Each piece has a story and holds sentimental value, reminding me of special moments and the people I care about.

How do you feel when wearing this Anarkali suit?

Wearing the Anarkali suit makes me feel elegant and confident. It reminds me of my mother's love and the special occasion of my birthday. I feel a sense of pride and joy, especially when I perform in it during my Kathak classes, as it enhances my grace and poise.

Do you think clothing can hold sentimental value?

Absolutely! Clothing can carry memories and emotions, making them special. Items like the Anarkali suit can remind us of loved ones, significant events, or milestones in our lives. They often become a part of our identity and personal history.

Band 7

00:00

An item of clothing that I received from my elder brother is a hoodie. I love hoodies. I got this hoodie in 2023, which was last year. During my birthday, my brother brought it to me and surprised me because it was of my favorite brand called Saints. This particular brand has these unique patterns and designs and is quite costly. So, I wore this Saints hoodie and I loved it. It's quite unique because nobody has it but only celebrities.

Follow up questions

What do you like most about hoodies?

I love the comfort and versatility of hoodies. They can be worn in various settings, whether casual or semi-formal. Plus, they keep me warm during colder months, and I appreciate how they can be styled in different ways.

How do you feel about receiving gifts from family?

Receiving gifts from family members is always special to me. It shows that they care and think about my preferences. It strengthens our bond and creates lasting memories, especially when the gift is something I truly love, like my hoodie.

Do you think clothing can reflect a person's personality?

Absolutely! Clothing can say a lot about a person's style, interests, and even mood. For instance, my choice of wearing hoodies reflects my laid-back and casual personality. It also shows my love for comfort and unique fashion.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

You know, throughout my life many people have gifted me clothing as a gesture of caring or of goodwill, especially on my birthdays and such, though there is perhaps only one piece that stands out to me in the whole lot, and that would be the piece of clothing gifted to me by my good friend Aditya on my 18th birthday. I remember it being the April of 2019, and the Avengers Endgame movie had just come out. In that movie, they have these time travel suits in red, black, and white that I just thought looked absolutely brilliant. Now, my birthday was exactly one month after this, and the jacket had released precisely five days before my birthday, so I had no hope of getting this Avengers-themed jacket for my birthday as I thought it would be sold out. But somehow, in some way, through online marketplaces and third-party sources, my good friend Aditya was able to secure one and surprise me on my birthday. It is the one piece of clothing that I still tend to hold on to, even to this day, even though it is torn and tattered and probably should be discarded. But what it means to me is significantly more valuable than its actual purpose, and I'll always be grateful for having a friend who understands me the way he does and gives thought

Follow up questions

How do you feel about receiving gifts, especially clothing?

I feel that receiving gifts, particularly clothing, is a wonderful expression of thoughtfulness. It shows that the giver knows my tastes and preferences. However, I also believe that the sentiment behind the gift is what truly matters, rather than the item itself.

Do you think clothing can hold sentimental value?

Absolutely! Clothing can carry memories and emotions, making them much more than just fabric. For example, the jacket from Aditya reminds me of our friendship and the special occasion of my 18th birthday, which is why I cherish it despite its condition.

Have you ever given someone a piece of clothing as a gift?

Yes, I have given clothing as gifts on several occasions. I believe that a well-chosen piece of clothing can be a meaningful gift, especially if it reflects the recipient's style or needs. It's always rewarding to see someone appreciate and use the gift.

Band 7

00:00

It was on my 27th birthday that I received a beautiful evening gown as a gift from my husband. It was a silk gown that had a wonderful embroidery and the thing that I liked the most about the gown was not just its appearance but the feelings associated with it because it was gifted by my husband. So I couldn't wait to wear it. I wore it and I was shocked by how beautiful it looked. I looked gorgeous in that dress. I felt as if I was on cloud nine after wearing that dress. I felt deeply for my husband and I wanted to utter some words of gratitude to him. It was one of the best gifts that I had ever received.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about receiving gifts on special occasions?

Receiving gifts on special occasions makes me feel cherished and loved. It shows that the person cares enough to think about me and my preferences. Gifts like the gown from my husband create lasting memories and strengthen our bond.

What other gifts have you received that were meaningful to you?

I've received several meaningful gifts, but one that stands out is a handmade scrapbook from my best friend. It contained photos and memories from our friendship, which made me feel appreciated and nostalgic. Such gifts have a personal touch that makes them unforgettable.

Do you think clothing gifts are better than other types of gifts?

Clothing gifts can be very special, especially if they are thoughtfully chosen. They can be both practical and sentimental, like the gown I received. However, I believe that the best gifts are those that reflect the recipient's personality and interests, regardless of the category.

Show all 58 answers

Cue 1:What was it?

Begin by describing the item of clothing in detail, including its type, color, and any unique features.
Mention how you came to possess this item and its significance to you.

Example

The item of clothing I received was a beautiful blue kurta. It had intricate white embroidery on the sleeves and a comfortable fit, making it perfect for festive occasions.

Cue 2:Who gave it? When & why did this person give it?

Identify the person who gifted you the clothing and explain your relationship with them.
Provide context about when and why they decided to give you this item, such as a special occasion or a personal reason.

Example

My aunt gave me this kurta during Diwali last year. She wanted me to have something special to wear for the celebrations, as she knows how much I love traditional attire.

Cue 3:How did you feel?

Share your emotional response upon receiving the gift and how it made you feel about the giver.
Reflect on any memories or thoughts that the item evokes when you wear it.

Example

I felt incredibly touched and grateful when I received the kurta. It reminded me of the close bond I share with my aunt, and wearing it during Diwali made the celebrations even more special.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the gift and its importance in your life.
Mention how this item of clothing represents your relationship with the giver.

Example

In conclusion, this blue kurta is not just a piece of clothing for me; it represents love and tradition in my family. Every time I wear it, I feel a sense of connection to my roots and cherished memories with my aunt.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Avoid general terms that do not provide a clear picture of the clothing item.

Tip

Be specific about the item, including its color, style, and any unique features that make it special.

2: Neglecting Emotional Impact

Failing to express your feelings about receiving the item can make your response less personal and relatable. Emotions add depth to your story.

Tip

Share how the gift made you feel, whether it was happiness, nostalgia, or gratitude, to connect with the listener.

Ignoring Context and Story

Not providing context about the giver and the occasion can lead to a disjointed answer. Context helps the listener understand the significance of the item.

Tip

Include details about who gave the item, when it was given, and the reason behind the gift to create a complete narrative.

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